In My Own Words
The day a song is born is, to me, like a Yom Tov. That is because I know that it is a moment of intense connection to Hashem Who time and time again, gains me privileged entry into the exalted gates of Sha’ar HaNeginah – the celestial chamber of song, allowing me to bring forth an emotion, a possuk in Tehilim, a message to others in melody, clothed in words, able to be sung, or dance, and hopefully, shared with others.
But composing is a great responsibility, because, to truly grasp the higher levels of Shira, one must prepare themselves, focus inward, and remove all traces of external, non-Jewish musical exposures that can sully and render the song impure. Baruch Hashem, I have been fortunate to learn from my esteemed mother, Mrs. Sarah Rothman, Tichye Emosh, renowned music and art teacher at Bais Yaakov of Boro Park whose yearly performances are researched and composed to uplift without resorting to the modern beats or goyish styles of recording. It is my hope that the Shiur VaShir’s be a song to Hashem, a means for you the listener, to connect inward and upward, and that they retain the true Jewish flavor to enjoy.