Symphony_Program

Edo de Waart Music Director



To Every Concert Attendee - G-d’s Blessings Upon You:

Welcome!

I am humbled and flattered that you have come to share in an evening
showcasing my musical compositions.

If you are a member of my Congregational community or a longtime
friend living afar, please know that I am heart warmed by your coming
tonight to savor with me the familiar melodies that we sing together
at many of our communal or religious gatherings, to experience them
anew as they are presented in the majestic format of classical orchestral
music.

If you are new to and unfamiliar with these songs, whether of the
Jewish faith or otherwise, please know that my compositions are a
product of the heart, crafted in the non-denominational language of
music, intended for any person of spirit to give expression to their soul’s
quest for connection with the Divine. The melodies come in all flavors,
reflective, devotional, joyful, light and serene, so that they are available
for every season of the heart.

Please relax and enjoy the evening’s offerings, and allow the melodies to
linger in your mind in much the same way as you might seek to remember
having experienced the aroma of a fragrant blossom.

I hope that your time spent here tonight will be rewarding and
memorable.

Rabbi Michel Twerski

Message from Gerardo Krisztal, president of the Board
of Trustees of Congregation Beth Jehudah

Many synagogues rightfully use the term “community” to describe the
relationship between the institution and the people connected to it.
At Congregation Beth Jehudah, that sense of community is remarkably
strong. Our synagogue is far more than just the place where we hold
religious services. It is the center of our lives, the first ingredient in the
glue that connects so many of us to our friends and neighbors. And
the Beth Jehudah community extends far beyond Milwaukee’s West
Side. People who live in other parts of North America and overseas still
consider themselves part of our shul.

The key to why that is so is the Twerski family. Tonight is more than just
a symphony concert, as special as that is. It is an opportunity for all of us
to celebrate that sense of community that connects us to the Twerskis
and to each other.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Congregation Beth Jehudah, I
welcome all of you to this concert. I hope it will provide a sweet and
lasting memory not only of the music of Rabbi Twerski but of the ties
that pull us together.

Leaders of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Pabst Theater
have gone to great lengths to make this event come to pass. We are
deeply grateful to everyone involved in each of those institutions. And
there are dozens of people from the Beth Jehudah community who have
put themselves behind this concert in generous and dedicated ways.
Our thanks to all who have been involved, including some who seek no
direct acknowledgement, knows almost no bounds.

The music of Rabbi Twerski is the score for the daily life of many of
us. Now we have a chance to listen to it as the score of a remarkable
symphony concert. We at Beth Jehudah hope it provides you a moment
to remember, music to keep on your lips, and a sense of light that will
help you along your path ahead.

Gerardo Krisztal

Rabbi Michel Twerski:
A Life Immersed in Jewish
Living, Leadership and Music

No one can point to where
inspiration comes from. But it’s
clear who inspiration comes to,
especially when it comes in rare
and sweet abundance.

Rabbi Michel Twerski is one of those
who has been blessed with a special
degree of musical inspiration. The
creative stream has flowed for more
than five decades. In musical terms, it has taken many forms – pieces
you could categorize as folk music, ethnic music, ballads, marches, even
country music or music that has Latin tinges to it.

Spiritually, it all focuses around one thing: Expressing the devotion,
yearning, warmth and commitment that emanates from a Jewish soul.

The Jewish identity in all of Rabbi Twerki’s music is no surprise to anyone
who knows his personal history or who knows the man.

The scion of a line of distinguished rabbinic families going back centuries,
Rabbi Twerski was born in Milwaukee and went into “the family
business.” In the early 1960’s, he became assistant rabbi of Congregation
Beth Jehudah under his beloved father, Rabbi Jacob Twerski, who moved
to Milwaukee from eastern Europe in the 1920’s. Rabbi Michel became
chief rabbi of the congregation upon the passing of his father in 1973.
Now, a son, Rabbi Benzion Twerski, and grandson, Rabbi Chaim Twerski,
have joined their father and grandfather in “the business.” It is a multi-
generational legacy rarely seen.

And then there is the person. Jewish practice, Jewish learning, Jewish
principles, Jewish commitments to doing what is good and right – these
are pillars on which Rabbi Twerski’s daily life is built. For decades, Rabbi
Twerski has led the Beth Jehudah community on Milwaukee’s west side,

and he was the key figure in the launch of a new era for that community
a quarter century ago when an elementary school and an adult
Talmudic learning center were opened. With the Rabbi’s leadership, the
community and its institutions have grown and richly serve hundreds of
people on a daily basis.

As devoted as Rabbi Twerski has been to Milwaukee, his reach has gone
far beyond the city. He and his wife, Rebbetzin Feige Twerski, were
leaders in the early stages of the Baal Teshuva movement that have
seen thousands of people become involved in traditional Jewish living.
The Rabbi and Rebbetzin also are internationally known as speakers,
counselors, advisers, and sometimes just extraordinary shoulders to cry
on. They have spoken at too many events in too many places to count.
Their advice is sought continually.

And then there is the music. Going back a half century, melodies created
by Rabbi Twerski have become part of Jewish life around the world. You
can hear them at Sabbath tables, weddings, concerts, and other events
in distant places. You can hear them on people’s lips as they make their
way through their days. These are melodies that, with or without words,
speak to people’s souls and become ingrained in their lives.

And tonight, for the second time in 20 years, we will hear some of Rabbi
Twerski’s music performed by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. As
you listen, immerse yourself in the music itself. But think also of the
melody of the life of the person who brought these expressions of the
soul to all of us.

Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski:
A Doctor and Composer for
the Soul

Renowned psychiatrist. Author of
more than 70 books. Lecturer in venues
around the world. Expert in treatment
of addictions and in self-esteem.

