Musical Moment – Shmini Atseret / Simchat Torah 5787
This week’s musical moment kicks off with a playful introduction to Simchat Torah. Next are versions of a song sung during Hakafot, several are based on the arrangement by Yonatan Razel which is presented first. Last is a moving song by Sarit Hadad originally recorded many years ago but which took on new depths of meaning after October 7, 2023. I include it in anticipation of the third anniversary of that tragic moment which on the Hebrew calendar coincides with Shmini Atseret.
Get Up for Simchat Torah – Roar Parody
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k1uTc0C7mU&list=PLn9spWvsCBvfkNgxfgGjF1HsdlxVK_SQa&index=2
Ivdu et Hashem Besimcha / Worship Adonai in Joy – Yonatan Razel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EPxInTccdo&list=RD-EPxInTccdo&start_radio=1
Ivdu Et HaShem / Worship Adonai in Joy – Shul Sisters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36rCARAWssY&list=RD36rCARAWssY&start_radio=1
Ivdu Et HaShem B’Simcha / Worship Adonai in Joy – Heschel Harmonizers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP_TjiyKLZ4
Ivdu et HaShem / Worship Adonai in Joy – HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYOD_Qt0_sw&list=RDeYOD_Qt0_sw&start_radio=1
Ivdu et Ashem by Shabbatones – Philadelphia Jewish Collegiate A Cappella competition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEvyDo_-GEA&list=RDEEvyDo_-GEA&start_radio=1
K’sh-halev Bocheh / When the Heart Cries – Sarit Hadad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw4ceCrBxpg&list=RDsw4ceCrBxpg&start_radio=1
When the heart cries
only God hears
The pain rises out of the soul
A man falls down before he sinks down
With a little prayer (he) cuts the silence
Shma (Hear) Israel my God,
you’re the omnipotent
You gave me my life,
you gave me everything
In my eyes a tear,
the heart cries quietly
And when the heart is quiet,
the soul screams
Shma (Hear) Israel my God,
now I am alone
Make me strong my God;
make it that I won’t be afraid
The pain is big,
and there’s nowhere to run away
End it because I can’t take it anymore
(make the end of it because I have no more energy left within me)
When the heart cries,
Time stands still
All of a sudden, the man sees his entire life
He doesn’t want to go to the unknown
He cries to his God right before a big fall
Musical Moment – Sukkot 5787
Three very different songs for this week. The first is fun and playful in celebration of Sukkot and the practice of Sukkah hopping. The second picks on the theme of Sukkot as z’man simchatenu, the season of our joy and is wonderfully up-tempo. The last song picks up on the motif of Ushpizin, special guests to our sukkah discussed above.
Sukkah (Parody of Sugar by Maroon 5) Temple Israel, West Bloomfield Township, Michigan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvnVWseUSwY
Mahapecha Shel Simcha / Revolution of Joy – Lior Narkis & Omer Adam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_vKTzGQi-A&list=RDk_vKTzGQi-A&start_radio=1
Tivu: A Song of Welcome – Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael
https://ritualwell.org/ritual/tivu-song-welcome-2/
Welcome to our sukkah, come and be our guest
You’ll eat, drink, and study, sit enjoy your rest.
Chorus: Ti-vu Ti-vu Ushpizin ee-lah-een
Ti-vu Ti-vu Ushpizin Ka-di-shin.
Welcome Father Avraham, God put you to the test
Bring your faith and hesed, join us as we bless.
Welcome, Mother Sarah, Let your laughter ring
Bring your wisdom and your light, join us as we sing.
Welcome Father Yitzhak, in the afternoon you prayed
Bring a meditation, join us here today.
Welcome, Mother Rivkah, we’ve heard your voice so clear
Come and bring your oracles, come and join our cheer.
Welcome, Father Yaakov, you wrestled through the night
Come and bring your vision, help us get this right.
Welcome Mother Rachel, you weep on our behalf
Come and bring us mandrakes, come and join our laugh.
Welcome Mother Leah, seven kids born to you,
Come and bring fertility, help us to renew.
Welcome Brother Yosef, a colored coat you wore
Come and bring us happy dreams, sit with us some more.
Welcome Sister Tamar, a widows clothes you wore
But come and bring your cleverness, we’ll greet you at the door.
Welcome holy Moses, you met God face to face
Come and bring your leadership, we’ve saved you a place.
Welcome Sister Miriam, you danced across the sea
Come bring your tof (drum) and timbrel, dance to set us free.
Welcome Brother Aaron, our glorious High Priest
Come and bring us holiness, come and join our feast.
Welcome brave Devorah, you battled brave and strong
Come and bring your torches, join us in our song.
Welcome Queen Batsheva, found your beloved true
Mother of King Shlomo, his wisdom came through you.
Welcome Melekh David, you danced a mighty dance;
It’s time for the Mashiach, it’s time we had the chance.
Welcome Grandmother Ruth, you chose to be a Jew,
Come and bring your loyalty, bring Naomi too.
Welcome Melekh David, you wrote many psalms
Come and bring your etrog, myrtle, willow, and palms.
Musical Moment Parshat Ha’azinu 5787
The first three recordings are built on the opening verses of this week’s Torah portion, each offering a unique interpretation. The last two offer different interpretations based on a Yom Kippur piyyut Adon HaSelichot, Lord of forgiveness.
