The Forward is running its second annual Soundtrack of Our Spirit competition. Among the dozen finalists chosen by celebrity judges Lipa Schmeltzer and Neshama Carlebach are ALEPH rabbinical student Shir Yaakov, and Hazzan Matthew Klein who has been a guest instructor in the ALEPH cantorial program.

Hazzan Matt’s submission is a setting for a translation of Elohai Neshama by Reb Zalman z”l (the setting is by Hazzan Joe Levine of nusach from Cantor Abba Weisgal z”l).  Shir Yaakov’s is his own setting for, and translation of, verses from psalm 147.

All are invited to listen to the twelve finalist tracks and then vote for your favorite at Soundtrack of Our Spirit 2016. Kol hakavod to Hazzan Matt and to Shir Yaakov!