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The Bountiful Light Choir was created in 2001 to sing and disseminate new melodies for traditional Jewish liturgy. The choir takes its name from the translation of Hebrew text for which Norma Brooks composed her first Jewish liturgical melody: “And may You bestow on us of Your bountiful light and receive our prayer in compassion” (from the Zohar, the major work of Jewish mysticism). Characteristic of the melodies sung by the choir is that, though modern, they remain true to the text for which they are written and invite full participation in prayer by congregations. Dr. Brooks is principal composer for the choir, and Cantors Ramón Tasat and Natasha J. Hirschhorn serve as principal arrangers. Under the direction of Cantor Tasat, singers from a variety of backgrounds perform these compositions, and many choir members have introduced the melodies in their own spiritual communities. Choir members also assist Dr. Brooks and Cantors Tasat and Hirschhorn in workshops on liturgical music.

Since recording the CD Your Bountiful Light in 2001, the Bountiful Light Choir has performed Dr. Brooks’ music at a premiere concert at Tifereth Israel Congregation in Washington, DC; at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun and the Park Slope Jewish Center in New York City; and at the 2002 Washington Jewish Folk Arts Festival. Upcoming engagements include a premiere concert in May at the Summit, NJ, Jewish Community Center and premiere concerts in Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and New York.