Give ear, O heavens, let me speak;
Let the earth hear the words I utter!
May my discourse come down as the rain,
My speech distill as the dew,
Like showers on young growth,
Like droplets on the grass.
For the name of the Lord I proclaim;
Give glory to our God!
The Rock! — His deeds are perfect,
Yea, all His ways are just;
A faithful God, never false,
True and upright is He.
D’varim/Deuteronomy 32:1-4
Ha’azinu – Sofi Tsedaka & the Baladis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D5eW_omhVw
Lead singer, Sofi Tsedaka is originally a Samaritan from the city of Holon, where she was born in 1975. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel recognizes Samaritans as being ethnically Jewish, descendants of the Israelites, the question of the community’s Halachic status as part of the Jewish community remains disputed. At the age of 18, Sofi, along with her sisters initiated the process of converting to Judaism adopting the name Sarah when she finalized her conversion.
Ha’azinu – Craig Taubman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIrXCVCORvE&list=RDyIrXCVCORvE&start_radio=1
This song begins with the opening words of our Torah portion, incorporates several other verses, and adds as a refrain from the Book of Esther, familiar from its use in Havdalah. “The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honor.” (Esther 8:16)
Parshat Ha’azinu: Moses’s Last Song, Funkified
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jgNNB1rONw
BimBam created short videos for every Torah portion targeted at young people. Embedded in this episode is a playful version of Moshe’s song capturing the essence of Moshe’s message if not the actual words.
Adon HaSelichot / Lord of Forgiveness – Chanan Ben Ari
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYtbhVxuLI8&list=RDTYtbhVxuLI8&start_radio=1
Lord of forgiveness,
Lord of forgiveness, examining hearts //
we have sinned before you have mercy on us
Lord of forgiveness, knows the hidden //
we have sinned before you have mercy on us
Lord of forgiveness, hear hear prayers //
we have sinned before you have mercy on us
Lord of forgiveness, forgive sins // we have sinned before You
Again, coming back to you after a year, asking forgiveness // Will she get it?
Let’s talk about what happened, good and bad // You are Dad and King
How I looked only at what is running out // I lost my way
What I damaged, let me fix // begging like a son// Just open a door for me
Lord of forgiveness, hear prayers, we have sinned before you have mercy on us…
The environment has infected speech like this, that I’m a hypocrite // And suddenly we came back to talk //
Only you see and know my heart // when I’m shedding tears //
you couldn’t lie to me
How I looked only at what is running out // I lost my way
What I damaged, let me fix // begging like a son// Just open a door for me …
Lord of pardons Lord of forgiveness, and give me the strength to want,
what is good for me // to be like what I’ve chosen // to live what I dreamed //
Despite what I missed // Sew What I tore // to go back to myself // if you will open for me the door …
Adon HaSelichot / Lord of Forgiveness – Liat Itzhaki
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRfSLZ6DYjA&list=RDHRfSLZ6DYjA&index=1
Lord of forgiveness,
Knower of thoughts
Revealer of the concealed,
Speak of truths
We have sinned before You,
Have mercy upon us.
Glorious in wonders,
Veteran in comforts
Remembers ancestral covenant,
Knower of inner thoughts
We have sinned before You,
Have mercy upon us.
Good and beneficent to humanity,
Knowing all hidden things,
Overcomes sins,
Clothed in righteousness
We have sinned before You,
Have mercy upon us.
Full of purities,
Awesome in praises
Forgiving of sins,
Answerer in time of trouble
We have sinned before You,
Have mercy upon us.
Bridger of deliverance,
Seer of futures,
Calling to the generations,
Rider of clouds,
Hearer of Prayer,
Perfect in knowledge.
We have sinned before You,
Have mercy upon us.
Musical Moment for Rosh Hashana 5787
Haben Yakir Li is a classic cantorial piece from the Zichronot section of Musaf on Rosh Hashanah. To my knowledge, the earliest recording of this liturgical piece was made in Warsaw in 1907 by the legendary Cantor Gershon Sirota. Other notable early 20th-century cantors released versions of this prayer in the 1920s during what was known as “Golden Age of Hazzanut” including Cantor Yossele Rosenblatt. I remember as a child sitting next to my Zaide z”l and listening to Rosenblatt’s record.
Haben Yakir Li/ – Hazzan Gershon Sirota
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6II19vxgs2I
Hazzan Yossele Rosenblatt – Haben Yakir li Ephraim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NnLWa55UoI&list=RD1NnLWa55UoI&start_radio=1
Haben Yakir Li/ – Dafna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCdWGt-4BqA&list=RDsCdWGt-4BqA&start_radio=1
Haben Yakir Li/ – Zamir Choral
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xTHGE1PGpY&list=RD_xTHGE1PGpY&start_radio=1
Haben Yakir Li/ – The Gevatron https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WucHYGzFy28&list=RDWucHYGzFy28&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Nitzavim-Vayelech 5786
The phrase Avinu Malkenu unites these musical selections which include versions of the familiar prayer from the High Holy Day machzor as well as other prayers that begin with the formula meaning “Our father, Our King” capturing the immanence and transcendence of God.
