This spring will feature the performance of two new pieces in a concert to honor the memory of Sarah Jane Boling at Temple Emanuel, in Newton, Mass. on Sunday, March 26. The first piece is “Min Hameitzar”, a musical rendering of a single verse from Psalm 118, one of the more well-known of the Psalms of Praise, sung during every Hallel service. The sentiment of the song is expressed in my (the composer’s) translation of the verse: “From out of the narrow places, I called to you. In my despair I cried out: “Yah!” While in the wide expanses, my answer grew; I turned to see what was there all along.”

Knowing that each of us has access to a vast network that connects all things, gives us the strength to overcome the restricted feeling that results from grief or any kind of loss.

Also in the concert will be the debut performance of my song “Sarai,” a middle-Eastern style recounting of Abraham’s wife transitioning in the desert from the nomadic and childless, Sarai, to Sarah, the mother of our people. The song, which can be found in my Anthology, was written for vocals, oud, oboe, violin, hand drums, and bass.

The concert will be performed by members of Zamir Chorale of Boston and Koleinu Community Chorus, along with other friends of Sarah’s.