Quite a few years ago, when I was cantor of Beth Emet Synagogue in Evanston, IL, Debbie Friedman came to sing at my shul one Friday night. It was Shabbat Shirah, January 29, 1988. Debbie had concerts in the area on Saturday and Sunday, and somehow I had learned that she was free on Friday.

ARE (Alternatives in Religious Education) commissioned Jeff to compose these songs to aquaint religious school students with some basic Jewish ritual objects and practices.