Avinu Malkenu (Refrain and Excerpts)
Avinu Malkenu, have mercy on us, answer us, for our deeds are insufficient; deal with us charitably and lovingly, and redeem us.
Avinu Malkenu, we have sinned in Your presence.
Avinu Malkenu, hear our prayer before You.
Avinu Malkenu, make this a good year for us.
Avinu Malkenu / Our Father, Our King – Hila ben David
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZj1kWuWeAI&list=RDgZj1kWuWeAI&start_radio=1
Avinu Malkenu / Our Father, Our King – Ella
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYLVgxKzbC8&list=RDVYLVgxKzbC8&start_radio=1
Avinu Malkenu / Our Father, Our King – Akiva & Idan Raichel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2MInaGPZWk&list=RDQ2MInaGPZWk&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Parshat Kee Tavoh 5786
Three songs to get you into the spirit of Elul and thinking about Rosh Hashsanah. The first by Shiri Maimon is a very different rendition of the familiar song. The second a classic by Naomi Shemer. The last is a beautiful version of the Song Shanah Tovah to the tune of Amazing Grace.
Ba’Shana Ha’Ba-ah / In the Coming Year – Shiri Maimon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ojXjl5nLWU&list=RD4ojXjl5nLWU&start_radio=1
B’rosh Hasanah / On Rosh Hashanah – Naomi Shemer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-9b0XcfO2g&list=RD0-9b0XcfO2g&start_radio=1
Shana Tovah / A Good Year – Adi Cohen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZta9XGURak&list=RDCZta9XGURak&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Parshat Kee Teytzeh 5786
On Rosh Chodesh Elul we began adding Psalm 27 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 different renditions of the verse 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 / One Thing I Ask (Duet for Elul) – Lea K & Rabbi T featuring Coleen Dieker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhI6lxkMlXg&list=RDzhI6lxkMlXg&start_radio=1
Achat Sha’alti / One Thing I Ask – Aly Halpert
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2CX2vcfGok&list=RDe2CX2vcfGok&start_radio=1
Achat Sha’alti / One Thing I Ask – Cantyors Daniel Multu and Jenna Pearsall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO5mQmrPG8w&list=RDRO5mQmrPG8w&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Parshat Shoftim 5786
The song by Safam is built from passages in this week’s Haftarah, Isaiah’s words of comfort and hope to the Israelites of his day and sustained generations of the Jewish people throughout the Diaspora.
Ma Navu / How Beautiful – Safam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5387MMnt_Co&list=RD5387MMnt_Co&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Parshat R’eh 5786
Ana Bekoach was written by Solomon ibn Gabriol (1021-1058) one of the greatest medieval Jewish poets. This is an excerpt from his masterful philosophical work Keter Malchut (The Crown of Kingship) which the author wrote in poetic meter. Ibn Gabirol hopes for God’s blessings for the Jewish people. The translation appears below and a transliteration appears in our Lev Shalem Siddur on page 22.
Below are two versions, each recorded after the attacks of October 7 as Israel dealt with the ongoing conflict, the hostage situation, and the growing number of casualties and injuries. Before beginning Omer Adam reflects on this and encourages the audience to stand, hold hands, and join in singing.
If You would, may Your mighty right hand undo the knot that ties us up.
Accept the prayers of Your people;
You who are revered, raise us up, cleanse us.
Almighty, if You would, guard as the apple of Your eye
those who seek Your unity.
Bless them, cleanse them, have compassion on them,
always act justly toward them.
Mighty, Holy One, in Your abundant goodness, guide Your people.
Alone exalted, turn to Your people who invoke Your holiness.
Listen to our pleas, hear our cries, knowing the hidden depths within us.
Praised be the name of the one
whose glorious sovereignty is forever and ever.
Ana Bekoach – Hila Ben David
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7vx-lQqWtk&list=RDN7vx-lQqWtk&start_radio=1
Ana Bekoach – Omer Adam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2TsE6myK-w&list=RDq2TsE6myK-w&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Parshat Ekev 5786
The first song is really a kid’s song, but it does emerge directly from our Torah reading this week which lists the seven species associated with the Land of Israel. The second song is a playful song about national foods.
Rabbi B – Seven Wonderful Fruits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2xOx9UlMuM
And we have Falafel Nissim Garma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV6zFNhVx-o&list=RDoV6zFNhVx-o&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Parshat Va’etchanan / Shabbat Nachamu 5786
This week we will mark Tu B’Av, the quirky Jewish older brother of Valentine’s Day. Here’s what you need to know.
The holiday’s Hebrew name simply translates to the date: the 15th of the month of Av. This romantic holiday used to be the Second Temple period version of a singles mixer. Jewish women would go dancing in the vineyards, according to the Talmud, and unmarried men would go to the fields to pick out a wife.
From the end of the Second Temple era until the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the day was largely ignored. Today in Israel, much like Valentine’s Day in the United States, with flowers, romantic dinner dates and evening soirées. Lovers will take an evening stroll to enjoy nature’s mood lighting, since the holiday falls on a full moon.
Here are a few love songs from Israel to set the mood.
Kol Dodi / The Voice of My Beloved – Shlomit & RebbeSoul
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh5nP6dib5M&list=RDEh5nP6dib5M&start_radio=
The voice of my beloved, the voice of my beloved
The voice of my beloved, here he comes!
