Musician Shai Baruch Salome Releases New Rendition of Classic Yeshiva Niggun 'Ani Yeshena'
Clarinetist Shai Baruch Salome has released a new rendition of the classic yeshiva niggun "Ani Yeshena." Produced by Ron Chaniya, the track revives a historic melody composed by Rabbi Baruch Ber Leibowitz.
Musician Shai Baruch Salome, a 30-year-old resident of Kochav HaShahar, has released a new instrumental rendition of the traditional niggun "Ani Yeshena" ("I Sleep"), based on the biblical verse from the Song of Songs: "I sleep, but my heart is awake." Salome has been playing the clarinet for approximately 15 years, performing at weddings, community events, and yeshivas.
In recent years, Salome, alongside other musicians, has accompanied the festive Hallel prayers led by Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu at the Cave of the Patriarchs (Me'arat HaMachpelah), and performed during the Hakafot Shniyot celebrations at the Har HaMor Yeshiva. The new track was musically produced by Ron Chaniya and features a vocal choir alongside Salome's signature clarinet.
The Legacy of a Yeshiva Masterpiece
The origin of this soulful melody traces back to the head of the Kamenitz Yeshiva, Rabbi Baruch Ber Leibowitz, who originally composed it for his students. Over the decades, the tune has evolved into one of the most recognized melodies of spiritual longing in the yeshiva world, previously recorded by prominent Jewish singer Avish Bradt.
A Personal Connection to the Soul
Salome's connection to the melody began during the Hebrew month of Elul when he was a first-year student at the Ramat HaSharon Yeshiva.
Salome recalls:
"This niggun touched me deeply and served as a gateway to a whole new world for me. It has accompanied me ever since at major crossroads of my life, through both challenging and joyful moments, and I even played it at my own wedding. These verses speak to everyone: even when we feel in a state of 'sleep,' facing challenges or forgetfulness, our heart remains awake and yearns for goodness and holiness."
Over the past year, Salome decided to officially release his own musical projects. He felt it was time to share the musical gifts bestowed upon him and translate the warm feedback from his live audiences into high-quality, moving studio recordings.
While the release coincides with the month of Elul and the High Holidays, Salome emphasizes that its message is timeless.
"Although this is a natural time for spiritual awakening and remembering our roots, to me, this melody belongs to the entire year. Whenever a person feels somewhat 'asleep,' they need a reminder that their inner point is fully awake. I hope everyone takes this niggun to their own personal space of longing, helping us remember our true source."