And musical composer?

While the other accomplishments of Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M. D.,
are widely recognized, the love of music has been an important part of
his life and he has written praiseworthy compositions.

While tonight’s concert by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra focuses
on the compositions of his brother, Rabbi Michel Twerski, the program
also includes a piece by Rabbi Abraham Twerski.

Rabbi Abraham Twerski grew up in Milwaukee and got his medical
training at Marquette University’s medical school, which became
the Medical College of Wisconsin. As a psychiatrist, Rabbi Twerski
became renowned for work he did in Pittsburgh, where he held several
professional positions. He was founder and medical director of Gateway
Rehabilitation Center.

His many books range from commentaries on the Bible and Jewish ethics
to books offering advice on coping with issues in life (including books
that combine advice with “Peanuts” cartoons) to books filled with warm
personal recollections, reflections, and stories.

Rabbi Abraham Twerski is retired from active medical practice and lives
in Israel.

Yisroel Lamm:
In praise of Jewish music,
symphonies, and Rabbi
Twerski

Yisroel Lamm was working on a
doctorate in engineering when
he decided his heart was in
music. Lamm, an ordained rabbi,
has arranged, conducted, and
recorded music for just about all
of major contemporary Jewish music performers. Lamm says his favorite
project is “The Philharmonic Experience,” offering popular Jewish music
in the style of a symphony orchestra. Working two decades ago with
Sheya Mendlowitz, one of the foremost producers of Jewish music,
Lamm arranged two albums. The second one offered Rabbi Twerski’s
compositions and was debuted in a concert at the Pabst Theater in 1997.
Lamm returned to the music of Rabbi Twerski in his arrangements for
tonight’s concert. Some of his thoughts on the music:

“Rabbi Twerski’s music, while being extremely popular in the Jewish
music genre, is also very suited for the symphonic orchestra. His songs
are very melodic, and can be arranged harmonically with a wide range of
complexity. This makes his songs so interesting to orchestrate.

“Many of his songs evoke feelings of some of the great masters. For
instance, ‘Mimkomchah’ recalls some of the great Viennese waltzes.
‘Sha-lom Aleichem’ harkens back to the works of Shastakovitch and
Tchaikovsky, and ‘Illu Finu’ to the melodies of Brahms.

“On the other hand, we have ‘The Purim Niggun,’ ‘Palm Desert Lively’
and ‘Zos Chanukah’ that, while being in the klezmer style, remind us of
some of the works of the great Romanian composers. We also have ‘The
New March’ that could have been played in the courts of many great
kings.

“But what makes Rabbi Twerski’s songs so unique is that, although they
contain elements of the great composers, they still have that unmistakable
character of authentic Jewish music, the kind that expresses the true
soul of the Jewish people.”

Congregation Beth Jehudah
presents

The Music of Rabbi Michel Twerski

featuring the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Edo De Waart Music Director
Conducted by Yaniv Dinur | Arranged by Yisroel Lamm

Program
Concert made possible by Herb Kohl Philanthropies

and Mr. & Mrs. Fred Berkowitz

New March/Kel Adon
Arrangement sponsored by Aaron Dov and Devorah Freidman (Los Angeles, CA)

Performance sponsored by Armin and Hollie Nankin

Sha-lom Aleichem
Arrangement sponsored by Milton and Bashie Goldman (New Brunswick, NJ)

Performance sponsored by Dov and Nancy Friedberg (Toronto, ON)

Niggun Zos Chanukah
Arrangement sponsored by Yehudah and Rivka Levine
Performance sponsored by Drs. Irma G. and Howard W. Fiedler

Ilu Finu
Arrangement sponsored by Alan and Robi Borsuk
Performance sponsored by Dr. Ari and Carrie Kaz

Wedding Medley
Performance sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Bane (Cedarhurst, NY)

Yosis Alayich Asher Barah

Arrangement sponsored by Arrangement sponsored by
Don and Barbara Grande Mrs. Leah Smolyansky

Kol Rina V’yeshua Od Yishoma

Arrangement sponsored by Bob and Arrangement sponsored by
Judy Millman (Los Angeles, CA) Marshal and Mona Benner

Grammen Niggun Rikkud Niggun

Arrangement sponsored by Dr. Richard Arrangement sponsored by
Lopchinsky (Haifa, Eretz Yisroel) Dr. Charles and Lynn Bomzer

Same’ach Tisamach Yosis Alayich

Arrangement sponsored by Nachman Arrangement sponsored by
and Judy Auerbach (Monsey, NY) Hannah Rosenthal

INTERMISSION

Mimkomchah
Arrangement sponsored by Marianne and Sheldon B. Lubar

Performance sponsored by Alan and Lisa Stern

Purim Niggun
Arrangement sponsored by Nathaniel and Sarah Hoffman
Performance sponsored by Michael and Ellen Schlossmann

Modeh Ani
Arrangement sponsored by Dr. Bernard and Robin Cohen

Performance sponsored by Bobbi and Elliott Katz

Waltz /Yedid Nefesh No. 1
Arrangement sponsored by Stan and Phyllis Jaspan

Performance sponsored by Rita T. McDonald

U’vou Ha’Ovidim
Arrangement sponsored by Jerry and Harriett Dorf
Performance sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Goykhman (Chicago, IL)

Yedid Nefesh No. 2
Arrangement sponsored by Nate and Kathy Weiss
Performance sponsored by Mr. Martin Wolkstein

Palm Desert Lively
Arrangement sponsored by Mrs. Karen Loeb
Performance sponsored by Ms. Michelle Blistein

Mimkomo - composed by Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski
Arrangement and performance sponsored by Bader Philanthropies

The USB, available for purchase tonight, with all the music of
Rabbi Michel Twerski is sponosred

IN LOVING MEMORY OF Reuben Kahn
Husband, Father, Zadie and Friend

The music of his life will live in our hearts forever

Introduction
One of Rabbi Twerski’s saintly ancestors, the Ba’al Ha’Tanya, commented
regarding the role of music in spiritual expression—
“Words are the pen of the heart, whereas music is the pen of the soul.”