The voice of my beloved, the voice of my beloved
The voice of my beloved, here he comes!
Leaping upon the mountains
Skipping across the hills
Leaping upon the mountains
Skipping across the hills
B’karov / Soon – The Idan Raichel Project (Live)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-gpjRer6BU&list=RDG-gpjRer6BU&start_radio=1
Soon
Soon I will be back
To the quiet, to the light,
To the wind, to the water,
Soon I will be back
To the warmth after cold,
To the beach, to the skies.
Soon I will be back,
You’ll see, like a drunk,
To dive again into your eyes,
Soon I will be back,
The time we waited will pass
And will bring me to you.
Because here, far away,
The sun shines too
Each day,
But it’s different,
A bit the same, a bit unlike,
Because far away
The days and nights
Are awash with memories,
In which you’re beautiful and laughing.
Soon I will be back,
One last stop at the end of the road,
To the street and to the house,
Soon I will be back,
One last door to close
And then to fall into your arms.
Bat Li Pitom / You Came to Me Suddenly – Keren Peles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKyLspnPvts&list=RDrKyLspnPvts&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Parshat Pinchas 5786 – July 4th/Independence Day
This week’s musical moment focuses not on the Torah portion but the Semiquincentennial celebration of Independence Day. The selections reflect Jewish musicians who helped create some of our countries most iconic songs.
“God Bless America” – Irving Berlin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmc-pEyUHTs&list=RDVmc-pEyUHTs&start_radio=1
“Take Me out to the Ball Game” music by Albert Von Tilzer
The history behind and the song ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wb92l2rOio
Neil Diamond – America
Two versions, one the original video from the movie The Jazz Singer and the second is used to capture the diversity that is America.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3RYzVcevrs&list=RDW3RYzVcevrs&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3RYzVcevrs&list=RDW3RYzVcevrs&start_radio=1
Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor by IRVING BERLIN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbETEBCIW5U&list=RDUbETEBCIW5U&start_radio=1
Written for Irving Berlin’s musical comedy Miss Liberty is a mostly fictitious account of the history behind the creation of the Statue of Liberty. The song Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor taken from the Emma Lazarus work inscribed on that statue served as the final number in that 1949 production.
The Milken Archive of Jewish Music – The American Experience
https://www.milkenarchive.org
The Milken Archive was founded in 1990 to document, preserve, and disseminate the vast body of music that pertains to the American Jewish experience. An incredible collection tracing the music of Jews through the generations in this country.
Musical Moment – Parshat Chukkat/Balak 5786
Mayim Rabim / Abundant Waters – Aaron Razel & Yonatan Razel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ltx_lo13qA&list=OLAK5uy_mV-UI9CHRr8ZQavfDD0NgR_xlUZuEmyG4
This song is rooted in our Torah portion and the well-known story of Moshe striking the rock instead of speaking to it which nonetheless yields an abundance of water for the Israelites.
The community was without water, and they… quarreled with Moses… take the
rod and assemble the community, and before their very eyes order the rock to
yield its water. Thus, you shall produce water for them from the rock and provide
drink for the congregation and their beasts. Moses took the rod from before the
Lord, as commanded. Moses and Aaron assembled the congregation in front of
the rock; and he said to them, “Listen, you rebels, shall we get water for you out
of this rock?” And Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod.
Out came copious water, and the community and their beasts drank.
Bamidbar / Numbers 20:2-11, Excerpted
Musical Moments – Parshat Korach 5786
With an Aufruf and wedding happening at RST this weekend here are two popular songs at weddings in Israel.
Chayim Sheli / My Life – Eden Ben Zaken
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEEzKfGa1oY
I had just about given up when you came into my life
Lightning up my heart in a sea of colors
After all the years that I’ve been looking for happiness
Years that I’ve been looking for lyrics
Honey, look into my eyes
We won everything and managed to stay sane
Promise always to take care of us only
To take care forever
Oy you are my life
I’m so happy I got you
I’m lucky to have you by my side
Oy you are my life
I shout in front of everybody
For me you are the greatest happiness in the world
Every morning with you is such a happiness
I wish time would stop for ever
I’m so happy that you came for a moment
And stayed for eternity
This love is for a lifetime
Oy you are my life
I’m so happy I got you
I’m lucky to have you by my side
Oy oy oy you are my life
I shout in front of everybody
For me you are the greatest happiness in the world
Acharei Hachatuna / After the Wedding – Omer Adam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yqSL0sCmbQ&list=RD_yqSL0sCmbQ&start_radio=1
After the wedding
we’ll hook a few cans to the car
and we’ll drive, don’t matter where to us
after the wedding
what will be will be for us
in the end we will tell of our love
I want to have a weekend with you, only me and you
when Sabbath ends a bonfire and stars
we will drive the two of us and perhaps will return as three
come, Yalla, let’s go
Where were you all these years
how much do i want to climb the cranes of Tel Aviv
and to shout to you that you are my whole life
you are all my life
After the wedding
we’ll hook a few cans to the car
and we’ll drive, don’t matter where to us
after the wedding
what will be will be for us
in the end we will tell of our love
My beauty oy, what did you do to me, what did you do to me, ach
all the Spotify songs that i wrote for you already
all the country will hear how much i love you
oy, woe is me
Where were you all these years
how much do i want to climb the cranes of Tel Aviv
and to shout to you that you are my whole life
you are all my life
After the wedding
we’ll hook a few cans to the car
and we’ll drive, don’t matter where to us
after the wedding
what will be will be for us
in the end we will tell of our love
Musical Moment – Parshat Sh’lach L’cha 5786
Sim Shalom – Craig Taubman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpWtUFMCa5g&list=RDfpWtUFMCa5g&start_radio=1
Musical Moments – Parshat B’ha’ah-lot-cha 5786
Yamim Tovim Ba-eem / Good Days Are Coming – Subliminal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxmH5q115yc&list=PLyzobhsSm2LY95UolXauKh24hQADgEi61&index=8
Musical Moments – Parshat Naso 5786
Sorry, but these are thematically too perfect to pass up. Plus, the first one also reflects the exemption embedded within the concept of Geneivat da’at when it is done with good intention.
