Ja'ala Ensemble Releases New Rendition of Ancient Piyut 'Arali Ma'ala'

The Ja'ala ensemble has released a new musical rendition of 'Arali Ma'ala,' a piyut, or liturgical poem, traditionally recited during the Selichot penitential prayers, particularly among Sephardic Jewish communities during the Ten Days of Repentance.

'Arali Ma'ala' is sung at the beginning of the confession section of the prayers and describes the heavenly angels praising God, joined by worshippers. The piyut follows the declaration 'The Lord is God, the Lord is God' and concludes with the congregation proclaiming 'The Lord reigns, the Lord reigns, the Lord will reign forever and ever.' The service then moves to the next piyut, 'Beterem Shachakim Ve'arakim Nimtachu.'

In Ja'ala's new version, Eliran Mazo performs as the lead vocalist and plays guitar, accompanied by Gal Hever on qanun and other instruments. Hever also provides backing vocals along with Hanani Zeit, who plays the ney flute. Amit Sharon plays percussion and bass, contributes to the backing vocals, and performs the 'The Lord reigns' section. The arrangement was created by the members of Ja'ala in collaboration with Guy Cohen, who also served as the musical producer.