Musical Moment – Pesach 5785
Six13 – The Red Sea Shanty: A Pirate Passover
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Six13 – PSVR. (A Passover adaptation of “APT.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
To fully appreciate the parody, you want to watch the original APT music video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Musical Moment – Parshat Pekudey/Shabbat HaChodesh
As noted above our Torah portion speaks about the opportunity for Divine-Human encounter in both sacred space and sacred time, a theme echoed in the special Maftir reading for this Shabbat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZTHIWifI7Y
It’s another Friday, breathing in the air
Light and shadow are playing catch again
The table is set, childhood pictures on the wall
White convoys coming back from the synagogue
And this smell that scratches my heart
Creeps up creeps up and opens doors
To a small joy, to that same old song
That passes in our family for generations
Little gifts
Someone sent me little gifts
Fragments of intention, circles of faith
Little gifts
Like the power to accept what is and what isn’t
What more can you ask for?
It’s another Friday, balcony and a newspaper
The sun, like the worries, slowly disappears
Simple melodies get in through the window
And no storm will hide the silence here
Little gifts
Someone sent me little gifts
Fragments of intention, circles of faith
Little gifts
Like the power to accept what is and what isn’t
What more can you ask for?
*For You chose us
And sanctified us
Blessed are You, Adonai
Sanctifier of the Shabbat
And this smell that burns my heart
Creeps up creeps up and opens doors
To a small joy, to that same old song
That passes in our family for generations
Little gifts
Someone sent me little gifts
Fragments of intention, circles of faith
Little gifts
Someone sent me little gifts
Like the power to accept what is and what isn’t
What more can you ask for?
Little gifts
Musical Moment – Parshat Vayakel
These versions of the Zemer, song for the Shabbat table, reflect the idea of God extending an invitation to the Jewish to join with each other in the presence of the Holy One to celebrate Shabbat. The first version is most traditional version.
D’ror Yikra – Proclaim Freedom
The Parvarim – Ha’parvarim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD5OvXYinNQ
Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zntHVTcc3jU
The Maccabeats – Cups
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itIG4WU3WUc
Yair Rosenberg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDoFMQi6V3c
God will proclaim freedom to all
And God will keep you as the apple of his eye.
Pleasant are your songs, which are eternal,
Rest and relax on the Sabbath day!
Seek My sanctuary, and My hall,
And a sign of salvation, make for Me,
Plant a vine within My vineyard,
Attend the cry of My fair people!
My God, grant to the desert mountain,
Fir, acacia, myrtle, elm,
And to the leader and the led,
spread peace like the river waters.
Know that wisdom for your soul
is like a crown for your head.
Keep the commandment of your Holy One,
Guard the holy Sabbath.
Musical Moment – Purim 5785
Just a few songs to enjoy for Purim!
Shake the Town: It’s Purim Time!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a578JVtFUHk&list=PLn9spWvsCBvecGxpO–NyOoyHrvqlXCqX&index=20
ESTHER’S A JEW – EX’s And OH’s PURIM PARODY!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c39menj1dBI&list=PLn9spWvsCBvecGxpO–NyOoyHrvqlXCqX&index=38
Mishenichnas Adar Collab by Franciska
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-J9_GdpUTQ
Musical Moment – Parshat T’tsaveh & Shabbat Zachor 5785
Purim is a time of hopefulness and happiness, of celebration and rejoicing. It is especially important that we not forgo these moments of joy even if they are in the shadow of difficult times.
Gad Elbaz – Achashverosh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnCsQ2mHJ9Y&list=PLn9spWvsCBvecGxpO–NyOoyHrvqlXCqX&index=5
Raise Your Mask Purim – The Fountainheads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9HbULd67sE&list=PLn9spWvsCBvecGxpO–NyOoyHrvqlXCqX&index=18
The Maccabeats – Purim Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgJInVvJSZg&list=PLn9spWvsCBvecGxpO–NyOoyHrvqlXCqX&index=2
Musical Moment – Parshat Mishpatim 5785
Ani Shayach L’ahm / I Belong to A Nation – Ishay Ribo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdRsNFGWRi0
I belong to a nation
The oldest in the archives
I Belong to a nation
That no historian understood
I belong to a nation
As well as the nature from beneath it
I belong to a a nation
From before whom a great sea fled
I belong to a nation
That will yet merit to see the end
I belong to a nation
About which every philosopher has philosophized
I belong to a nation
Of whom logic does not grasp
I belong to a nation
For whom the miracle was created
So how does my nation differ from all other nations,
From all other nations
That the idols of all other nations
Neither see nor hear, see nor hear
And the nation to which I belong, Hashem is it’s G-d
And the nation to which I belong, Hashem is it’s G-d
I belong to a nation
That has survived every era
I belong to a nation
That no scientist has developed
I belong to a nation
That believes in the sages
I belong to a nation that walks innocently with its Father
I belong to a nation
That called out “he who is unto G-d, to me”
I belong to a nation
Which also belongs to me
I belong to a nation
Chosen and unique
One that I belong to
I thank, and I sing
Musical Moment – Parshat Yitro 5785
Our Torah portion describes how our ancestors standing at the foot of Mt. Sinai accepted God’s sovereignty over them and committed themselves and us to the observance of mitzvot. Today’s selections reflect on God’s glory and the beneficence of Mitzvot.
Yah Ribon – Josh Warshawsky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9TvMf1l_LA
Yah Ribbon Alam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTwGpOqxZ7E
Kah Ribon / Veha’er Eineinu – BOJAC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxGrOWW918c
V’ha-er Eineinu – Chibat Hapiyyut
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxsHnstLO6w
Ya Ribon Olam
Almighty, Master of worlds, of everything
You are the Ruler, above all rulers.
Your mighty deeds and wonders leave us marveling,
It is beautiful to sing before You.
Morning and the evenings I will sing Your praises,
To You Holy God who created every soul,
The angels above, all people on earth,
Beasts that roam the grounds and the birds of the sky.
Your creations are great and awesome
You, who humble the proud and straightens out the bent ones,
Even if a person lived a thousand years one could not understand Your greatness,
A thousand years aren’t enough for a person to express Your greatness.
God, to You is honor and glory due,
Please redeem your flock from their lion-like foes
and set Your people free from exile’s woes.