Fleetwood Mac, “Little Lies” (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCGD9dT12C0&list=RDuCGD9dT12C0&start_radio=1
Eagles, “Lyin’ Eyes” (1975)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqccEpqvwPY&list=RDPqccEpqvwPY&start_radio=1
“Brilliant Disguise” by Bruce Springsteen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idnJnjV_8rg&list=RDidnJnjV_8rg&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Shavuot 5782
Sweet as Honey – Dan Nichols and 18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwug-g5k0f8
Holy Ground – Craig Taubman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XltwsKCAq-M
Whither Thou Goest – Leonard Cohen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgrPvfsomZU
Musical Moment – Parshat Bemidbar 5786
The final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will be held on Saturday with the top ten countries from each semi-final participating and Israel’s entrant, Noam Bettan will perform as one of the finalists.
The official video of Noam Bettan performing Michelle is on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/live/L9JVTSHKeqc
For the uninitiated to the Eurovision Song Contest, you can think of it as Europe’s music Olympics. Countries compete to win with a different song each year, and with musical representatives that range from heavy metal bands to turkey puppets. Broadcasters from each nation select their entrant, often through national competitions.
Watching the Eurovision Song Contest in the U.S is a lot easier this year. Eurovision is available on the streaming platform Peacock for those who subscribe. Even better, this year you can also watch the proceedings, on Eurovision’s official YouTube channel , which carries the international feed. This will also link to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/@EurovisionSongContest
Musical Moment – Parshat Behar/B’chukkotai 5786
In anticipation of Mother’s Day here are two songs by Israeli artists about their mothers. Also, this week is the semi-finals of the 2026 Eurovision competition. While there have been some protests and calls for boycott, Israel’s representative Noam Betton will perform in the first semi-final on Tuesday. Lyrics for all three songs appear below though Betton’s song is trilingual – Hebrew, French, and English.
Ima / Mother – Shlomi Shabat and Yossi Azulay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkkRQ5oYsnM&list=RDFkkRQ5oYsnM&start_radio=1
Who walks by my side
for the length of the journey
with each dream, each look,
Mother.
Who wraps all of me,
in a never-ending warmth
in love, in worry,
Mother.
Just embrace me
and see who’s dearest to me of all
don’t change for me
don’t go from me ever, ever.
You know the way,
to the heart that has no secret
your hand touches my soul
and covers everything.
Who gives all of herself
without a shadow of regret
in her soul close to me
dear Mother.
You were never broken
you never err
you wipe away my tear,
Mother.
Just embrace me…
Like a sun you shine
and evil turns to good
come Mother, take the fear
and hug me close.
Who walks by my side…
Ima Sheli /My Mom – Arik Einstein
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgwV939Djfg&list=RDzgwV939Djfg&start_radio=1
I have a woman that loves me,
She’s mine only.
She knows me from my beginning,
mine and hers.
She has no choice but to be smart,
My mom
And this song I sing for her –
Mom, mom,
You nursed me,
You pampered me,
You brought me,
You.
How many days I spent with her,
My mom.
How many tears I dried with her,
Mine and hers
How many things I discovered with her,
My mom
How many hopes we had together.
Mom, mom
You were always with me
Even when I was alone.
I will always be with you,
My mom.
There are times when I’m in trouble,
My mom.
You can read between the lines,
Mine and yours
Why do you worry and lose sleep,
My mom,
How is it that a mother doesn’t trust her son?
Mom, mom,
You nursed me,
You pampered me,
You brought me,
You.
Michelle – Noam Bettan Israel’s Official Eurovision 2026 Video
[Intro]
Mm-mm
Mm-mm
Mm-mm, mm-mm
Michelle, this is a toxic love, I’m in the darkness
How did you leave me in the shadows?
