"I want to thank you for the terrific Shabbat Unplugged service you led for our annual Shabbat-at-the-Beach. I've already had phone calls and e-mails telling me how much people loved the music, the silences, and your amazing energy. Thank you for helping us to experience Shabbat in such an inspiring and joyful way. Yishar Koach!" (Cantor Marcia Lane, Temple Beth El of the Shore Area, NJ)

Shabbat Unplugged is the creation of celebrated musician and award-winning educator, Rabbi David Paskin. As a Spiritual Leader, David has come to deeply appreciate, not only the traditional text of the siddur, but also the format, structure and composition of the liturgy.

David has also found music to be a key component of any meaningful davening experience. Whether you are in an Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Renewal or other flavor of Jewish community, music is a vital part of the Shabbat service. Through the traditional nusach and contemporary tunes, music has become a vehicle for connection and accessibility.

Shabbat Unplugged is an attempt to harness the power of Jewish music, the beauty of Shabbat, and the depth of the Shabbat liturgy to create a one-of-a-kind davening experience. David brings a wealth of knowledge and musical ability to one of the most precious moments that a community shares - Shabbat evening.

While some contemporary, liberal Shabbat evening services pick and choose those selections that have catchy tunes, Shabbat Unplugged honors the entire Shabbat evening service while remaining accessible, participatory, meaningful and spirited for every davener.

To accomplish these lofty goals, Rabbi David Paskin, along with acclaimed singer/songwriter Lisa Winner, has combined traditional tunes, popular contemporary songs from the Shabbat evening service with new, original melodies and niggunim.

You can listen to the music of Shabbat Unplugged by clicking on each song next to the CD below. Please note, these recordings are for educational purposes only. These recordings cannot be sold or used for any purpose other than preparation for Shabbat Unplugged. To receive a PDF copy of the Shabbat Unplugged siddur, e-mail us.

Y'did Nefesh
by Shirav

Kabbalat Shabbat
by various artists including David Paskin and Craig Taubman

L'cha Dodi
by Craig Taubman

Tzaddik Katamar

Barchu
by David Paskin

U'ma'avir Yom
by David Paskin

Sh'ma
by David Paskin

Miriam's Song
by Debbie Friedman

Haporeis Sukkat Shalom
by Jeff Klepper

Adonai S'fatai Tiftach
by Craig Taubman

Oseh Shalom
by Lisa Winner

Click here to learn more about the Friday evening service. For a wonderful and complete treatment on the history and meaning of the Friday evening service (and many other liturgical units,) I recommend the series, My People’s Prayer Book: Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries.

If you are interested in bringing Shabbat Unplugged to your community, email us.