14-Year-Old Releases Song In Memory of Grandfather

Eli Rimler, 14, of Pomona, NY is releasing his first song, “Ushmarticha”. He composed this heartfelt melody on the piano in a raw outpouring of emotion upon hearing the devastating news of a beloved Maggid Shiur’s illness.

Recognizing that music can be a medium for inspiring others, Eli decided to present his piece for the first time at his Bar mitzvah, the week of Parshas Vayeitzei. His sister wrote lyrics to weave the joy of this important milestone together with the deeper symbolism of his song.

Eli’s grandfather, Dr. Zvi Shkedi OBM, was niftar this past Yom Kippur. Eli saw the meaning in releasing his song today, 5 Sivan, which is his grandfather’s birthday. Please do a Mitzvah L’Ilui Nishmas Zvi ben Shaul.

L’Refuah Sheleima Aharon Ben Chana

Credits:
Composition, Vocals, and Keyboard: Eli Rimler
Lyrics: Chaya Liba Rimler
Cover Portrait: Yitzy Zelenko · IG: @yitzyz_artist_ofgraphite
Production and Arrangement: Hillel Kapnick @ Uptop Studios www.hillelkaps.com

LYRICS:
As the sun’s rays
Faded away
There he quietly lay

Yaakov was sent
To Charan he went
His home he left

The darkness he braved
A land so depraved
When would he see
A guarantee

Vehinei Nitzav Alav
Hashem was there standing above

Yaakov, do you see me, here I stand
Though it seems we’re on our own
I know
That I’m not alone

CHORUS:
Here I take
For You, a leap of faith
I join those who commit
To follow in Your ways
For all of my days
As then You did say
“Ushmarticha”
Forever You’ll embrace

“Vahashivosicha
Ki Lo E’ezavcha
Lecha Etnena
Ulezaracha”

Though it sometimes feels
We’re stumbling through the night
From above, with love
You hold Your nation tight

Long ago a promise made
You reassured us on that day
That no matter where we stray
We have You

Way up high
Our Neshamos
Reside

There we rejoice
Until calls a voice
And although we have no choice

We descend
Mission in hand
Given the garden of Your world to attend

Blindly we go on Your journey we know
That through it all
You’ll keep us close

Oh, do You see us, Your children
Standing proud every day
With all our strength in our own ways,
We serve you

[REPEAT CHORUS]

Soon will come the day
When our fathers will proudly say
See the orchard
We have planted
For You

Al Taster es Panecha
It’s time to take the curtain down
We’re waiting for You now,
How much more can we stay strong
When Father’s hiding far too long
Mimeni, Al Ta’Azveini

[REPEAT CHORUS]