In an age where science, technology, and the primacy of intellect dominate
human experience, the significance of music in religious expression has
become ever more indispensable and urgent. While music is commonly
used to excite romantic and sometimes earthy emotions in the popular
domain, for the faith-oriented person, music is used to evoke and carry
the innate yearning of man for the transcendent, and to create a pathway
for the heart to go where the mind cannot.

Rabbi Twerski has no formal training in music. He does not play an
instrument, and cannot read a musical score. His compositions are
the simple product of inspiration during prayer, Torah study, and his
feelings of yearning, exaltation, and devotion in times of meditation and
reflection.

The Rabbi’s music is intoned world-wide during prayer services to
enrich the liturgy, sung during Sabbath meals uniting voices of family
and friends in gratitude for the serenity of the Sabbath day, and played
at life-cycle celebrations, such as the births of children, Bar Mitzvahs,
weddings, and times of significant achievements in religious scholarship.
People sing, dance, laugh, yearn and cry with the Twerski melodies on
their lips, and for more than a half a century his music, has been recorded
and distributed by a host of Jewish artists and musicians, on numerous
records, tapes, and CD’s.

Tonight, we will have the distinct privilege of hearing many of these
melodies performed in a classical motif, arranged by a world-class
conductor and arranger, Yisroel Lamm of Brooklyn, New York. Some of
you will remember Yisroel Lamm from the 1997 symphonic performance
of the Rabbi’s music which Yisroel personally conducted right here at
the Pabst Theatre. Since then, Rabbi Twerski has gone on to compose
scores of new melodies, many of which will be performed here tonight
for the first time. Yisroel Lamm has once again applied his particular
genius to bring out the unique fervor and emotion of the Rabbi’s music.

Yisroel’s contributions to the world of Jewish music are acclaimed and
appreciated internationally, available today on virtually every vehicle
of digital entertainment. His arrangements are sensitive and masterful,
providing endless hours of pleasure when listened to over and over
again over many years. It should be noted that there are some, familiar
with the Rabbi’s compositions, who argue that something is lost in the
translation from voice and personal participation to orchestral sound.
In the balance, however, there is much to be said for the unmatched
grandeur and majesty that a symphony invests in the quality of music, a
truth which will be very evident here tonight.

We will provide a brief introduction to each of tonight’s segments of the
music, so that you may create a personal frame of reference for what
you are hearing.

To get the most of tonight’s presentation, we urge you to sit back and
listen, not with your brain or your ears, but with your heart. Rabbi
Twerski created this music from his heart, and our Sages teach that that
which comes from the heart enters the heart.

PLEASE NOTE:

We appreciate your consideration in turning off cellphones, during the performance. The use of
unauthorized cameras, any flash photography and recording devices at tonight’s performance is strictly
prohibited.

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra can be heard on Naxos, Telarc, Koss Classics, Pro Arte, AVIE and Vox/
Turnabout recordings. MSO Classics recordings (digital only) available on iTunes and at www.mso.org. MSO
Binaural recordings (digital only) available at www.mso.org.

Restrooms are located in the basement, main floor lobby and gallery of the Pabst Theater. Water fountains
are located on all levels of the Theater. A public telephone is located just inside the Milwaukee Center
entrance to the Pabst Theater. For emergencies, see the House Manager.

Tonight’s intermission will be approximately 15 minutes long. Please return to your seats when the house
lights flash. Latecomers will be seated at a suitable break in the performance.

program notes

New March/Kel Adon
This march is one of Rabbi Twerski’s most recent compositions,
introduced on the last day of Chanukah 5776/2015. Usually sung as a
wordless tune at Sabbath or Holiday meals, it has also been adapted to
the words of the Sabbath Morning Prayer, Kel Adon.

Sha-lom Aleichem
Upon returning home from the Friday evening services at the synagogue,
the family gathers to a festive Sabbath meal. As an introduction to this
repast, everyone joins in the singing of “Sha-lom Aleichem,” the text of
which acknowledges that G-d’s angels escort a person home from the
synagogue, and requests their blessings before they take leave.

Sha-lom aleichem malachei hashareis malachei elyon, mimelech malchei
ham’lochim hakadosh baruch hu.

“Welcome, ministering angels, messengers of the Most High, of the
supreme King of King, the Holy One, blessed is He.”

Nigun Zos Chanukah
The last day of Chanukah is often dubbed “Zos Chanukah,” as if to say
“This” is the focus and highlight of the holiday. Introduced to the public
on the last day of Chanukah 5776/2015, this lively and gripping melody
captures the feelings of past victories and the excitement for what the
future will bring.

Ilu Finu
The “Nishmas” prayer in the Saturday morning liturgy occupies a place
of special significance in the Shabbos service, with congregants often
investing far more time in its recitation than other comparable parts of
the service. It is typically recited with singular fervor and, in some circles,
with ardor bordering on ecstasy. A central paragraph in the “Nishmas” is
the text for the “Ilu Finu” melody. It reads:

Ilu finu malei shirah kayam, ul’shoneinu rinah kahamon galav, ilu
sifsoseinu shevach k’merchavei rakiah, v’eineinu m’eeros kashemesh
v’chayareiach, v’yadeinu f’rusos k’nshrei shomayim, v’ragleinu kalos
k’ayalos, ein anachnu maspikim l’hodos l’cha Hashem elokeinu… hatovos

nisim v’niflaos she’asisa im avoseinu v’imanu.

