Lyrics: The Ari Hakadosh
Music: Baal HaTanya
Artists of Tzama Sing – ‘Bnei Heichala’

Just before the start of the ‘Tzama’ events on the 19th of Kislev at Binyanei Ha’uma, the four artists of the show: Avraham Fried, Akiva, Moti Steinmetz and Benaya Bar Rabbi – for a thrilling performance of the sacred tune ‘Bnei Heichala’ written by the Ari Hakadosh and composed by Rabbi Shneur-Zalman of Liadi, Baal HaTanya – that will awaken us.

Shabbat Kodesh. The sun is about to set, a special magic in the air. This is the sanctity of the hour called in Aramaic in the Holy Zohar ‘Reva Daravin’ – ‘the desire for desires’. This is a special hour when we put aside all the material distractions of this world and focus on the innermost desire of our soul – to be attached to the Creator.

For this special and holy hour, the Holy Ari wrote The piyyut “Bnei Heichala.” His name, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, is indicated at the beginning of the paragraphs. This is one of three piyutim that the Ari wrote for the special times of the holy Sabbat; “Azamer Beshvachin” for the night of the Sabbat, “Asader Leseudata” for the day of the Sabbath, and “Bnei Heichala” for the time of the reva darevin. Many people sing them at the Shabbat meals at those times. The piyyut was composed by Rabbi Shneur-Zalman of Ladi, the Baal HaTanya, and it is one of the ten niggunim that he composed, known as “niggunim mechuvonim.”

In preparation for the Tzama performances, which will begin in about a week and a half at the Binyanei Ha’uma in Jerusalem, the four artists who appear in Tzama; Avraham Fried, Akiva, Moti Steinmetz and Benaya Bar Rabbi – from all walks of life in Israel, have joined together for a divine performance of this holy niggun. This masterpiece emphasizes the power of the soul and the ability to be united if we only focus on what we have in common – our spirit and soul. This is another element in the ‘Tzama‘ melody project, led by Rabbi Moshe Shilat and musically produced by Naor Carmi.

‘Tzama‘ events in honor of the 19th of Kislev – the holiday of redemption, will be held for eight days at the Binyanei Ha’uma in Jerusalem, starting on Tuesday, the 12th of Kislev, until Wednesday, the 20th of Kislev. Alongside the main performance, there will be a host of gatherings for men, gatherings for women, conferences, youth performances, a book fair, as well as a unique ‘Tefilive’ performance that will be performed on Sunday, the 17th of Kislev, and special events for English speakers.

Amazing listening