Ma Tovu

Ma Tovu was written in 1973 for the B’nai Emet synagogue choir, of which I was a member. We sang it quite often at the beginning of the Friday evening service.

How goodly are your dwellings, O Jacob,
Your sanctuaries, O Israel.
Thanks to Your abundant kindness, O Lord,
I am able to enter Your house,
To bow down before You in reverence
In this sacred place of worship.
Lord, I love to be in Your house,
The sanctuary dedicated to Your glory.
Here I worship in Your presence,
O Lord, my maker.
In kindness, Lord, answer my prayer;
Mercifully grant me Your abiding help.