The Galilee Sea
Learn Simchas soulful song - The Galilee Sea
Links to the lesson below ⬇️
The Sea of the Galilee is a special place and in the hearts of so many people and religions. It is called the 'Kineret' in Hebrew, which is the same root word as the 'Lyre' or ‘Harp’ instrument, and the body of water is actually shaped like a Harp when looking from a birds eye view. It is a spiritual location for both Jews and Christians, and beloved spot in our hearts.
There’s two links below to the Galilee Sea workshops replays from the Strings Of Hope harp learning membership.
ABOUT THE SONG:
At the heart of winter, when all is cold, frozen, and grey, a new life begins to breathe, a new heart begins to pulse, the Almond tree begins to flower. In Israel the Flowering Almond tree is a celebration that happens right in the heart of winter. It signifies the spark of light and life which begins amidst the darkness.
Just when everything seems to stop, when the trees are bare and lifeless, beautiful almond flowers begin to grow and blossom. Children sing songs about it in schools, and the native landscapes are adorned with beautiful white flowering almond trees. However the real star of this song is the Sea of the Galilee.
The Galilee Sea holds a special place in the heart of many around the world. It is the biggest body of water in Israel (other than the Mediterranean Sea) and is a shared historical monument to both Christians and Jews. People come from around the world to bathe in its waters, and for many it is a spiritual place.
Since we only get rain during the winter season in the middle-east, there are some years where the Galilee Sea doesn’t fill up so well, and she becomes partially sick, which is a saddening thing to see. This is devastating for many who live in or visit the region and has rebounding effects to many part of the ecological system. This song is kind of a prayer of mine in song form that came blooming out this past winter, like an Almond Flower in the heart of frost.
It is about the many things that are happening in Israel during the winter season as the Almond flowers, and mentions many of the beloved landmarks of the country, like the snow covered Chermon mountains (pronounced ‘ch’ as in Clasarch’), the frequent rainbows, and the turquoise water of the Sachne river (same ch pronunciation) which is warm year round. Oh and don’t forget about the little blue fishes that nibble your toes!
The theme of the song is found at the end of each verse, in the words ‘And the Galilee Sea fills up high’. These are words of hope and prayer for rain, and an overflowing Galilee Sea. Its almost like a shaman rain dance. When we play this song at our family band concerts, my wife plays a heartbeat rhythm on a shaman drum throughout the song, signifying the awakening beating of the heart of the tree amidst the winter frost, and the heartbeat of the universe pulsing together in unison with all of creation.
The Galilee Sea
Full Step By Step Video Lesson
You’re welcome to join me for a workshop in learning the Galilee Sea.
In this workshop we learn how to play the Left and Right hands together in timing, and also explore the Improvisational section at the end of the piece
Continue The Journey
The Strings Of Hope Membership
If you enjoyed this lesson, I'd love to invite you to join Strings Of Hope—my online harp community where we learn, explore, and grow together through music. It's a place for harpists of all levels to deepen their playing, discover new musical ideas, and find encouragement along the way.
Inside you'll find live workshops, play-alongs, Q&A sessions, song lessons, improvisation, world music, a growing library of resources, and a welcoming community of fellow harpists who are learning together. Whether you're just beginning or have been playing for years, you'd be warmly welcomed.