New Version of Shlomo Carlebach's 'Simcham Be'inyan Shalem' Released
The musical ensemble 'Nigun Lev Mi'dbar' has released a new rendition of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach's song 'Simcham Be'inyan Shalom' (Rejoice in a Complete Building). The recording was made in anticipation of the wedding of their friend Yeshurun and is offered as a prayer for the establishment of a faithful home in Israel.
The song's lyrics are derived from the piyyut (liturgical poem) 'Kol Mekadesh Shvii' (He Who Sanctifies the Seventh), whose author is unknown. The lyrics state: 'Rejoice them in a complete building, with the light of Your face illuminate them; let them drink from the abundance of Your house and water them with the stream of Your delights.'
The ensemble members highlighted the connection between the building of the Temple and the joy of marriage, referencing the verse 'And the joy of a groom over a bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.' They explained the tradition that each wedding in Israel adds a brick to the building of Jerusalem and strengthens the shared life of the people of Israel and God in the Temple.
According to an anecdote shared by Rabbi Shlomo Katz, the melody has roots in the period before Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). Carlebach reportedly heard the melody in a dream on the eve of Yom Kippur, quickly called his guitar teacher upon waking, hummed the tune, and asked her to transcribe the notes. Initially, the lyrics associated with the melody were from the Selichot (penitential prayers) for Rosh Hashanah, 'And save us from all evils this year.' Only later did Carlebach connect the familiar words, 'Simcham Be'inyan Shalom,' to the tune.
The new arrangement and production are credited to the members of 'Nigun Lev Mi'dbar': Yeshurun Peles, Itiel Rechnitz, and Yishai Haber. Haber also handled the mixing and mastering of the recording.