Return to Your Temple, Your Holy of Holies,
where every soul and spirit shall sing Your praises with shining faces
in Your city, Jerusalem, the city of beauty.
Veha’er Eineinu / Enlighten Our Eyes
Enlighten our eyes with Your Torah;
Attach our hearts to Your commandments;
Unite our hearts to love and revere Your Name.
So that we may never be shamed nor abashed, forever and ever.
Jewish Music Month Song List
Make Those Waters Part – Doug Mishkin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3LubI2tHlI
Halleluyah – Rick Recht
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thn18fmCEyE
L’chu N’ranena – Aviva Chernick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvu6G_qSBos
Lift – The Josh Nelson Project
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQKS5sRbqMg
Shir Lismoach (Malki’s Song) – Yishai Lapidot & Yehuda! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFrE3fG9Ee0
Yehi Shalom – Neshama Carlebach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH3PnspPdwE
Eyal Golan – Am Yisrael Chai (Hebrew + English Subtitles) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p3rtnQ_7y4
Musical Moment – Parshat Bo 5785
The Torah portion describes the moment of anticipation on the part of our Israelite ancestors who await liberation from Egyptian bondage. With the recent release of some of the hostages held by Hamas and the hope that all will be returned to their loved ones I share with you two performances orchestrated by Koolulam.
L’hat-cheel Me-brey=-sheet / To Begin Anew – Koolulam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P0Gnvk5Kmk
Yee-yeh Tov / It’s Gonna Be Alright – Koolulam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz0nzie4uFw
Musical Moments – Parshat Sh’mot
These two versions of Min Hameitzar reflect the words of petition and prayer of our ancestors trapped in Mitrayim/Egyptian servitude.
Min Hameitzar – Aviva Chernick (Live)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_YKpq53V8Y
Min Hameitzar – Deborah Sacks Mintz with the Hadar Ensemble https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMe4-ggSkdY
Musical Moment – Parshat Vay’chi
As both the Torah reading and the prophetic selection focus on generational connections, I share with you two songs by contemporary Jewish musicians exploring this theme.
L’Dor V’Dor – From Generation to Generation
Craig Taubman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vel5Ib8q5ts
L’Dor Va-dor
Josh Nelson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzV0Y4MkIBQ
Musical Moment – Parshat Vayigash 5785
The following selections from the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat parallel the events of this week’s Torah portion.
Benjamin Calypso
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIQa_fw5qW4
Joseph All The Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQxGow8dQp8
Jacob In Egypt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96T8yA8E9u0
Musical Moment – Parshat Miketz & Shabbat Hannukah 5785
Zechariah’s words from the haftarah are presented musically followed by a second song, also by Debbie Friedman, this one a playful Hannukah tune.
Not By Might, Not By Power
Debbie Friedman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwcMV7tJHA0
Debbie Friedman – The Latke Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhFiszfdt18
Musical Moment – Parshat Vayishlach 5785
The Jewish acapella group Six13 just released their annual Hannukah parody, this year’s inspired by the movie release of Wicked. The song captures the difficulties of the past year while articulating the hopefulness expressed in Hannukah.
Six13 – A Wicked Chanukah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY-h65HwWPw
Musical Moments – Parshat Vayeytseh 5785
The first selection is based on the divine promise to Jacob as he returns to the land of Canaan after 20 years of living with his uncle, marrying, and building a family. The two songs by Craig Taubman are inspired by Jacob’s encounters with angels which bookend our Torah portion and the idea of journey inspired by our patriarch’s experience.
Yigal Bashan – Ufaratsta – You Shall Spread
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q72mOHGvao
Ufaratsta, ufaratsta. Ufaratsta, ufaratsta.
Yama, Vekedmah, Tsafona, Venegba.
And you shall spread forth (2X)
To the West, to the East, to the North and the South.
Angels by My Side by Craig Taubman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpINR-LUvmk
Craig Taubman – Journey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BR0tHmlslI
Musical Moment – Parshat Toldot 5785
Safam – Brother on Brother
Words and Music by Joel Sussman ©1984
Safam
You got it, I want it.
What’s mine is mine.
You stole it, now show it,
Put it all on the line.
When we were both children,
You deceived and you lied,
My birthright was taken,
My future denied.
Jacob, Jacob, why did you steal it?
Jacob, Jacob, why oh why?
That’s not how it happened,
That’s just not the way,
It wasn’t important,
You sold it away
A hunter, a fighter,
You lived by the sword,
You just had no interest,
In serving the Lord.
Esau, Esau, let’s put this behind us,
Esau, Esau, let’s live in peace.
Two brothers, together,
That’s how it should be.
Each one has determined
His own destiny,
A hunter, a fighter,
One lives by the sword.
The other has chosen
To worship the Lord.
Brother on brother,
They can agree blood is thicker than water,
Brother on brother, so much to be gained.
Brother on brother,
Look at them now embracing each other.
Brother, brother…. Peace will reign!
L’ma-ahn Ah-chai V’ray-ay – For My Brothers & Friends
Two versions of this piece based on Psalm 122, verses 8 and 9, with music composed and originally performed by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach.
The Solomon Brothers Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHvZaX0gxug
Vienna Jewish Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLTzdSt0Vcw
Because of my brothers and friends,
Because of my brothers and friends,
Please let me speak, let me speak please,
Peace to you. (x2)
For the house of The Lord Our God
I will ask for the best to you. (x2)
Because of my brothers and friends,
Because of my sisters and friends
Please let me ask, please let me sing –
Peace to you.
This is the heart, the heart of the road.
I wish the best to you.
Musical Moment – Parshat Chaye Sarah 5785
Our Torah portion includes the deaths of Sarah, Abraham, and Ishmael. Unlike the later patriarchs or King David in this week’s Haftarah, the Torah does not record any final thoughts, blessings, or messages from our first matriarch or patriarch. The contemporary Israeli songs below can be seen as possible expressions on their part.