A star without fame, a great madwoman
I rise and fall
Oh, Michelle
I no longer know what to do
You were my light
God, I beg you, wake me up
I plunged into the dark
Bring me back some hope
And my mademoiselle
[Pre-Chorus]
So I dance, dance with the pain
You will see me laugh, laugh again
You’re my pain, I was only a decoration
I screamed, screamed, screamed
[Chorus]
Michelle
I’m letting you go, goodbye my beautiful
I’m letting you go, but I love you
The queen of problems
Michelle, Michelle, Michelle, Michelle
[Post-Chorus]
Aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye (Oh-oh, oh-oh)
Aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye (Oh-oh, oh-oh)
Walking down Florentin
Ocean eyes, memories
I (I), I’m losing my mind
[Pre-Chorus]
An angel, but is it hell
Trapped in your carousel
‘Round and ’round (‘Round and ’round)
Under your spell
[Chorus]
Michelle (Michelle)
I’m letting you go, goodbye my beautiful
I’m letting you go, but I love you
The queen of problems
Michelle, Michelle, Michelle, Michelle
[Post-Chorus]
Aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye (Oh-oh, oh-oh)
Aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye (Oh-oh, oh-oh)
Ooh (Oh-oh, oh-oh)
Ooh (Oh-oh, oh-oh)
And maybe in the end, things will turn out well for us
Pray on you that you will deserve to love
Between tear to tear, there is someone who will hear
There is someone who will hear
[Chorus]
(Michelle)
I’m letting you go, goodbye my beautiful (Michelle)
I’m letting you go, but I love you
The queen of problems (Ooh; Oh-oh, oh-oh)
[Outro]
Ooh, I love you
My queen of problems
Michelle, Michelle, Michelle, Michelle
Musical Moment – Parshat Emor 5786
Hakol Yistader / Everything Will Work Out – Hadag Nahash with Peled
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixVh5lobjF0&list=RDixVh5lobjF0&start_radio=1
Ma’agalim / Circles – Idan Raichel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO76fMKEjzg&list=RDzO76fMKEjzg&start_radio=1
At the point the day comes to an end
At the time the heart starts
Night is getting darker
And circles close
Imaginary movements
Trains cross mountains
Back to the point
Where circles close
Circles, circles
How do we stay
In life’s turns
Holding on to people
Circles, circles
How do we stay
Waking up to a new day
Coming back to try again
Maybe tonight we will stay
If you will come to visit again
Our gentle togetherness
Has something dazzling
To be thrown into the night
To get drunk from another light
To be shattered against life
To believe and not give up
Halevai / If Only (I Wish) – Boaz Sharabi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px1PLCKg7LI&list=RDPx1PLCKg7LI&start_radio=1
If only –
from a cloud, a rainbow’d come down upon us
If only –
this world could be fixed
If only
a day’d spring up out of the raging storm
If only
the gift would never be lost
If only
the desert would sprout grass.
If only
we’d yet sit under the shade of the fig tree.
Chorus:
If only
we’d not suffer and each man’d love his brother
If only
the gates of Eden would again be opened
If only
East and West would mix together – if only
If only
we could renew our days here as long ago.
If only
nation would no longer lift sword against nation
If only
we wouldn’t abandon the path of hope
If only
the human’d be compassionate till evening
If only
there’d be a chance for love.
Chorus:
If only
we’d not suffer and each man’dl love his brother
If only
the gates of Eden would again be opened
If only
East and West would mix together – if only
If only
we could renew our days here as long ago.
Musical Moment – Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5786
Od Lo Ahavti Di / I Haven’t Loved Enough – Subliminal with Yehoram Gaon
A Song for Yom Ha’atzmaut 78
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7uChmO-LvY&list=PLyzobhsSm2LYAYdurHD1fmlCbHBTCTUIe&index=6
Haleluia LaOlam / Haleluya to the World – Eden Ben Zaken & Gali Atari
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ_tYQbjomY&list=PLyzobhsSm2LYAYdurHD1fmlCbHBTCTUIe&index=13
Haleluya to the world,
every one will sing
One word only
and the heart is full of thanks
And beats as well what a wonderful world
Haleluya with the song,
for a day that shines
For all that has been
and for all that is about to happen
Haleluya to the world,
every one will sing
And the big bells
will be echo in a lot of notes
And together with us they will say – haleluya
Haleluya for every thing,
yesterday and tomorrow
Haleluya hand in hand
and sing in one heart – haleluya
Chai / Alive – Netta Barzilai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkNVw3brhzA&list=PLyzobhsSm2LYAYdurHD1fmlCbHBTCTUIe&index=9
Listen, my brothers, I’m still alive
And my two eyes
Are still raised to the light
Many are my thorns,
But also my flowers
And ahead of me
Are years too numerous to count
I ask and I pray
It’s good that hope was not yet lost
A psalm passes
From generation to generation
Like a spring from long ago,
And on to eternity
I ask and I pray
It’s good that hope was not yet lost
Chorus:
Alive, alive, alive – Yes, I’m still alive!
This is the song which grandfather
Sang yesterday to father
And today I [sing]
I’m still alive, alive, alive
The people of Israel live
This is the song which grandfather
Sang yesterday to father
And today I [sing]!
My days and nights are full of life,
And in my sky the pillar of fire still rises*
I will sing endlessly
I’ll spread out my hands
To my friends across the sea.
I ask and I pray
It’s good that hope was not yet lost
Chorus:
Listen my brothers, I’m still alive
And my two eyes are still raised to the light
So here’s to life! To all my guests,
And to my children who seek to return
I ask and I pray
It’s good that hope was not yet lost
Chorus:
Alive alive alive (2x)
Alive, I’m still alive alive alive!
