Shalshelet (“chain”) is one of the rarest cantillation signs in the system of melodic motifs for chanting aloud the books of the Bible. Found only four times in the Five Books of Moses, it guides the singing of a verb at a critical moment in the narrative.

Shalshelet: The Foundation for New Jewish Liturgical Music seeks to foster the creation of original music for Jewish congregational use and expose wider audiences to innovations in Jewish religious music. In composing new music for the liturgy, we participate in the chain of tradition that honors the role of music in interpreting sacred text.

Music has always been a part of the Jewish experience, as both spiritual expression and sacred rite. Shalshelet promotes the creation and widespread sharing of original Jewish liturgical music set to traditional texts by asking:

• Who is writing new compositions?
• How can these melodies be found, gathered, and shared?
• How can we encourage the composition of more such music?

In seeking to answer these questions, Shalshelet aims to find and spread the best of new Jewish liturgical music, while continuing to encourage the writing of inspiring liturgical music. Whether congregants are joining together in congregational prayer or sitting quietly, enjoying beautiful choral settings, through its work, Shalshelet seeks to strengthen congregants’ connections to traditional texts.

Shalshelet’s annual Festival of New Jewish Liturgical Music and related educational workshops, songbooks, and CDs serve as the primary vehicles for sharing new musical compositions with individuals and congregations across the nation and around the world.