Masa Chayay – My Life’s Journey – Shabbatones (Fall Concert 2009)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P396GPyWeoc
I go out again to the road at my feet
To days and nights, to my life’s journey
I say goodbye to everyone
A sleeping country, a separate heart
My soul still looks through the home I grew up in
Dreams open to a simple truth
I go with it to every desert
Every foreign land or wild path
But, like the river’s stormy water
I always come back
To where a good longing will take me
This is where I belong
If someone back home looks at me now
As a person, not in the light of stardom
I say thanks in a trembling voice
A separate country, one heart
But, like the river’s…
I come back to the roads, the streets,
the waiting arms
To the sunrises, sunsets,
to the most beautiful years
Whatever will happen, whatever happened,
what hasn’t been said yet
But, like the river’s…
Tishmeru Al Atzmechem – Look After Yourselves – Haim Moshe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euFLopRo5BQ
The days don’t change
Everything looks the same
Only the kids plan
Each one of them, a different direction
One is traveling to the East
The second one sails in his dreams
And only my heart doesn’t rest
And is filled with concern
Chorus:
Look after yourselves
When you spread your wings
Look after yourselves
In the paths towards the wide-open spaces
My heart is with you
For ever, in any situation
Where ever you will go
I will always love you
Friday night, toward the start of Shabbat
We sit in the light of the candles
And my heart is tweaked
How my ‘flowers’ have grown up
They talk about another experience
They laugh and enjoy themselves
And·I whisper thanks
From my heart to God
Chorus:
Mi Shema’ahmin – The One Who Believes – Eyal Golan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwTPpxeUW9Y
Every place, all the time
The old and young has
Beautiful and less beautiful days
Among them answers to all the questions
There is one mighty God
He gives us everything in this world
Between darkness to a sun beam
We only need to choose the path
It is known life is a gift
All is expected and is allowed
The one who believes is not afraid
To lose faith
We all have the King of the universe
Who guards us from it all
This nation is a family
One and one more is the secret of success
The nation of Israel will never give up
We will always stay on the map
It is known life is a gift…
The one who believes is not afraid
Musical Moment – Parshat Vayera
Angels play a central role in our Torah portion this week; appearing as travelers delivering news of Isaac’s forthcoming birth, saving Lot and his family prior to destroying the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, directing Hagar to life-saving water, and interceding with Abraham to save Isaac atop Mount Moriah.
Angels are a recurrent motif in our liturgy and in songs. Below are my favorite version of Shalom Aleichem, a powerful song by Ofra Haza sung in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, and lastly, a recognition of the intercessory role of angels.
The Shuk – Shalom Aleichem (Peace to You)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pll0QNbdfkE
Peace to you, ministering angels,
messengers of the Most High,
sent by the Sovereign, the sovereign of all sovereigns,
the Holy One, whom we bless.
Come in peace, angels of peace,
messengers of the Most High…
Bless me with peace, angels of peace,
messengers of the Most High…
Go in peace, angels of peace,
messengers of the Most High…
Eshal (I Shall Ask) – Ofra Haza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ExPCEtwaLs
An angel helps, redeems and protects
An angel helps, redeems and protects
he won’t leave nor abandon
in favor, mercy and benevolence
I shall ask…
Eshal kam ad tikun gayeb mini
eshal kam ad tikun gayeb mini
ana wahedi aneni aneni
ana wahedi aneni aneni
Please God protect us and keep away the pain
guard every moment and every breath we take
you know we sweat so hard for survival
every night and every day
I shall ask…
Eshal stay with us tonight
to dance not to fight
Eshal stay with us tonight
to dance not to fight
ana wahedi aneni aneni
ana wahedi aneni aneni
Eshal kam ad tikun gayeb mini..
Malachei Shamayim – Angels of the Skies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMVOPxe–Yg
A person’s love is forever
like the waves of the sea,
just like the wind
I want to fly like a bird but there’s no place to go
where I sat engulfed in thoughts
only love will save me this time
I paced to myself until my feet turned solid
in the tracks of my life.
Chorus
Between the paths of the stars
and the angels of the sky
on the great, high throne
there sits the Creator
Look at me and guard the spirit that’s in me,
gives me the strength to continuing living my life
(2x)
There is only one melody in my heart,
in my heart I keep it
the melody is the song to faith,
from minute to minute.
I just have one small dream,
to realize it and then rest.
I want to find the serenity and live in peace.
Chorus (3x)
Look at me and guard the spirit that’s in me,
gives me the strength to continuing living my life
Musical Moment – Parshat Lech L’cha
In the Torah we meet Avraham as an adult who responds immediately to God’s command to leave everything familiar, travel to the land of Canaan, and enter a covenant with the Holy One. Cha”zal, our ancient sages, provide us with a vast trove of midrashic material chronicling Abraham’s early life including his confrontation with King Nimrod. These narratives form the basis of this Ladino song. Below are two versions.
Yehuda Glantz – Avram Avinu (Cuando el Rey Nimrod)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPEhPBooBp0
Arleen Ramirez and the Ladino Music Project – Avram Avinu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vwE8DsKGO4
When King Nimrod went out into the fields
He looked up to the sky and amongst the stars
He saw a holy light over the Jewish Quarter
He knew that Abraham our father was to be born.
Chorus
Abraham our father, dear father,
Blessed father, light of Israel.
Abraham our father, blessed father,
Light of Israel
Then to the midwives he commanded
That every pregnant woman
Who didn’t give birth straight away, should have the child killed
Because Abraham the father was to be born.
Chorus
Terach’s wife was pregnant
And every day he asked her,
“Why do you look so sad?”
She already knew what she had to do.
Chorus
After nine months she needed to give birth,
She walked through the fields and vineyards,
Where even her husband wouldn’t find her,
She found a manger and there she gave birth.
Chorus
At that moment the newborn spoke,
“Go from the manger, my mother,
I will find someone who will take me away
Heaven will send someone to accompany me
Because I am the servant of the Blessed God.
Chorus
Let us salute the friend
And the one who performed circumcision
Through whose worthiness all Israel came to merciful God,
We surely praise the True One, the True God of Israel.
Chorus
Musical Moment – Parashat Noah
Noach – Matti Caspi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uxoQZi_oro
A playful song about Noah and the ark performed by the well-known Israeli musician.
This Shabbat is also Rosh Chodesh, the first day of the new Hebrew month Cheshvan. This song picks up from a verse in the Haftarah from Isaiah in which the prophet promises the restoration of Israel and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Sisu et Yerushalayim – Ofra Haza https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7olQ-DHsl64
Musical Moment – Sukkot 5785
Two songs for Sukkot. The first is an entertaining parody of a Taylor Swift song which reflects on aspects of the festival. The second is an Israeli folk song which moves to the metaphoric image of the Sukkah as a symbol of peace.
