Jerusalem’s ancient alleyways were nearly empty and only a small group of tourists still walked the streets. Hearing an enchanting heart-piercing melody they stopped short. Only when they drew near could they see the gadol hador singing ancient words seeming like one of the Prophets of old.

As far as Rav Moshe Shmuel Shapiro was concerned neither the tourists who watched from a distance nor the residents of the Jewish Quarter nor his own family members existed. Rabbi Moshe Shmuel saw only the destroyed House of G-d. Ever since Shabbos had descended upon the Old City where Rav Moshe Shmuel Shapiro was staying that Shabbos he had felt like one dwelling in the shade of the Mikdash. And suddenly there burst forth from his mouth in a melody never before heard words that refreshed that entreated and that sang: “Yiru eineinu — Let our eyes behold and let our hearts rejoice. … ”

This wasn’t a mere tune but an expression of the soul that could set a person trembling with emotion — one of Rav Moshe Shmuel’s last compositions.

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