The beauty of music has always enriched Jewish holidays and simcha's. Each event has its own melody or "nusach", from the mournful cries of Yom Kippur, which move us to atone for our sins, to the joyful melodies of L'Cha Dodi and the Kabbalos Shabbos service, which prepare us for the weekly day of rest.

A bris is a great simcha (happy occasion). We welcome a new Jewish life, and we are happy to see him fulfill his first mitzvah (commandment).

We traditionally sing "Simen Tov u Mazel Tov" at the bris to express our joy. Cantor Martin Goldstein has graciously provided his musical expertise in performing "Simen Tov u Mazel Tov", and "Y'did Nefesh". While "Simen Tov" expresses our joy and good wishes to the baby and his family, "Y'did Nefesh", written by the sixteenth century Kabbalist, Rabbi Eliezer Azikri, is about our love and appreciation of G-d and everything He provides us.

These are the words to "Simen Tov u Mazel Tov". If you are not familiar with the melody, please practice it before the bris, so you'll be able to sing along!