https://youtu.be/IzULFAMPzSs# Vehu Rachum - Barekhu | New YorkThe Vehu Rachum formula, comprises two verses from the book of Psalms (78:38 and 20:9). Liturgically, it serves as a prelude to the formal opening of Arbit; and from a musical standpoint in the Spanish and Portuguese tradition, it establishes the mode - unique to weekday evening services - for the chanting of the Berakhot before and after Keriyat Shema. According to rabbinic sources, the formula was introduced in order that 'Kapara' should be understood as being a foundational aspect of the evening service. This was felt to be necessary because, unlike Shachrit and Mincha, Arbit does not correspond to one of the Korbanot Tamid, among whose principal purposes was the conferment of atonement.The present recording, which includes the 'Barekhu' which follows, is a "concert version" based on the style of Congregation Shearith Israel, the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in the City of New York. The image in the video is the Small Synagogue at Shearith Israel in its original pre-1954 colour scheme. Please like and share, and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my YouTube channel. For an mp3 of this recording please visit my website, where there are over 170 selections available for free downloading.H/T Zachary Edinger