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 to the right.  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. 

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

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.