Musical Moment – Parshat Tazria-Metzora 5786
Here are few Israeli classics for Yom Ha’atzmaut and two more recent videos, each with history of Israel.
The Maccabeats – Megillat Ha’atzmaut – מגילת העצמאות – Yom Ha’atzmaut
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6UcozPpJvs&list=RDJ6UcozPpJvs&start_radio=1
What is Yom Ha’atzmaut: Israel Independence Day – Bim Bam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqXg5e1sg5s
Eretz Ahuva/Beloved Land – Subliminal and Shlomi Shabbat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pOPSZVNMt4&list=RD4pOPSZVNMt4&start_radio=1
I came from the East
I overcame a long journey
I spent years dreaming of a land,
a land, a land,
a beloved land
Let’s go/come on!!!
Here in the promised land of the forefathers
each corner is promised, and injured ground screams
well there’s no point to cry, need to get up and do
to bring the change instead of just hope
no, people have sons and daughters here
and they grow up and understand what it is to live here
they open their eyes, there’s no hope for a good day
with two feet on the street they live, dying to love
and to build us a home in the only place
as the sign on the flag is the star of David
hand in hand, we’ll guide our fathers to here
that still remember in their spirit the old story
how across the hills and to the sea
across the sands of the desert
resides the holy land
and if I got to here then I won’t stop
I…
I came,
From the East to the West I overcame
a long journey,
I was amazed,
to touch its beauty, I dreamed for years
beloved land.
So this song is dedicated to my mother earth
my country my root and my culture
for my good, my bad because the time has come
that we learn to enjoy
generations dreamed of a home we could live in
there’s no point to life, nothing is set in stone
the proud in our hearts takes off above
so do it with a star of David, with moral,
applaud him Shlomi Shabat and Subliminal
only in Israel because this is a wonderful land
good music Sabbath in the synagogue
pita with falafel “Alte Zachen” (old things)
the food the soul there’s nothing like in our neighbourhood
972 that’s the area code Beigele with Za’atar on every block
the blood is hot, the beach full with rackets above the head pam-pam
I came,
From the East to the West I overcame
a long journey,
I was amazed,
to touch its beauty, I dreamed for years
beloved land.
Let’s go/come on!!!
I came,
From the East to the West I overcame
a long journey,
I was amazed,
to touch its beauty, I dreamed for years
beloved land.
Shalom Lach Eretz/Hello Wonderful Country Nehedert – Yehoram Gaon
I have been in Paris and also Rome
I have seen the seven wonders of the world
The North pole and also the south
But there is no place like the land of Israel
And like postcards of beautiful scenery
Pictures fly about in my memory fly,
Like in the camera’s lens
In the backpack I will carry
Te every place, on every journey
Mosaic fragments from a complete picture.
Hello Wonderful Country,
Your poor servant sings you a song
Even if I sometimes wander on my way,
It’s good to wander but better to return.
The spiers of the towers in Jerusalem
And the alleys of the colorful market
The tiled roofs of Givatayim
Staring through my window.
The spring in Tel Aviv,
My grandmother and grandfather,
The challah and the Shabbat candles,
The Dead Sea in opposite the Red
And Lot’s wife looking over Sodom
And the summer toward Eilat.
Hello Wonderful Country……
The blue waters of lake Kinneret
And matching sky above.
And the familiar feeling of home
Flows in my arteries like electricity.
The Galilean Mountains and the Shomron,
The orchards in the Sharon,
And the children in the garden of the settlements
The Carmel and the sea
One by one and all together
Always winking, saying welcome
Hello Wonderful Country……
A Musical Moment – Parshat Shmini 5786
Originally performed by Arik Einstein I believe that this song captures some of the sentiment expressed in the teaching above from The Seer of Lublin. The second song, also performed by Koolulam captures the aspect of personal duty.
Yesh Bi Ahava/I Am Filled with Love – Koolulam | Latroun Park | August 15, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J98XBmoZAi4&list=OLAK5uy_mDfTMtH7r_sYxNRLSBoxb1s2n5Xdygu4Y
I Lived – One Republic – Koolulam | South Africa | October 14th, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZrxTmNlYJs
Musical Moment – Pesach 5786
Here are some songs, old and new, to get you in the mood for Pesach!
Gad Elbaz – Ma Nishtana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1rH7rYuZQE
Akiva, Nathan Goshen, Yonatan Razel – V’hee She’amda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjPqwkd4-uc
Six13 – A Michael Jackson Passover
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHwgK9l8KLg
Avadim Hayinu — Debbie Friedman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09jmwmHJZgI&list=RD09jmwmHJZgI&start_radio=1
Avadim Hayinu – Craig Taubman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sFcue2Kt3g&list=RD4sFcue2Kt3g&start_radio=1
Coral Ensemble – Let My People Go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvTQ6FxbrQA
DAYENU | a new melody for Passover – Eliana Light
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I79K4TX6I2A&list=RDI79K4TX6I2A&start_radio=1
ADIR HU – Gerard Edery and Maria Krupoves with the Klaipeda Chamber Orchestra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy4Ft3nAEfM&list=RDyy4Ft3nAEfM&start_radio=1
Had Gadya A Little Goat – Chava Alberstein
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd8d_wN0_v0&list=RDZd8d_wN0_v0&start_radio=1
Un Kavretiko – Chad Gadya (Ladino) – Yehoram Gaon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jVaBaFJJU0
Musical Moment – Shabbat Hagadol / Parshat Tzav 5786
Shabbat Hagadol, the Shabbat immediately prior to Pesach is meant to encourage our fullest focus on the upcoming festival. Here are some selections to help get you into the mood including a new original song by The Maccabeats, Six13’s annual parody song, a unique Who Knows One, Ma Nishtana – The 5 (not a typo) Questions, and a playful song mashup.
