Yosef Daniel, a Jewish artist born in Mexico, raised in Texas and now living in Israel, is taking an innovative approach to Jewish music.
Daniel’s newest song, “13”, is a Spanish-Hebrew anthem which contains a prayer of gratitude for meriting the mercy of the G-d of Israel.
The song’s chorus is the opening verse of the 107th Psalm written by King David, "Praise the Lord for he is merciful forever", a song of thanksgiving to G-d for being merciful to His people, having rescued them from danger and gathering in those who were exiled.
The bridge is a powerful prayer said by Moses, which appears in the book of Exodus 34:6-7. The prayer lists the 13 attributes with which G-d governs the world and which, according to Maimonides, man is supposed to emulate. "G-d is merciful and forgiving, patient and filled with lovingkindness and truth, reserves kindness for thousands, forgives sins and crimes and evil deeds and visits other sins of fathers on their sons, grandsons, and great grandsons...."
The song is named for this prayer, which is an integral part of the Selichot prayers said during the High Holyday period.
The Latin based progressive sections, classical guitar and samba beat give a colorful textured base to the heartfelt Spanish lyric and a unique delivery of the Hebrew scriptures.
Yosef Daniel’s eagerly awaited full debut album will soon be available to the public.