“Shake Lulav” – A Parody by Cantor Stephanie Shore, based on “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift from BarCohn Productions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvjft0N_fkQ
Shlomit Bona Sukka – Shlomit is Building a Sukkah – Gilad Cohen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZMKiwcC6zM&list=RDOZMKiwcC6zM&start_radio=1&rv=OZMKiwcC6zM&t=42
Shlomit is building a sukkah
Full of light and greenery
That’s why today she’s so busy.
But it’s not simply a sukkah
Full of light and greenery –
Shlomit is building a sukkah of peace (“sukkat shalom”).
She will not forget to lay out
The lulav and the myrtle leaves (hadasim),
A branch of green willow.
A pomegranate within its leaves,
And all the fruits of autumn,
With its fragrance of orange groves.
And when Shlomit says
Look! It’s already finished!
Suddenly something wondrous will happen:
All the neighbors will come,
It will be a swarm –
And there will be room for everyone!
Then, through the roof of branches,
With a bright glow
as though it were a diamond
The twinkle of a star will shine,
-Shalom, wondrous sukkah,
How fine and how pleasing it is –
That Shlomit built a sukkah of peace.
Musical Moment – Yom Kippur
Ki Anu Amecha – Raza (Page 263)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=linLj6DW8LM
Ya’aleh Koleinu / “Let Our Voices Rise” (Piyyut for Yom Kippur) –
Joey Weisenberg, Deborah Sacks Mintz, and Friends (Page 223) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR7PFCjgIk0
Musical Moment for Rosh Hashanah
Marking the year since the events of October 7, this piece expresses remembrance, resilience, and hope.
Begin Anew – Koolulam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P0Gnvk5Kmk
Here are two version of Hayom Harat Olam, each with its own unique feel.
Today the world stands as at birth. Today all creation is called to judgment, whether as Your children or as Your servants. If as Your children, be compassionate with us as a parent is compassionate with children. If as Your servants, we look to You expectantly, waiting for You to be gracious to us and, as day emerges from night, to bring forth a favorable judgment on our behalf, awe-inspiring Holy One.
Hayom Harat Olam – Rabbi Josh Warshawsky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2gkceEzVrs
Hayom Harat Olam – Craig Taubman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anZYBMJiLao
Musical Moment – Nitzavim-Vayelech 5784
These two songs are rooted in the Haftarah for this Shabbat. As the prophet is often viewed as the mouthpiece of God, the first passage has traditionally been understood as an expression of God’s ongoing commitment to the redemption of Israel and the divine desire that all nations recognize the Israelites’ rectitude. Some suggest that the verse is a personal expression on the part of Isaiah whoo seeks to comfort and defend his people by asserting their importance in the Divine realm in the face of their detractors.
The second passage uses the celebratory nature of a wedding as a metaphor for the joyous return of the people to its land and the restoration of its relationship with God.
Lema’an Tzion / For Zion’s Sake (Isaiah 62:1) by Barry & Batya Segal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXPwsFvoaUo
For the sake of Zion, I will not be silent,
For the sake of Jerusalem I will not be still,
Till her victory emerges resplendent
And her triumph like a flaming torch.
Sisu Et Yerushalayim (Rejoice with Jerusalem) – The Hava Nagillah Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9sV3hQnS8A
Based on Isaiah 63:5b-6
And as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
So will your God rejoice over you.
Upon your walls, O Jerusalem,
I have set watchmen,
Who shall never be silent
By day or by night.
O you, the Lord’s remembrancers,
Take no rest.
Musical Moment – Parshat Ki Tavo
Two of the longest versions of a one-line song ever! At only four Hebrew words it’s even more impressive than Weird Al’s (This Song’s Just) Six Words Long, a parody of George Harrison’s “Got My Mind Set on You” which was written and composed by Rudy Clark and first recorded by James Ray in 1962. The links for these are below. Not exactly Torah portion related but fun listening.
Eretz Zavat Halav Udvash – A land flowing with milk and honey
Eretz Zavat Halav Udvash – Leon Gurvitch Project featuring Joshua Nelson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUb6kvd6gVE
Eretz Zavat Halav Udvash – Debka Fantasia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYfztqmElc0
(This Song’s Just) Six Words Long – Weird Al Yankovic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIIvJkSLSfw
Got My Mind Set on You – George Harrison https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_71w4UA2Oxo
Musical Moment – Parshat Kee Teytzeh
Beginning on Rosh Chodesh Elul Psalm 27 is added to our daily liturgy at the end of morning and evening services. The themes of the psalm are meant to guide our thoughts and reflections as we approach the Yamim Noraim, the High Holy Days. Here are three renditions of the verse, the first being the version many of us are familiar with from when we sing it during the recitation of the psalm.
One thing I ask of Adonai–this is what I seek:
to dwell in the House of God all the days of my life,
to behold God’s peacefulness and to pray in God’s sanctuary.
Achat Sha’alti – Psalm 27 – Lila Chertman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpxJxhfkCk
Achat Sha’alti – Chava Mirel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GydRNKeqb68
This last version begins with the previous verse in the psalm, “Should an armed camp be arrayed against me, my heart would show no fear; if they were to go to war against me, of this I would be sure” a confident statement by the psalmist of divine protection.
Achat Sha’alti – Sam Glaser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ggmkj0Kl60
Musical Moment – Parshat Shoftim
Both of this week’s selections are based on verses from this week’s Haftarah, the words of the prophet Isaiah expressing a joyous return to our ancestral land.
Ma Navu (How Beautiful) – Safam (Isaiah 52:7-8)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5387MMnt_Co
How welcome upon the mountains are the feet of the herald
Announcing peace
Heralding good fortune,
Announcing salvation,
Telling Zion: “Your God is King!”
Hark! Yur watchmen raise their voices,
As they shout for joy;
For every eye shall behold the LORD’s return to Zion.
Uri Tzion (Isaiah 52:1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9OaSUk1aHc
Awake, awake, O Zion!
Clothe yourself in splendor;
Put on robes of majesty,
Jerusalem, holy city.
Giora Feidman – Kumi Uri Tzion (Awake, Awake) (Instrumental)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T9bbYLbyPQ
Musical Moment – Parshat Re’eh
This Shabbat we bless the upcoming month of Elul ushering in a period of introspection. The prayer for the new month captures hope for the days ahead that our deepest yearnings will be answered.