“Were our mouth as full of song as the waters of the sea, and our tongue
as full of joyous song as the multitude of its waves, and our lips as full of
praise as the breadth of the heavens, and our eyes as brilliant as the sun
and the moon, and our hands as outspread as the wings of eagles in the
sky, and our feet as swift as deer, we still could not thank you adequately
Lord, our G-d, … for the myriads of favors, miracles and wonders you
performed for our ancestors and for us.“

Wedding Medley
Jewish tradition attaches great importance to making a wedding a
jubilant affair. To bring joy to the bride and groom by dancing and singing
in their presence, showing thereby one’s happiness on their behalf, is
considered the fulfillment of a Mitzvah, a very good deed. There is no
social dancing at an Orthodox wedding. Rather the men dance with
and before the groom, while the women do the same for the bride.
The music is invariably very effervescent and spirited, evoking a glad-
hearted celebration of the advent of a new home in Israel. This medley
contains several of Rabbi Twerski’s contributions to this scene. The music
is usually sung to verses that are drawn from the Seven Benedictions
recited under the wedding canopy as part of the nuptial service.

1. Yosis Olayich
Over the last fifteen years, this song has become synonymous
with that unique joy that accompanies the good news of an
engagement. It is sung with great anticipation and excitement.
The words are borrowed from the Friday eve liturgy, where we
greet the Sabbath Queen as our bride.

Yosis olayich elokayich kimsos choson al kaloh.

“May your G-d rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over
the bride.”

2. Kol Rina V’yeshua
Composed around the same time as the previous song, these
words from Psalms (118: 16-17) are often sung at grand
weddings as the Rebbe of the community enters the wedding
hall.

Kol rinah v’yeshua b’oholei tzadikim, y’min Hashem oseh chayil.
Y’min Hahsem romeimah, y’min Hashem oseh chayil.

“The sound of joyous song and salvation in the tents of the
righteous. The right hand of Lord is exalted; the right hand of
the Lord deals valiantly.”

3. Grammen Nigun
Chassidic weddings begin and end in much the same way:
rhymes. Before the bride and groom are ushered to the wedding
canopy, one of the guests weaves lyrics together in song. The
same is done at the conclusion of the night as an introduction
to the Mitzva Dance. This is one of Rabbi Twerski’s many tunes
that have been written specifically for this purpose.

4.Same’ach Tisamach
Composed in the winter of 5768/2008, in honor of his grandson,
R’ Chaim’s wedding, these words are one of seven nuptial
blessings recited at every Jewish wedding under the canopy.

Same’ach tisamach rai’im hoahuvim k’sameichacho y’tzircho
b’gan eiden mikedem. Baruch atoh Hashem, m’samei’ach
choson v’kaloh.

“Let the loving couple be very happy, just as You made your
creation happy in the Garden of Eden, so long ago. Blessed are
You, G-d, who makes the bridegroom and bride happy.”

5. Asher Barah
This song is also from one of the Seven Blessings. It was
composed in the 1970’s.

Asher barah sasson v’simcha choson v’kaloh gilah, rinah, ditzah
v’chedva, ahava v’achva, v’shalom v’rei’us.

“[Blessed are You] who created joy and celebration, bridegroom
and bride, rejoicing, jubilation, pleasure and delight, love and
brotherhood, peace and friendship.”

6. Od Yishoma
Also from one of the Seven Blessings composed in the 1970’s.

The words are based on a passage in Jeremia (33:10-11)
describing the jubilance that will be apparent at the time of the
coming of the Messiah.

Od yishoma b’arei Yehuda uv’chutzos yerushalayim, kol sasson
v’kol simcha kol choson v’kol kallah, kol mitzalos chasanim
michuposom une’arim mimshteh niginosom.

“There will yet be heard in the cities of Judea and in the streets
of Jerusalem, the sound of joy, the sound of celebration, the
voice of a bridegroom and the voice of a bride, the happy
shouting of bridegrooms from their weddings and of young
men from their feasts of song.”

7. Rikkud Niggun
Not originally a wedding song, this tune was composed
spontaneously in middle of the winter 5776/2015. Some songs
require preparation and forethought to create, then being edited
and rewritten till the perfect blend of highs, lows, twists and
turns is created. Others arise from within on their own, inspired
by something the heart is aware of but the individual is not yet
privy to. These are the best glimpse into the raw emotion felt by the
composer as they are unscripted and were unanticipated.

Mimkomcha
From the Sabbath morning repetition of the Silent Devotion, the
“Shmoneh Esrei,” Mimkomcha is recited out loud by the entire
Congregation in unison. It is then repeated by the Cantor, the Shaliach
Tzibbur. At Beth Jehudah, it is typically repeated in song. Rabbi Twerski’s
Mimkomcha melody captures the yearning of the Jewish people for
G-d’s return to Zion, with the ingathering of the nation to its homeland.
The Hebrew phrase “Ki m’chakim anachnu loch,” meaning, “because we
are waiting anxiously for you,” is introduced between every sentence to
emphasize the intensity of that longing.

Mimkomcha malkeinu sofia v’simloch aleinu ki m’chakim anachnu loch.
Mosai timloch b’Tzion b’karov b’yameinu l’olam va’ed tishkon. Tisgadeil
v’siskadeish b’soch Yerushalayim irchah l’dor vador ul’netzach n’tzachim.
V’eineinu seer’enah malchusecha kadovor he’amur b’shirei u’zecha al
y’dei Dovid moshiach tzidkecha.

