1. The passage discusses the Shema Yisrael prayer from Deuteronomy Chapter 6, which is considered the most essential prayer in Judaism. It affirms God's singularity and kingship.
2. The composer Ešenvalds sets the words of the Shema Yisrael prayer to music, employing triplet rhythms and ornaments to evoke an ancient Middle Eastern sound.
3. The dissonant intervals Ešenvalds uses, such as major and minor seconds, help describe a world in conflict, while also hinting at future beauty and light.