Hanan ben Ari – Shvurei Lev – Those with Broken Hearts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKlsuyuh5TQ
Who knows every pain
who repairs every broken heart
creates light and darkness
makes peace and war…
Who sits in judgement1
covers in mercy
pardons and forgives
sees all and knows all
And who will heal my heart
for whom am I longing
like a sea that has no shore
just tell me who
who will embrace me and ensure
that I will not give up in the end…
Who was, is, and will be
who takes and gives renewed life
opens arms
grows wings
And who will heal my heart
for whom am I longing
like a sea that has no shore
just tell me who
who will embrace me
and ensure
that I will not give up in the end…
1. lit: chair of law
Musical Moment – Parshat Ekev
Parshat Ekev reflects an enduring reality of both ancient and modern Israel, the tension between the need to fight for national survival and the desire to live peacefully with its neighbors. This tension is reflected in the music of the country and reflects the spectrum of emotions brought out by each crisis. Here are a few songs produced in the wake of the October 7 massacre.
Hatikva 6 – Giborei Al (Super Heroes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYGd4HOend4
So the Bible teacher serves in Givati
The language teacher
The neighbor upstairs works in construction
but has already been in the reserves for a month.
The lawyer is a “Kambatzit” (operations manager)
working shifts in the military division.
Her brother, a senior hi-tech guy,
now he is a sniper on rooftops in the Strip.
The tough branch manager of the bank
is a sergeant in Judea and Samaria.
Doron, he’s the owner of a toy store,
now he is a company commander in the armored corps.
And our beloved Amedi, who usually sings in Caesarea,
Is a combat engineering soldier bravely recovering
after being wounded in the heart of Gaza.
Hey,
It’s true everyone looks ordinary — but,
We’re a nation of superheroes
In each of us there is always a soldier hidden,
Ready to save the world
The bus driver from “Dan”,
The one who is always on time,
He is now the commander of an artillery battery in the south near Nir Am
There is a student at the Technion,
In the middle of his bachelor’s degree,
He is a captain in the 91st division in the Galil,
stationed for a month already at the northern border.
There is a model here who is a paramedic.
There is an electrician here who is a MAG shooter.
There is Yoni, a gifted saxophone player, who is first and foremost a warrior in Sayeret Matkal (Elite unit).
Everyone has a hidden closet
or a large, equipped box
He has a set of uniforms or a reserves outfit, always ready for action.
Hey,
It’s true that everyone here looks normal — but,
We are a nation of superheroes
In each of us there is always a soldier hidden,
Ready to save the world
And it doesn’t matter if we are in the middle of living life
or in the middle of a soccer game,
Everyone will drop everything in a second if the flag calls out to them
This is not a parallel universe,
Not a “Marvel” reality
This is our story – the nation of Israel.
Eyal Golan – Am Yisrael Chai (The Nation of Israel Lives)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p3rtnQ_7y4
The sun will shine soon
we’ll know better days that these
the heart fights with worry
everyone will return home
we’ll wait for them below
hopefully we’ll know good news
Because the eternal people never fear
even when it’s hard to see
we’re all together, no one here is alone
when the wars burns
The nation of Israel lives
if we’ll not forget always to be united
the nation of Israel lives
during ascents and during declines,
even during the hardest hours
God, the blessed one, he watches over us
so who can triumph over us
because we have no other land
will make peace amongst ourselves
watch over our children
because we haven’t lost our faith
Ho my land is our heritage
our spirits will not fall now
around us, an iron of swords1
and the dove will spread her wings
the hope of two thousand years
we’ll go out in the streets to sing again
Because the eternal people never fear
even when it’s hard to see
we’re all together, no one here is alone
we’ll go out in the streets to sing
1 The name of the war against Hamas
Musical Moment – Parshat Va’etchanan / Shabbat Nachamu
The special name for this Shabbat, Shabbat Nachamu, is taken from the opening words of the Haftarah in which the prophet Isaiah offers comfort to the people of Israel, promising a restoration of the relationship with God and a return to the Land of Israel.
Isaiah 40:1-3
Comfort my people, comfort them, says your God. Speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry to her, that her fighting is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the Lord׳s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries, “Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway to our God.”
Below are two artistic interpretations of Isaiah’s inspiring words.
Nachamu Ami (Be Comforted My People) by Safam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llCttY6UDeA
Nachamu Ami – Neshama Carlebach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGhfeA8Rfq0&t=92s
Having mentioned the song “Anthem” above here is a recording of Leonard Cohen performing it live in London.
Leonard Cohen – Anthem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wRYjtvIYK0
Ein Od Milvado – Shlomi Shabat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEPHL6NN2gY
THERE IS NO OTHER THAN HIM
I saw stars that lit up the world
And with time, disappeared
I climbed to the tops of mountains
And along the way,
I also asked for advice from wise men
I didn’t allow my eyes to get blinded by the views
And I understood that too much
Is sometimes too little
And from the silence, I took a song for my soul
Chorus:
There is no other than Him
The whole world is filled with His glory
The Holy One, blessed is He is King
And I am His servant
In wars against the will,
Like a desert thirsty for water,
A man surrenders
And once again the soul seeks refuge
Beneath the wings of the Holy Presence
I, too, stood at the entrance, like everyone else,
Asking forgiveness from the King of the Universe
And from the silence, I took a song for my soul
Chorus….
Shema Yisrael – Ofir Ben Shitrit performing a song by Sarit Hadad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9-l5z9jT6A
Musical Moment – Parshat Devarim, Shabbat Chazon 5784
Shabbat Chazon is the Shabbat immediately prior to the observance of Tisha B’Av. As part of the commemoration of this sad day on our calendar, we read the words of the prophet Jeremiah who struggles to articulate the trauma and grief of the destruction of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. His plaintive words have eched through Jewish history.
The first musical moment uses Jeremiah’s words to capture the prophet’s pathos. The other pieces reflect more hopeful expressions of a rebuilt Jerusalem and a time when it will dwell in peace.
Binyamin File – Mi Yiten
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jz60aOIyyQ
Jeremiah 8:23
Oh, that my head were water, my eyes a fount of tears.
Then would I weep day and night for the slain of my poor people.
Rivka Zohar – Al Kapav Yavi – On His Palms He Will Bring
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjJ_jBggWi0
On our narrow street
there lives a strange carpenter.