“From Your place, our King, may You appear, and rule over us for we are
waiting anxiously for You. When will you rule in Zion, speedily in our days,
forever You will dwell there. You will be exalted and sanctified within
Your city Jerusalem for generation after generation and for eternity. And
may our eyes see Your kingdom, as is expressed in the songs of Your
might by David Your anointed one.”

Purim Nigun
Who doesn’t love Purim? It is a time of great celebration and we are
reminded how fortunate we have always been to have a loving Father
in Heaven guiding us through all the trials and tribulations history has
brought our way. Introduced in 5762/2012.

Modeh Ani
The very first words on the lips of every man, woman and child upon
awakening in the morning are the words of the Modeh Ani prayer. This
succinct prayer expresses one’s gratitude for waking up to life, and offers
thanks to the Creator for being a trusted safe-keeper of man’s soul,
when it ascends heavenward during his hours of slumber. Modeh Ani
was one of the Rabbi’s earliest compositions and won popularity world
over, where it was enjoyed by the entire spectrum of Jewish affiliation. A
simple melody, it is often sung in rounds.

Modeh ani l’fanecha melech chai v’kayom she’hechezarta bi nishmasi
b’chemlah rabbah emunasecha.

“I give thanks before You, living and everlasting King, for you restored my
soul to me with mercy; Great is Your faithfulness.”

Waltz/Yedid Nefesh No. 1
The lyrics of this melody are attributed to one of the 16th century
Kabbalists of Safed, R’ Elazar ben Moshe Azikri. The text expresses
deep yearning for the soul to be reconnected with the Divine, a feature
which emerges in the texture of the various melodies composed for its
expression. “Yedid Nefesh” is commonly sung at the third and final meal
of the Sabbath, with a tinge of sadness at the imminent departure of this
day of rest. Rabbi Twerski composed two different melodies for these
lyrics, both of which appear in tonight’s program. The discerning listener
will detect in both of these melodies the wistful desire to reach beyond
the limitations of the physical, to connect with a higher spiritual place.

Yedid nefesh av harachaman, m’shoch avdecha el r’tzonecha, yarutz
avdecha k’mo ayal, yishtachaveh el mul hadarecha, ye’erav lo y’didosecha,
minofes tzuf v’chol ta’am.

“Beloved of the soul, Compassionate Father, draw Your servant to
Your will. Then Your servant will hurry like a hart to bow before Your
majesty. To him Your friendship will be sweeter than the dripping of the
honeycomb and all taste.”

Hodur na’eh ziv ha’olam, nafshi cholas ahavasecha, ana El na r’fa na lah,
b’haros lah noam zivecha, az tis’chazeik v’sisrapei, v’haysah lah simchas
olam.

“Majestic, beautiful, radiance of the universe my soul is sick for your
love. Please O G d, heal her now by showing her the pleasantness of
Your radiance. Then she will be strengthened and healed and eternal
gladness will be hers.”

Vasik yehemu na rachamecha, v’chusah na al bein ahuvecha, ki zeh
kamah nichsof nichsafti, lir-os bsif’eres uzechcha, eileh chamdah libi,
v’chusah na v’al tisalam.

“All worthy One -- may Your mercy be aroused and please take pity on
the son of Your beloved, because it is so very long that I have yearned
intensely to see the splendor of Your strength, only these my heart
desired, so please take pity and do not conceal Yourself.”

Higaleh na ufros chavivi olai, es sukas shlomecha, ta’ir eretz michvodecha,
nagilah v’nism’chah bach, maheir ehov ki va mo’eid, v’choneinu kimei
olam.

“Please be revealed and spread upon me, my Beloved, the shelter of
Your peace that we may rejoice and be glad with You. Hasten, be loved,
for the time has come, and show us grace as in days of old.”

U’vou Ha’Ovidim
The Prophet Isaiah foretells a time when the Diaspora will end and the
Children of Israel will be gathered in from the lands of their dispersion.
The verse, which is the subject of this melody, reads (Isaiah 27:13), “It
shall be on that day that a great Shofar will be blown, and those who are
lost in the land of Assyria and those cast away in the land of Egypt will
come and they will prostrate themselves to G-d on the holy mountain in
Jerusalem.” The tune is lively and buoyant, full of hopefulness and faith
for a better future.

V’haya bayom hahu yitoka b’shofar gadol U’vau ha’ovdim b’eretz Ashur
v’hanidachim b’eretz mitzrayim, v’hishtachavu Lashem b’har hakodesh,
birushalayim.

Yedid Nefesh No. 2
Composed in the desert in solitude, this melody expresses the soul’s
intense yearning and deep love for the Creator. Composed in 5770/2010.

Palm Desert Lively
Many musical compositions made for ritual events are deliberately
composed without direct reference to lyrics or textual citations. This
allows for people to use the melodies freely, for whatever text they want,
whether as part of their prayers or a text that appeals to them at their
festive Sabbath repasts. Many of the Rabbi’s melodies are structured
to offer this flexibility, and are frequently utilized in a wide variety of
situations. This particular Niggun, a lively one fit for joyous occasions,
was composed in the winter of 5774/2014.

Baruch K’vod Hashem Mimkomo
This Masterpeice was composed over 50 years ago by Rabbi Michel’s
older brother, Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski. It is a very complicated
“Niggun.” It contains within it the yearning to return to Jerusalem and
the rebuilding of the Temple. It also has parts illustrating the triumphant
sounds of the moments of victory and homecoming.

