El Echad from Hashem by Natalie Kendel

El Echad is a meditational piece on Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - a text otherwise known as The Shema.

"Shema" means "hear". However, it signifies a deeper charge then merely letting sound waves enter your ear. It denotes active listening, careful attention, and then responding.

In Hebrew thinking, listening and obeying are part of the same action; if you truly listen, you will also obey. In ancient Hebrew, there is not separate word for "obey". Instead, to hear is to obey.

In Deuteronomy 6:4-5, God is being announced or introduced to a multitude of newly released slaves. "El" means "God", "Might", "Power" or "Strength" and was a generic term for "God" in Northwest Semitic languages like Hebrew and Ugaritic Echad.

Meanwhile, "Echad" literally means “unit”. A “one” made up of multiple parts. It gives the sense of a unit which is unified or singular despite being made up of more than one part.

Theologian, Natalie Kendel, is a singer-songwriter, author, pastor, and theological lecturer.

Using an imaginative, narrative approach, Kendel aims to musically communicate the biblical narrative.

Breaking from much mainstream religious music, Kendel weaves unique lyrics with exegetical depth. Her music invites the listener into a meaningful journey.

This artist supports Free Palestine.

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