He sits in his hut
and doesn’t do a thing.
No one comes to buy,
and no one comes to visit,
and it’s been two years
since he’s done any carpentry.
And he carries but one dream in his heart
to build a throne for Elijah who will come,
on the palms of his hands he will bring it,
to Elijah the Prophet.
And he sits and waits for him
for years he’s been dreaming he will be worthy
he guards his secret and awaits him
When will the day come?
On our narrow street
there lives a strange shoemaker.
he sits in his hut
and doesn’t do a thing.
His empty shelves
are covered with dust.
For two years has his awl
has been sitting in a sack.
And he dreams that he’d make a pair of shoes
to be worn on the feet of the Herald,
on the palms of his hands he will carry them,
To Elijah the Prophet.
And he sits and waits for him
for years he’s been dreaming he will be worthy
he guards his secret and awaits him
When will the day come?
In Jerusalem there is
a man entirely not young,
he built many houses
in all corners of the city.
He knows each alley,
every street and neighborhood,
He builds the city
for seventy years already.
And he dreams that just as he built the city
he will lay the cornerstone of the Holy Temple.
On the palms of his hands he will bring it
to Elijah the Prophet.
And he sits and waits for him
for years he’s been dreaming he will be worthy
he guards his secret and awaits him
When will the day come?
Ofra Haza – Hakotel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbTnrbviJZs
A girl stood facing the kotel (western wall)
She drew her lips and chin close to it.
She said to me, the shofar’s blasts are strong
But the silence is even stronger.
She told me: Zion, the Temple Mount**
She was silent, about the reward and the right.
And what shone on her forehead at evening
Was the purple of royalty.
The kotel, moss and sadness.
The kotel, lead and blood.
There are people with a heart of stone.
There are stones with a human heart.
The paratrooper stood at the kotel.
Of his whole division – the only one.
He told me that death has no image
But it has a diameter –
Nine millimeters only.
He told me, I’m not shedding tears
And again lowered his glance.
But my grandfather, God knows,
Is buried here, on Har Hazeitim (the Mount of Olives).
The kotel……
She stood, dressed in black, at the kotel.
The mother of one of the infantry soldiers.
She told me, it’s the eyes of my son that are shining
And not the candles on the wall.
She told me: I’m not writing
Any note to hide between the cracks.***
Because what I gave to the kotel only last night
Is greater than any words or writing.
Lior Farhi – Shomer HaChomot – Guardian of the Walls
Musical Moment – Parshat Mattot-Masey
Rav Nachman of Bratslav captured an essential truth about the nature of life and the importance finding the courage to go forward in the face of challenges. His simple formula, “Kol ha’olam kulo, gesher tzar me’od, v’ha’ikar lo lifached k’lal – The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the essential thing is to have no fear at all.” For Rav Nachman this was also an expression of faith and trust that we are accompanied by God on our journey.
Rav Nachman’s teaching has received a variety of musical expressions.
Journey – Craig Taubman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqqaw2Ua9_o
Kol Ha Olam Kulo (Gesher Tsar Meod)
Ma’ayan Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEpa5eGFbh0
Kol Ha Olam Kulo (Gesher Tsar Meod)
L’hakat Orot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EkP6O9thyY
Kol Haolam Kulo / Take Me to the Bridge
Itamar Borochov – Instrumental
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbNh2WwMGJg
It’s only a journey – across a very narrow bridge It’s a journey -You don’t know where you’re going Can’t hide from it – Don’t dare fear from it.
Kol HaOlam Kooloh Gesher Tsar M’ohd
In My Life – The Beatles
There are places I’ll remember
All my life, though some have changed Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
[Chorus 1: John Lennon & Paul McCartney] All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends, I still can recall Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I’ve loved them all
Though I know I’ll never lose affection For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you more
[Verse 2: John Lennon & Paul McCartney] But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you And these memories lose their meaning When I think of love as something new
[Chorus 2: John Lennon with Paul McCartney]
Musical Moment – Parshat Pinchas
As noted above, this week’s Torah portion includes the mechanism by which the Land of Israel will be apportioned to the tribes who are approaching the end of the wilderness wandering. We read this as our own attention is heavily focused on Israel; the Fast of Tammuz commemorating the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by the Babylonians during the final weeks of the First Temple and in our own day, the speech delivered by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu before a joint session of the US Congress. Eyal Golan captures the enduring connection to, love for, and commitment to our ancestral home.
Israel – Eyal Golan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sEz9Q7IpPo
After you I go, ready to die for your sake
Thinking about you all of the day, for Israel I will give everything.
I have a land, the milk touches honey
And the old is very old, it’s surrounded by new.
And she is beautiful sacred, many are those who desire her
And who will know her way, leaders argue over her.
House after house, from kibbutz to moshav
And one large city, all of it made of gold.
Israel is my home
Israel, my dream
Israel … Here and now
Israel, Israel
A beautiful blue sea, and she is dry from waters
And a green desert, from dew that’s in the sky.
A generation that decided, a blue-white flag
And a new generation that’s coming, to win over time.
We are here forever, to plant and to build
From a dream for hope, (to build) the land of the ancestors.
After you I go, ready to die for your sake
Thinking about you all of the day, for Israel I’ll give everything.
Blue-white rising, rising,
Our hearts fill, Israel rises, rises
Musical Moment – Parshat Balak
As noted above, this week’s Torah portion contains “Mah Tovu”, a biblical passage which has been incorporated into the siddur and inspired many musical renditions. Some focus exclusively on the verse from the Torah, others add a subsequent verse from the prayer in the siddur.
Mah tovu oha-leh-cha Ya’akov,
Mish-k’notecha, Yisrael.
Va-ani b’rov chas-deh-cha ah-voh vey-the-cha,
Ehsh-ta-cha-veh el hey-chal kod-sheh-cha b’yeer-ah-techa.
“How fair are your tents,
O Jacob, Your dwellings, O Israel!”
As for me, through Your great kindness I enter your house;
In awe of You, I bow toward Your holy sanctuary.
Mah Tovu – Noam Katz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6yyYOd6t0A
Mah Tovu – Bat Kol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUDzPpadtJs
Mah Tovu – Six13
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-I6Q8esO5w&list=RDMMCUDzPpadtJs&index=2
Musical Moment – Parshat Chukkat
A retelling of the tragic story of Yiftach’s daughter as presented in the Haftarah for this Shabbat.
