12. ‘Ansǝ’i ‘A`ǝyǝntǝkǝ

This prayer centering on Jerusalem is part of the afternoon service for ‘Āstaseryo and Səgd but can also appear on Sabbaths and holidays. Essentially, the text is an adaptation of Isaiah 49:18 or 60:4. A call is issued to the City of Jerusalem: watch the Children of Israel coming from afar to gather in it.

This antiphonal piece is measured, yet its rhythmic articulation is flexible, which further emphasizes its heterophonic texture.