Aharon Razel has released a new single, “Otiyot Melamedot Emunah” (“Letters Teach Faith”), featuring Ariel Zilber. The song is based on words by Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburg and aims to present messages of faith and Hasidic teaching to children through the Hebrew alphabet and a catchy melody.
The concept draws on the Zohar’s idea of the letters of Lashon HaKodesh as “the letters of the Torah,” and on the opening of the midrash “Otiyot deRabbi Akiva,” where the letter Aleph tells a child, “Emet lamed picha” (“Truth, teach your mouth”). Ginsburg expanded that idea into a series of guidance lines for the rest of the alphabet, such as Bet saying, “Bakesh Hashem tamid” (“Seek God always”), and Gimel advising, “Gomel Yehudi metov libkha” (“Do good to a Jew with your kind heart”).
Razel said that when he saw Ginsburg’s words, “I immediately felt there was a melody trying to emerge.” He described the letters as more than a technical writing tool, saying they contain “supreme holiness and real life force.” He added that the tune was meant to capture both a child’s innocence when first seeing the alphabet and the Hasidic depth hidden in each letter.
Razel said Zilber’s “unique and warm voice” was the right match for the song, adding that Zilber brings “simplicity and inner depth.” He hopes the duet will reach homes and schools and become part of children’s early soundtrack. The song is also intended for parents and teachers who want to use it to teach these lessons at home or in class.
