The Full Story Behind “Ilu Finu”, Aryeh Hurwitz's First Original Composition

The Full Story Behind “Ilu Finu”, Aryeh Hurwitz’s First Original Composition

“Ilu Finu” is Aryeh Hurwitz’s first original composition, marking an exciting and meaningful milestone in his musical journey. Known until now primarily as a vocalist, chazan, and baal tefillah, this release introduces Aryeh not only as a singer, but as a composer—giving musical expression to a fundamental idea at the heart of davening.

The song was produced by Bentzi Marcus of 8th Day Band, with whom Aryeh previously collaborated on several Seder Niggunim albums. Bentzi developed the original composition into a polished and compelling track, with strong musical arrangements that include a cantorial bridge.

The inspiration behind “אִלּוּ פִינוּ” comes from a powerful idea found in Nishmas Kol Chai, recited during Shabbos morning davening. The tefillah opens by declaring that even limitless human expression could never fully thank or praise God. Yet it soon teaches that true praise becomes possible when we use the very gifts we were given—our limbs, spirit, soul, and voice—to serve and glorify Him. This idea stands at the heart of the song.

So which is it—are we able to praise Hashem, or not?

This question was addressed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in a teaching he once shared with an HVAC technician from Williamsburg who had come to repair the air conditioning in the Rebbe’s room. Though not a chossid, the technician asked the Rebbe for a Torah thought. Quoting the Maggid of Mezritch, the Rebbe explained that the tefillah draws a clear distinction between human ability and divine gift.

To illustrate, the Rebbe shared a parable: A young prince once became lost while walking alone in a forest, until a simple villager who knew the paths led him safely home. In gratitude, the prince gifted him silver utensils. Years later, after ascending the throne, the king visited the villager in his humble hut. Overwhelmed, the man said that nothing he owned could honor the king—except the very gift the king himself had once given him.

So too in Nishmas Kol Chai. When we attempt to praise Hashem with what comes from our own strength alone—אִלּוּ פִינוּ—it is indeed insufficient. “אָבער” But when we praise Him using the limbs He gave us and the spirit and soul He breathed into us, it is no longer our strength alone. It is His gift. Only then—הֵן הֵם—do those very gifts themselves give thanks and praise.

The song “Ilu Finu” is built around this distinction: not what a person brings on his own, but what becomes possible when Hashem’s gifts are used to serve and glorify Him. This is the heart of the composition—and the deeper meaning of the words of davening.

We hope you enjoy Ilu Finu.

The song is available now on all major streaming platforms like Spotify, 24six, and others.