DON'T BE SILENT
words and music by Neal Katz and Alan Cook
Hebrew text from Psalm 83:2
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Sometimes, it takes opportunity to be inspired. A year after September 11, 2001, I was asked to participate in an all-night program at the University of Cincinnati Hillel to commemorate the one year anniversary of the attacks. As I prepared music to play for that evening, I felt it was appropriate to write a new song that gave voice to the religious anguish felt by so many during those dark and scary days. This song was the meeting point between my own deep-seated emotions about the attacks, my need to clarify God’s role in times of tragedy, the beautiful text of psalm 83, and a 2am concert at UC Hillel.

In our lives, we're always searching
Wars rage on, fires are burning
Need to find some shelter from the storm

The world can be so cold and lonely
So I seek what's good and holy
I look to God to be kept safe and warm

Elohim, Elohim
Al Domi Lach
Al Techerash
V'Al Tishkot El

So much pressing down around me
Need to feel that I can be free
Need to make some sense when none applies

Used to be in times of trouble
When we'd err or when we'd stumble
God came to our aid and heard our cries
Elohim...

O God, don't be silent
Don't be deaf and don't be still,
O God, hear me calling
Heed my prayer and comfort me, O God

A sign from God is what I seek, but
I'm so unsure; my faith is weak, and then
I lift my eyes, and what is it I see?

Strangers reaching out their hands and
Helping those who cannot stand
And I feel somehow God has heard my plea
Elohim...

O God, don't be silent
Don't be deaf and don't be still,
O God, hear me calling
Heed my prayer and comfort me, O God