Mimkomcha malkeinu sofia v’simloch aleinu ki m’chakim anachnu loch.
Mosai timloch b’Tzion b’karov b’yameinu l’olam va’ed tishkon. Tisgadeil
v’siskadeish b’soch Yerushalayim irchah l’dor vador ul’netzach n’tzachim.
V’eineinu seer’enah malchusecha kadovor he’amur b’shirei u’zecha al
y’dei Dovid moshiach tzidkecha.

“From Your place, our King, may You appear, and rule over us for we are
waiting anxiously for You. When will you rule in Zion, speedily in our days,
forever You will dwell there. You will be exalted and sanctified within
Your city Jerusalem for generation after generation and for eternity. And
may our eyes see Your kingdom, as is expressed in the songs of Your
might by David Your anointed one.”

milwaukee symphony orchestra

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, under the dynamic leadership of Music
Director Edo de Waart, is among the finest orchestras in the nation. Since its
inception in 1959, the MSO has found innovative ways to give music a home in
the region, develop music appreciation and talent among area youth, and raise
the national reputation of Milwaukee.

Now in his eighth and final season as music director, Maestro de Waart’s tenure
has included sold-out concerts, critical acclaim, and a celebrated performance
at Carnegie Hall. Following the 2016.17 season, Maestro de Waart will become
the MSO’s conductor laureate.

The MSO’s full-time professional musicians perform more than 135 classics,
pops, family, education, and community concerts each season in venues
throughout the state. A pioneer among American orchestras, the MSO has
performed world and American premieres of works by John Adams, Roberto
Sierra, Phillip Glass, Geoffrey Gordon, Marc Neikrug, and Matthias Pintscher,
as well as garnered national recognition as the first American orchestra to offer
live recordings on iTunes. Now in its 45th season, the orchestra’s nationally
syndicated radio broadcast series, the longest consecutive-running series of
any U.S. orchestra, is heard annually by 3.8 million listeners on 183 subscriber
stations in 38 of the top 100 markets.

The MSO’s standard of excellence extends beyond the concert hall and into
the community, reaching more than 40,000 children and their families through
its Arts in Community Education (ACE) program, Youth and Teen concerts,
Meet the Music pre-concert talks, and Friday Evening Post-Concert Talkbacks.
Celebrating its 27th year, the nationally-recognized ACE program integrates
arts education across all subjects and disciplines, providing opportunities for
students when budget cuts may eliminate arts programming. The program
provides lesson plans and supporting materials, classroom visits from MSO
musician ensembles and artists from local organizations, and an MSO concert
tailored to each grade level. This season, more than 7,200 students and 500
teachers and faculty in 24 Southeastern Wisconsin schools will participate in
ACE.

Yaniv Dinur’s appearance is this year’s annual Milwaukee Symphony
Orchestra Jewish Community tribute in memory of Rubin Sharpe.

yaniv dinur,
Assistant Conductor

Conductor Yaniv Dinur, currently assistant
conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony
Orchestra, was born in Jerusalem in 1981.
He has performed with orchestras in Israel,
Europe, the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He is a winner of numerous
conducting awards, among them the 2nd Prize at the 2009 Mata International
Conducting Competition in Mexico, and the Yuri Ahronovitch 1st Prize in the
2005 Aviv Conducting Competitions in Israel. Mr. Dinur was chosen by the
League of American Orchestras to be a featured conductor in the 2011 Bruno
Walter Conducting Preview, and is a recipient of the America-Israel Cultural
Foundation and the Zubin Mehta Scholarship Endowment.

Dinur started his conducting career at the age of 19, performing with the Israel
Camerata, making him the youngest conductor ever to conduct an orchestra
in Israel. Since then, he also conducted the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra,
Jerusalem Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, New World Symphony, San
Antonio Symphony, Tallahassee Symphony, Orchestra Giovanile Italiana,
Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto, Orchestra Sinfonica Abruzzese, Pomeriggi
Musicali in Milan, Solisti di Perugia, Torino Philharmonic, Portugal Symphony
Orchestra, So a Festival Orchestra, State Orchestra of St. Petersburg, Orquesta
Filarmónica de la UNAM in Mexico, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in
Ottawa.

Dinur has worked closely with such world-class musicians as Lorin Maazel,
Michael Tilson Thomas, Pinchas Zukerman, and Kurt Masur. He holds a
Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Michigan School of
Music, Theatre and Dance, where he studied with Prof. Kenneth Kiesler. Yaniv
Dinur began studying the piano at the age of 6 with his aunt, Olga Shachar, and
later with Prof. Alexander Tamir, Tatiana Alexanderov, and Mark Dukelsky. At the
age of 16, he began to study conducting with Dr. Evgeny Zirlin. While still in high
school, Dinur began his formal studies with Dr. Zirlin at the Jerusalem Academy
of Music and Dance. After graduating from the Jerusalem Academy, he studied
privately with conductor Mendi Rodan. He served in the Israeli army’s Excellent
Musicians unit. During his service tenure, he conducted the Education Corps
Orchestra and wrote musical arrangements for the army’s various ensembles.

milwaukee symphony orchestra

EDO DE WAART, Music Director, Polly and Bill Van Dyke Music Director Chair
YANIV DINUR, Assistant Conductor

ROBERT HARRIS, Acting Chorus Director, Margaret Hawkins Chorus Director Chair
TIMOTHY BENSON, Assistant Chorus Director