Bat Yiftach – Rayzel Raphael – Bible Babes A Beltin’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcnPptFeKDU
Bat Yiftach at JTS: Bronwen’s Pre-show Talk
Short introduction to a fascinating presentation below of the story of Yiftach’s daughter which builds on a connection between text, midrash, and performative art.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01wJVBNFj4U
Bat Yiftach at JTS: Yiftach’s Neder (excerpt)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n97rIywLcp4
The Hebrew refrain is the beginning of the vow spoken by Yiftach in the Haftarah: “If You will cause the Ammonites to fall into my hands…”
For your convenience, Psalm 45, referenced in Bronwen’s introduction above.
Musical Moments – Parshat Korach, Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Tammuz
This Shabbat we also mark Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, the beginning of the new Hebrew month. When Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbat a special Haftarah is read and the first this week’s songs is built upon verses from these words of the prophet Isaiah. The prophet expresses the Divine promise of restoration for the Israelites is predicated on their return to God.
The second song uses the incident in our Torah portion about the conflict initiated by Korach to reflect on the question of choices.
Sisu Eht Yerushalayim – Rejoice With Jerusalem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCjk6fUM_nI
Chorus:
Rejoice with Jerusalem, be glad about her,
be glad all you that love her,
all who love her.
On your walls, O city of David
I have stationed watchmen, all day and night.
Do not fear, my servant Jacob,
for your enemies shall be scattered before you.
(repeat)
Look about you and behold; see all
as they are all gathering and coming unto you.
And your people are all holy
and forever shall inherit the land.
Bad Choices – SAFAM
Live performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS5DvoVSU3g
Studio recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veWg_62VNLY
Musical Moment – Parshat Naso
This week’s Torah portion contains Birkat Kohanim, the threefold blessing bestowed upon the Israelites by the Kohanim. The blessing has been incorporated into a variety of lifecycle rituals and our liturgy. In traditional communities it is recited by Kohanim in the congregation on festivals (Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot) and in referred to as “Duchening”, a reference to the platform upon which the Kohanim stood in the Temple.
Birkat Kohanim – Blue Fringe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv3k9sYN0jQ
Birkat Kohanim – Micky Gabay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiZPWJNnJys
Y’va-reh-ch’-cha Adonai, v’Yish-m’-reh-cha.
Ya’air Adonai panav eh-leh-cha vee-chu-neh-ka.
Yee-sah Adonai panav eh-leh-cha, v’ya-same l’cha shalom.
May Adonai bless and protect you.
May Adonai’s countenance shine upon you
and may Adonai bestow kindness upon you.
May Adonai’s countenance be lifted toward you
and may Adonai grant you peace.
Musical Moment – Shavuot
Songs of Torah and Shavuot –
Instrumental and Inspirational
Laasok B’divrei Torah – Kol B’Seder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz1NuJqsdBc
Based on the blessing recited prior to the study of Torah
Alli En El Midbar – Gerard Edery – Ladino
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbhD3tDmQCY
There in the desert I saw burning
I saw the tablets of the Law brought down
And look, this man is our teacher Moses
Who went up and came down from the Heavens
The angels of Heaven want to burn him
Born of woman, what does he look for in sanctity?
The angels of Heaven are envious of him
He is but a man, what does he search for in Heaven?
Sweet as Honey – Dan Nichols and 18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwug-g5k0f8
Based on the blessing recited prior to the study of Torah
Talmud Torah – Safam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxNtKmy5-SM
Musical Moment – Parshat B’midbar
Both of the artists below take two verses from this week’s haftarah as the core of their song. Aaron Berk sets the verses in the context of our patriarch Jacob’s love for Rachel using several verses from the Book of Genesis as a frame. Craig Taubman uses the verses as part of a song sung between spouses anticipating how their marriage will foster their growth as individuals.
Shared by both songs are the verses from the prophet Hoshea (2:21-22) stating the Holy One’s pledge to restore the relationship with the people of Israel.
V’ay-ras-tich li l’olam
V’ay-ras-tich li b’tzedek
uv’mish’pat uv’chesed uv’rachamim
V’ay-ras-tich li b’emunah
veyada’at et Adonai
And I will espouse you forever:
I will espouse you with righteousness and justice,
And with goodness and mercy,
And I will espouse you with faithfulness;
Then you shall be devoted to God.
Craig Taubman – V’ay-ras-tich Li
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlX-TZW04W8
Aharon Berk – V’erastich Li
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzTQSsIvnuM
Odenu m’daber, v’he-nay ba Rachel
Va’yagel eht ha-eh-ven mey-al pee ha-b’err
Va-ya-vod b’Rachel sheh-vah shanim
V’ha-yoo b’ey-nav k’yamim ah-cha-deem
V’ay-ras-tich li l’olam
V’ay-ras-tich li b’tzedek
uv’mish’pat uv’chesed uv’rachamim
V’ay-ras-tich li b’emunah
veyada’at et Adonai
Aaron Berk quotes parts of the following verses. I have left the verses complete placing a frame around the omitted phrases.
While he was still speaking with them, [Rachel came with her father’s flock; for she was a shepherdess.] And when Jacob saw Rachel, [the daughter of his uncle Laban, and the flock of his uncle Laban,] Jacob went up and rolled the stone off the mouth of the well… So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days [because of his love for her.] Genesis 32:9-10, 20
Musical Moment – Parshat B’chukkotai
The song is based on a verse from the words of the prophet Jeremiah in this week’s Haftarah.
Ve’haya Ke’ets Shatoul – Shmuel Levy LevYatan
And he shall be like a tree planted by waters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGJt6BVK2lU
Ve’haya ke’ets shatoul ahl palgey mayim
Asher piryo yeeten b’eetoh
V’ehlav loh yipol
And he shall be like a tree planted by waters,
Whose fruit ripens in season
And whose leaves do not drop.
