Welcoming Shabbat with V'Shamru at Stephen Wise Temple in Los Angeles

V'shamru is a verse from the Torah that emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath. The text of the blessing is taken from the Book of Exodus (Exodus 31:16-17) and is recited as follows: “V’shamru v’nai Yisrael et haShabbat, la’asot et haShabbat l’dorotam brit olam."

In English, this translates to: “The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. Between Me and the children of Israel, it is a sign forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.”

Tonight we're welcoming Shabbat with a version of V'shamru sung by Danny Maseng, Cantor Emma Lutz, Dr. Tali Tadmor, the Stephen Wise Temple band, and vocal quartet. It was recorded at a Shabbat service in August 2023.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!