Zochreinu

The hymn "Zochreinu" is sung, in some form or other, in every synagogue during the Days of Awe - the High Holy Days.

This fine and strong melody is certainly the most popular in in American synagogues.

It was composed by Samuel Eliezer Goldfarb (June 18, 1891 – October 22, 1978). He was an American composer, arranger, choir conductor, music director, cantor, piano accompanist, and educator, who began his career in New York City. He and his wife later moved to Los Angeles, where he served at Temple De Hirsch Sinai for many years.

An interesting piece of trivia - In honor of his 25th anniversary at the temple, the congregation sent him and his wife on a trip to Europe and Israel. On the return trip, there were passengers on the Europe and Israel. On their return trip, they were passengers on the SS Andrea Doria, the ocean liner collided with the MS Stockholm and sank off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, in one of the most famous and investigated of all shipwrecks. They were saved, by the way!

The melody of "Zochreinu" was arranged by Max Helfman ((1901 – 1963). He was born in Radzyn, Poland. After immigrating with his family to New York in 1909, he attended various music schools and ultimately received a three-year fellowship to the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia.

He also moved to Los Angeles, and was a major figure in the American synagogue music scene.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Goldfarb, Helfman, and the SS Andrea Doria as it was sinking.

The text of Zochreinu is:

Remember us for life, O King who delights in life
Inscribe us in the book of life for thy sake, O living God.

I'll upload one or two more items as we approach Yom Kippur, including one of Lewandowski's most famous and beloved works.

Shanah tovah!