This live performance features Jewish singer-songwriter, Beth Hamon, performing “Lev Tahor (A Clean Heart),” a contemporary folk song in which she asks God for the courage, faith and strength she needs to return to God and her true self, relevant themes for the High Holiday season of repentance and renewal. Beth Hamon is a musician, artist, educator and music-leader at the Havurah Shalom Reconstructionist community in Portland, Oregon.
Lev Tahor (A Clean Heart)
The shed behind my house is filled
With junk that I trip over
I know I need to clean it out
It’s hard to find the time
The back room of my heart is filled
With anger and frustration
Doesn’t do me any good
I wish it wasn’t mine
Chorus
Lev Ta – hor b’ra li Elohim – Oh God help me clean my heart
v’ruach chadesh b’kirbi – and bring new strength to my spirit
Whenever happiness happens
I can’t seem to trust it
Like a rug that’s waiting to be pulled
Right out from under me
I want so badly to believe
That all the world’s made for me
Can’t get past the dust and ash
To trust in what I see
Lev Tahor b’ra li Elohim – Oh God help me clean my heart
v’ruach chadesh b’kirbi – and bring new strength to my spirit
I’m weary from this heavy load
Like a backpack filled with bricks
And things I cannot fix
All by myself
I need to put this burden down
And walk away from my old pain
Wash me clean like rain
And return to You
And return to me
Put the broom into my hands
To sweep out all the trash
And the paintbrush and the can
To make my heart shine clean again
Dear God, the Great Whatever
Who brought me to this place
Give me courage to forgive
Trade my anguish for Your grace
Lev Tahor b’ra li Elohim – Oh God help me clean my heart
v’ruach chadesh b’kirbi – and bring new strength to my spirit