This song was written at a time when Jews all over the world came together in prayer and support for their brothers and sisters in Israel. As the IDF’s Operation "Pillar of Defense" began, the somberness and shared feeling of emotional unity was tangible in the sweet Israeli air. From within the walls of a Hesder Yeshiva, it was impossible not to feel the atmosphere of concern for our soldiers and for the residents of Israel, as well as the responsibility to take action and fight the war from the Beit Midrash. Tefilot were greatly intensified, chapters of Tehillim were said, and a non-stop flow of Torah learning was organized. Encompassed in this prayer are the deep emotions felt particularly by those who were in Israel at the time, as well as the knowledge that some of my friends were on the border of Gaza waiting for the green light to enter dangerous territories and protect our homeland. ____________ Composed by Yaakov Feldstein Arranged by Yaakov Feldstein and Aryeh Dworkin Executive Advisor: Rav Ari Waxman Guitars, Piano, and Lead Vocals: Yaakov Feldstein Background Vocals: Menachem Seleski Flute: Aryeh Dworkin Violin: Shlomo Wiznitzer Percussion: Rabbi David Friedman Additional Vocals: David Freilich, Elisha Hagler, Ezra Miller, and Tzvi Richter Recorded and Mixed by Amit Golan at Super Sonic Studio, Jerusalem, Israel Percussion Recorded by Bobby Shubowitz at Shuby’s Place, Woodmere, NY Presented by Aviator Studios, Flushing, NY Distributed by CD Baby Cover Photo by Aviel Ben Yair Cover Design by Carrol Rosenbush, Very Graphic Ink Special Thanks to Ari Yablok, Tal Avrahami, Josh Goldstein, and Yaakov Gakner. yfeldsteinmusic@gmail.com __________ The lyrics to many of my English originals remain "open to the interpretation of the listener". I often refrain from telling the listener exactly what the song is about - that takes away half the fun of listening! My Hebrew works are often taken from verses in Prayer or the Torah. My songs can come to fruition for specific occasions or when they randomly pop into my head as inspiration strikes. The most important thing is to realize how tremendous of a gift music really is. To some extent my life revolves around music and without it, I would be nowhere. Whether it's performing, composing, arranging, recording, or even just listening, music presents endless activities to express yourself and your emotions, putting common conversing to shame. Music can do what verbalization can't. That is what my music is all about. I try to instill as much feeling and passion into my melodies as possible and all I can do is hope the transmission is successful and the listener feels it on the other end. Enjoy!