In this adapted version of the psalm, the name for God is the name given to God by Hagar, Abraham's second wife and the mother of Abraham's eldest son. When Hagar and her son are cast out by Sarah (Abraham's first wife), God opens Hagar's eyes and shows her a well, saving them from death by thirst. Hagar names God "El Ro'i," "The God Who Sees Me" (Genesis 16:13). Psalm 146 was written by Israelites in Babylonian exile; in this piece, it is re-imagined as being sung centuries earlier by Hagar as she wanders the desert, in exile from Abraham's house.
lyrics
HALLELI
Lyrics (Hebrew) Psalm 146. Music and lyric adaptation: Jessi Roemer.
Halleli nafshi et El Ro'i
Ahalelah Adoshem b'chayai
Azamerah l'Elokai b'odi
Translation:
My soul praises The God Who Sees Me
I will praise God with my life, all my life
I will sing to my God with all of my being,
as long as I exist
credits
from EZUZ,
released May 26, 2020
Music, Lyrics, Arrangement, Lead Vocals, Shruti Box: Jessi Roemer
Support Vocals: Meara Lebovitz, Naeemah Maddox, Karinne' Andonian
Flute: Eve Friedman
Percussion: Joseph Tayoun, Jim Hamilton
Drum Kit: Jonathan Singer
Bass & Keyboards: Loren Gildar
Oud: Billy Yalowitz
Recorded, Engineered, Mixed and Mastered at Rittenhouse Soundworks, PA by Jim Hamilton and Brian Boland
Originally sung by Holocaust survivors in Yiddish, Polish and French, this moving album is now available in a gorgeous LP package. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 11, 2022