What sanctuary are you planning to visit this Shabbat? Is it in person or virtual? I like to say this prayer every time I enter a synagogue. ‘Ma Tovu’ is born in this week’s parsha, and from an unusual source, the gentile prophet Balaam. Thinking about the tents of Jacob, we can recall that the verses of Ma tovu are emblazoned on walls all over the Park Avenue Synagogue campus, recognizing different periods of our history. This music from the rededication service of our new building in December 2019 also combines old and new settings of the prayer. It seems fitting as we open our building for worship again, as we rededicated ourselves at every stage of the synagogue’s journey. Shabbat Shalom and see you in shul!


Lyrics:
Ma tovu ohalekha Ya'akov, mishk'notekha Yisra'el.
Va'ani b'rov hasd'kha, avo veytekha, eshtahaveh el heikhal kodsh'kha b'yir'atekha.
Adonai, ahavti m'on beitekha um'kom mishkan k'vodekha.
Va'ani eshtakhaveh ve'ekhra'ah, avar'kha lifnei Adonai osi.
Va'ani t'filati l'kha Adonai et ratzon, Elohim b'rov hasdekha aneini be'emet yish'ekha.

English:
How lovely are your tents, O Jacob; your encampments, O Israel!
As for me, through Your abundant grace, I enter your house to worship with awe in Your sacred place.
O Lord, I love the House where you dwell, and the place where your glory tabernacles.
I shall prostrate myself and bow; I shall kneel before the Lord my Maker.
To You, Eternal One, goes my prayer: may this be a time of your favor. In Your abundant love, O God, answer me with the Truth of Your salvation.

свернуть