FIRST VIOLIN Donald B. Abert Bass Chair HORN
Frank Almond, Concertmaster, Andrew Raciti Matthew Annin, Principal, Krause
Charles and Marie Caestecker Associate Principal Family French Horn Chair
Concertmaster Chair Rip Prétat Krystof Pipal, Associate Principal
Ilana Setapen, Laura Snyder Dietrich Hemann,
Associate Concertmaster Catherine McGinn Andy Nunemaker French Horn Chair
Jeanyi Kim, Associate Scott Kreger Darcy Hamlin
Concertmaster (Third Chair) Joshua Phillips
Karen Smith HARP
Anne de Vroom Kamerling, Associate Principal, Walter Schroeder Harp Chair TRUMPET
Concertmaster Emeritus Matthew Ernst, Principal, Walter L.
Michael Giacobassi FLUTE Robb Family Trumpet Chair
Peter Vickery* Sonora Slocum, Principal, David Cohen, Martin J. Krebs
Dylana Leung Margaret and Roy Butter Flute Chair Associate Principal Trumpet Chair
Yuka Kadota Jeani Foster, Assistant Principal* Alan Campbell, Fred Fuller
Lynn Horner Heather Zinninger Yarmel, Trumpet Chair
Andrea Wagoner Acting Assistant Principal**
Margot Schwartz Jennifer Bouton Schaub TROMBONE
Alexander Ayers Megumi Kanda, Principal,
PICCOLO Marjorie Tiefenthaler Trombone Chair
SECOND VIOLIN Jennifer Bouton Schaub Kirk Ferguson, Assistant Principal
Jennifer Startt, Principal,
Andrea & Woodrow Leung OBOE BASS TROMBONE
Second Violin Chair Katherine Young Steele, John Thevenet
Timothy Klabunde, Assistant Principal Principal, Milwaukee Symphony
Taik-ki Kim League Oboe Chair TUBA
Lisa Johnson Fuller Kevin Pearl, Assistant Principal Randall Montgomery, Principal
Paul Hauer Margaret Butler
Les Kalkhof TIMPANI
Hyewon Kim ENGLISH HORN Dean Borghesani, Principal
Mary Terranova Margaret Butler, Philip and Christopher Riggs, Assistant Principal
Laurie Shawger Beatrice Blank English Horn
Glenn Asch Chair in memoriam to John Martin PERCUSSION
Robert Klieger, Acting Principal,
VIOLA CLARINET Assistant Principal
Robert Levine, Principal, Todd Levy, Principal, Franklyn Christopher Riggs
Richard O. and Judith A. Wagner Esenberg Clarinet Chair
Family Principal Viola Chair Benjamin Adler, Assistant PIANO
Nicole Sutterfield, Assistant Principal, Donald and Ruth P. Taylor Wilanna Kalkhof, Melitta S. Pick
Principal, Friends of Janet F. Assistant Principal Clarinet Chair Endowed Piano Chair
Ruggeri Viola Chair William Helmers
Nathan Hackett PERSONNEL MANAGERS
Elizabeth Breslin E FLAT CLARINET Linda Unkefer
David Taggart Benjamin Adler Rip Prétat, Assistant
Helen Reich
Norma Zehner BASS CLARINET LIBRARIAN
Erin H. Pipal William Helmers Patrick McGinn, Principal
Librarian, Anonymous Donor, Principal
CELLO BASSOON Librarian Chair
Susan Babini, Principal, Catherine Chen, Principal, Muriel
Dorothea C. Mayer Cello Chair C. and John D. Silbar Family Bassoon PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
Scott Tisdel, Associate Principal Chair Amy Langenecker
Peter Szczepanek Rudi Heinrich, Acting Principal
Gregory Mathews Beth W. Giacobassi * Leave of Absence 2016.17 Season
Peter J. Thomas ** Acting member of the Milwaukee
Elizabeth Tuma CONTRABASSOON Symphony Orchestra 2016.17 Season
Margaret Wunsch Beth W. Giacobassi
Adrien Zitoun
Kathleen Collisson
BASS
Andrew Raciti, Principal,

history of rabbi twerski’s music

Rabbi Twerski began composing music in his teens. His first album, “Kol
B’rama,” was produced in 1967 in LP format. It was remastered on CD in 2003.
In 1997, “Nigunei Shabbos” was produced, featuring 23 original compositions.
In 1998, it was followed by “Karev Yom.”

Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, Rabbi Twerski composed a series of heart-
stirring English ballads that became well known throughout the Jewish world.

In July 1997, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performed an evening of
Rabbi Twerski’s music. The Pabst Theater was packed to capacity on that magical
night. The music was arranged by Rabbi Yisroel Lamm and by Roger Ruggeirri.
Vocalist Avrami Flamm sang several selections arranged by Roger. Later that
year, we took the music to Tel Aviv to record it with the Israel Philharmonic,
which resulted in the production of “The Philharmonic Experience” recording.

In the fall of 2002, the young musical genius Mordechai Leshnoff of Baltimore
was commissioned to orchestrate selections of Rabbi Twerski’s music for
chamber orchestra. Once again, a performance was held at the Pabst Theater.
Mordechai Leshnoff arranged for the evening’s music to be recorded in
Baltimore. The recording was mastered by our friend Hillary Griffin. This
recording was titled “L’Hodos.

All of the music is available tonight on a USB drive, which also includes
recordings of the English ballads.

the music of rabbi michel twerski order form

The USB contains all the previously published music of Rabbi Twerski -
all 5 CDs PLUS the English Ballads.