Ve’haya ke’ets shatoul ahl palgey mayim
V’chol ahser ya’ahseh yatzliach,
yatzliach
And he shall be like a tree planted by waters,
And all that he does shall succeed/flourish
Waiting For Or1 (Waiting For Light) – Guy and Yahel
Our Torah portion speaks about the value of human beings, an idea echoed in the song Waiting for Or (Light) written in memory of Or Abramov.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAaLPnJi5Pg&list=RDDAaLPnJi5Pg
The path home is very long
too many days without sleep
we waited for the sunrise and it didn’t come
it won’t come until you arrive also
We are waiting for Or
and here he touches
how much time have we been waiting for your return
We are waiting for Or
perhaps you can hear
you promised to return and the sunrise is still waiting
The days pass and no one can say
when the entry door will open
the children have been crying since the moment you left
if only you’ll be able to come before the sunset
We are waiting for Or
and here he touches
how much time have we been waiting for your return
We are waiting for Or
perhaps you can hear
you promised to return and the sunrise is still waiting.
1. Or is the name of a person as well as the Hebrew word for light.
Musical Moment – Parshat B’har
On Sunday we will celebrate Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day in the counting of the period between Pesach and Shavuot. Part of Lag BaOmer lore connects this day with Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a second century sage who was also known for his engagement with Jewish mysticism. The song reflects on his influence and its infusion into the celebration of Shabbat.
Sefardic Song about Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkB0RF7ywe0&list=PLa2PLAu-jBUtmXMXG4MhQ1vjANJNu6iAm&index=5
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was a principal student of Rabbi Akiva. Here is a Safam song based on a teaching of his regarding the importance of our children as students and thus perpetuators of Torah.
Amar Rabbi Akiva – SAFAM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc-2Tvs-QaU
Musical Moment – Parshat Emor
Eden Golan – Hurricane – Israel’s Eurovision Performance 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8Kw1xBGTnA
Netta – Toy – Israel’s Most Recent Eurovision First Place Finish 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSZMe8cSBZg
Ilanit – Ey Sham – Israel’s First Eurovision Appearance 1973
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrLS0pMuezQ
The Eurovision Song Contest began as a technical experiment in television broadcasting. The live, simultaneous, transnational broadcast that Europe has been watching for nearly 70 years was at its inception in 1956 considered an incredible marvel. The Eurovision Song Contest has continued to evolve and expand from a seven-nation competition to include 52 nations this year including Israel since 1973.
Eurovision’s organizers have always insisted that the contest was not a place for politics. Despite that, pro-Palestinian groups and some Eurovision fans have been trying for months to get the contest’s organizers, the European Broadcasting Union, to ban the Israeli entrant, Eden Golan, from taking part at this year’s event in Malmo, Sweden.
Protests were particularly vocal after the title of Golan’s entry was announced in February: “October Rain,” an apparent reference to last year’s Hamas attacks, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 240 taken hostage. The European Broadcasting Union objected that the title and some of the song’s lyrics were overly political, and asked Israel to change them. Golan tweaked the song, which is now called “Hurricane”.
Eden Golan performed in a tense atmosphere with conflicts amongst contestants and in the face of booing from a segment of the audience. In the end Switzerland won the competition by dominating the jury vote, while Israel’s Eden Golan, scored a strong second in the public vote, and placed fifth overall.
Musical Moment – Parshat Kedoshim
Ki Tavo’u El Ha’aretz – And When You Shall Come into the Land
The song is based on the conditional statement in our Torah portion, “When you enter the land” leading to various laws obligating the Israelites to share the bounty of the land with those in need. I am sharing three versions by different artists, the first being the most traditional. Also, don’t think I have “lost it” when you see the gospel choir below. Iris and Ofer have incorporated a “gospel” sound to their music. The second link below their name will take you to a description of their work and their involvement in the Israeli music scene.
Yardena Arzi, Mazi Cohen, Reuven Gewirtz, and Yoel Lerner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXhyYYezMUw
And when you shall come into the land,
And have first planted all manner of trees,
Then shall the trees yield each its fruit
And the land its harvest.
A time to plant trees
A time to plant and to build.
And you shall sit every man under his vine
And under his fig-tree,
And you shall be like a tree, planted
By streams of water.
A time to plant…
And you shall rebuild the old wastes,
You shall raise up the former desolations,
And you shall live upon your land
In security forever more.
A time to plant…
Iris & Ofer Portugaly and Their “Gospel” Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrQbft32Qf4
https://www.en.portugalymusic.com/homesites/PageGen.asp?page=25252
MOAV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xlHbP2F_vQ
MOAV is an Israeli group performing instrumental covers for old Hebrew songs featuring Eli Benacot, Inbar Fridman, Lior Ozeri, and David Sirkis
Musical Moment – Parshat Acharei Mot
HaLehakot HaTzva’iyot – Bayit Lehilachem (A Home To Fight For)
Hebrew with English subtitles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLMTbjKSyx0
Hatikva 6 – Giborei Al (Super Heroes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYGd4HOend4
So the Bible teacher serves in Givati
The language teacher in intelligence.
The neighbor upstairs works in construction
but has already been in the reserves for a month.
The lawyer is a “Kambatzit” (operations manager)
working shifts in the military division.
Her brother, a senior hi-tech guy, now he is a sniper on rooftops in the Strip.
The tough branch manager of the bank is a sergeant in Judea and Samaria.
Doron, he’s the owner of a toy store,
now he is a company commander in the armored corps.
And our beloved Amedi, who usually sings in Caesarea,
Is a combat engineering soldier bravely recovering
after being wounded in the heart of Gaza.
Hey,
It’s true everyone looks ordinary — but,
We’re a nation of superheroes
In each of us there is always a soldier hidden,
Ready to save the world
The bus driver from “Dan”,
The one who is always on time,
He is now the commander of an artillery battery in the south near Nir Am
There is a student at the Technion,
In the middle of his bachelor’s degree,
He is a captain in the 91st division in the Galil,
stationed for a month already at the northern border.
There is a model here who is a paramedic.
There is an electrician here who is a MAG shooter.
There is Yoni, a gifted saxophone player,
who is first and foremost a warrior in Sayeret Matkal (Elite unit).
Everyone has a hidden closet
or a large, equipped box
He has a set of uniforms or a reserves outfit, always ready for action.
Hey,
It’s true that everyone here looks normal — but,
We are a nation of superheroes
In each of us there is always a soldier hidden,
Ready to save the world
And it doesn’t matter if we are in the middle of living life
or in the middle of a soccer game,
Everyone will drop everything in a second if the flag calls out to them
This is not a parallel universe,
Not a “Marvel” reality
This is our story – the nation of Israel.
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