"ZMIROT SHABBAT:
SONGS OF THE SABBATH"

by Jeremiah Greenberg 
Reviewed by Michael Fink, Messianic Times, Spring 1995

We have heard other fine recordings of Shabbat songs- notably that by Jonathan Settel- but such recordings have usually occupied themselves with the very center of Jewish tradition. Now come Jeremiah Greenberg, keeping us authentically in that tradition by taking us a little further from the center. In his two-volume cassette release, Zmirot Shabbat (NOTE: Now available on CD's). Greenberg explores a broad group of ALL-Hebrew songs, presenting them simply with voice, guitar, and occasional synthesizer.

In the printed insert to each volume, Greenberg offers this introduction: "The songs in this recording, although usually associated simply with the joy of Shabbat, contain lyrics that in many cases have Messianic themes that lift up our L-rd Yeshua. Some of the songs are Shabbat or praise-oriented. I trust that these Zmirot (Sabbath tunes), and the format in which they are presented, will edify and encourage you spiritually."

Indeed, there is Messianic content in many of the lyrics, and Greenberg is careful to include the Hebrew (in transliteration) along with the English texts to all the songs. Hebrew enunciation on the recordings is excellent.

Although there is a sameness of sound in many of the songs, Greenberg adds variety with his inspiring verbal introductions. These establish the proper spiritual mood, conveying the message or general sense of each song. Such introductions would greatly enhance worship. Another plus is the guitar playing- Ramon Martinez on Vol. 1, Ralph Santolla on Vol.2- Which is professional and precise.

On the downside, the vocals have some pitch problems, including some unison pitch-matching between Greenberg and Martinez in Vol.1. this situation improves in Vol.2 where Greenberg apparently over-dubs his own voice. Some vocal harmonization would have been a welcome relief from the ubiquitous unison singing. On some songs, the guitar is not perfectly in tune. A synthesizer (besides the guitar) on a few of the tunes is a welcome addition for the variety of color it adds.

In all, Zmirot Shabbat is a good introduction to lesser known Shabbat music. These songs make a fine quasi-liturgical enhancement to Messianic worship services.