FIRST NAME: LAST NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP CODE:
CITY:
PHONE:
EMAIL:

quantity unit price Total price
$18
usb with tin $36
embossed leather usb with tin
TOTAL

 CASH  CHEck  VISA  MASTERCARD  AMEX

CARD NUMBER  •  •  • 
EXPIRES  •  CCV NUMBER 
SIGNATURE

contributors to this evening’s event

Symphonic Sponsor Concert Master

Bader Philanthropies Nachman & Judy Auerbach
Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Bane Marshal & Mona Benner
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Berkowitz Dr. Charles & Lynn Bomzer
Herb Kohl Philanthropies Don & Barbara Grande
Dr. Richard Lopchinsky
Maestro Bob & Judy Millman
Hannah Rosenthal
Anonymous Mrs. Leah Smolyansky
Mr. & Mrs. David Goykhman Rabbi & Mrs. Benzion Twerski
Marianne & Sheldon B. Lubar
Rita T. McDonald Principal

Soloist Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Chernin
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Israel
Anonymous Donor Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kane
Ms. Michele Blistein Debra & Moshe Katz
Robi & Alan Borsuk Mrs. Stepane Klurfeld
Dr. Bernard & Robin Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Harlan Loeb
CT Charitable Fund
Jerry & Harriet Dorf Section Leader
Drs. Irma G. & Howard W. Fiedler
Dov & Nancy Friedberg Anonymous Donor
Rabbi & Mrs. Aaron Dov Friedman Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. Nathaniel Hoffman Gene & Marilee Bass
Stanley & Phyllis Jaspan David & Dana Becker
Bobbi & Elliott Katz Dr. & Mrs. William & Farrel Braunstein
Dr. Ari & Mrs. Carrie Kaz Mr. & Mrs. Marty Bryskier
Dr. & Mrs. Noah Kromholz Mr. & Mrs. Phil Goldner
Mr. & Mrs. Yehuda Levine Dr. & Mrs. Barry Hellman
Mrs. Karen Loeb Lorraine Hoffmann
Armin & Hollie Nankin Bonnie & Jack Jacobson
Michael & Ellen Schlossmann Dr. & Mrs. Harry Kanin
Alan & Lisa Stern Martin & Gail Komisar
Nate & Kathy Weiss Elizabeth Konecky
Mr. Martin Wolkstein Mr. & Mrs. Gerardo Krisztal
Dr. Milton & Mrs. Bashie Goldman Adam & Dana Margolis
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Miller
Michael & Caron Rice

Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Barbara Schlussel Marlene Kagen
Marsha Sehler Marc Rasansky & Beth Kushner
Dr. James Winston & Julie Gorens - Lloyd & Sheri Levin
Jonathan & Belle Libber
Winston Michael & Evey Margolies
Mr. & Mrs. Zachary & Eva Zussman Stuart Meyer
Miller Builders, INC.
Performer Mr. Yale Miller
Partnership Bank
Rabbi Aryeh & Elisheva Borsuk Arleen Peltz
Jewish Home and Care Center Mr. & Mrs. Charles Rubovits
Foundation. Inc Patti Weigler
Mrs. Cara Lopchinsky Stanford & Penny Wynn
Shari Weingrod
Friend
Supporter
Rabbi & Mrs. David Abramchik
Dennis & Cheryl Armstrong Bill & Suzanne Berland
Rabbi & Mrs. Labish Becker Rabbi & Mrs. Aryeh Cohen
Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Steve Eigen
Sara Gimbel
Funeral Home Seymour & Betty Koren
James & Lisa Hiller Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Lakritz
Hiller Family Phyllis Lensky
Paul A. Jacobs, M.D. Rabbi Nachman & Leah Levine
John & Kathleen Jendusa Ken Luber
Bruce Katz Alan & Rita Marcuvitz
Rabbi Yosef & Mrs. Judith Perlman Adam & Simona Meister
Dr. & Stanley Biel & Leila Redlich Yaakov & Chaya Meyer
Jeff & Jodi Warren Mr. & Mrs. Mark Pass
Dr. Jack Nusan Porter
Benefactor Philip & Jacqueline Redlich
Rabbi Meir & Bella (Porter) Smith
‫לזכר נשמת מרדכי בן ר׳ יצחק הלוי ע״ה‬ Steinhart Family
David & Henchy Abraham Audrey J. Stranad
Larry & Sheila Appel Brenda Wagner
Rabbi Marc E. Berkson and Bobbie Wasserman
Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun Benzion & Esther Zachai
Mr. & Mrs. Marty Bryskier
Donald J. Cohen
Stanley & Sandra Cohen (Dallas,TX)
Steven Cohen & Debbie Mendeloff
Rabbi & Mrs. Zev Cohen
Yisroel & Miri Freilich
Julie & Rabbi David Fine

CBJ Legacy and Endowment Fund

H onoring Our Past
In 1927, Rabbi Yaakov Twerski came to Milwaukee, bringing a unique
blend of warmth and rabbinic leadership. Congregation Beth Jehudah
quickly became a landmark in the Jewish Community.

Celebrating Our Present
CBJ is the cornerstone of a vibrant Sherman Park Jewish Community.
Rabbi Michel, Rabbi Benzion and Rabbi Chaim continue the Legacy
of Rabbi Yaakov, providing inspired Torah leadership for the Jews of
Milwaukee.

Securing Our Future
As we look toward the future, we are excited to announce the upcoming
launch of the CBJ Legacy and Endowment Fund. We look forward to
working with the Jewish Community Foundation of the Milwaukee
Jewish Federation, securing our future for generations to come.

By securing the future of CBJ, we will ensure that the music of tomorrow
will reflect the beauty of our shared history.

To become part of this exciting future, contact Rabbi Chaim Twerski at
Congregation Beth Jehudah - 414.442.5730.

CONGREGATION BETH JEHUDAH 3100 N 52ND STREET MILWAUKEE, WI 53216
EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE:WWW.TWERSKIMUSIC.COM