Yossi Azulay – Vehi Sheamda Live Concert in Paris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_wrn-JNjnM&list=RDs_wrn-JNjnM&start_radio=1
Vehi She’amda – Hila Ben David & Chaim Stern
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJyptA5iqMA&list=RDdJyptA5iqMA&start_radio=1
Avadim Hayinu – Wade in the Water | The Josh Nelson Project (Live)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3Gs53rKYeI&list=OLAK5uy_lm5ANz_hKGMJOO7qLFk-65oBq8POeBhuA
“Break Free (Avadim Hayinu)” | The Maccabeats | Original Passover Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZEpGrrYrRU&list=RDfZEpGrrYrRU&start_radio=1
Echad Mi Yodea by Ohad Naharin performed by Batsheva – the Young Ensemble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v6tY_u-Mls
Six13 – A Michael Jackson Passover
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHwgK9l8KLg
MaNishtana – 5 Questions Friends of the IDF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yhklPTF6Qw&list=RD8yhklPTF6Qw&start_radio=1
Passover Mashup – Dance Spectacular! | Elliot Dvorin & The Key Tov Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0qsy32Hk4s&list=RDf0qsy32Hk4s&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Parshat Vayikra 5786
Welcome To the Mess – Harel Skatt & Noroz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jhrux9DOz0&list=RD4jhrux9DOz0&start_radio=1
A new day is here
full of smoke
what was yesterday
already sounds old
Everything happens quickly
everything happens differently
everything is photographed here, when will the movie end
And like this every time anew
and I’m half burnt out
smiling so that I will have a memento
how much I want to feel other than I do
And from the roof tops
I shouted to the heavens
on starless nights
I prayed that still
there would be many people outside
that want peace at home
that only miracles will happen here
that we’ll open the shutters
Welcome to the mess (1)
A mess….
I woke up refreshed, Dad come to the kindergarten, and let’s make a mess
you didn’t see that I’m under pressure, I don’t have any time
I don’t have anything underneath, why isn’t there any AC
everything is the best here, everything is nonsense
bring the pitcher I want to drink
and the stocks only go up
my brother just let me live.
It Doesn’t Come Easy – Shlomo Artzi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFrqhN2dnMY&list=RDZFrqhN2dnMY&start_radio=1
It doesn’t come easy
but it comes for you
everything in its time, will be revealed in happiness
you are building ladders, aiming at heaven
four angels are safeguarding you in the meantime
The world is a song that was written for you
how the morning shines and slowly returns you from your sleep
you have a soul, it’s as big as the sun
you have a blessing waiting here, open the door
You have within you a song that has not yet been written
let it sing out now
let it flow for you
and there is a star above, how it shines now
always protecting you
You are living for what you were born to do
and even if the answer is not yet clear
in the end it will come
it’s a crazy world, an insane celebration
and at the end of the party
you’ll play again on your porch
You have within you a song that has not yet been written
let it sing out now
let it flow for you
and there is a star above, how it shines now
always protecting you
Musical Moment – Parshat Vayak-hel-Pekudey 5786
Eyal Golan – Am Yisrael Chai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p3rtnQ_7y4&list=RD2p3rtnQ_7y4&start_radio=1
The Maccabeats – Les Misérables – Passover
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmthKpnTHYQ&list=RDqmthKpnTHYQ&start_radio=1
Dayenu, Coming Home – The Fountainheads Passover Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_RmVJLfRoM&list=RDE_RmVJLfRoM&start_radio=1
Musical Moment Parshat Ki Tissa 5786
V’shamru, the verses we sing on both Friday evening and Shabbat morning appear in this week’s Torah portion. Here are five versions for you to enjoy and get into the mood for Shabbat.
V’shamru – Craig Taubman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLUxgrlqGfk&list=RDbLUxgrlqGfk&start_radio=1
V’Shamru / Nigun Yinafash – Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdHAoEYDFEk&list=RDOdHAoEYDFEk&start_radio=1
V’shamru – Neshama Carlebach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOckLGLHnrA&list=RDaOckLGLHnrA&start_radio=1
V’shamru – Dan Nichols & Eighteen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR9mM6Is56Q&list=RDNR9mM6Is56Q&start_radio=1
V’sham’ru – Brian Shamash (South Africa)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8nw1hvJTf0&list=RDD8nw1hvJTf0&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Shabbat Zachor, Parshat T’tsaveh 5786
Some music to get you in the mood for Purim!
This first piece is a slight variation of the traditional song which follows the reading of Megillat Esther.
Shoshanat Ya’akov / The Rose of Jacob – Maya Levin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPSHoI9ji8M&list=RDaPSHoI9ji8M&start_radio=1
The Jews of Shushan beamed with joy
when they beheld Mordechai robed in royal blue.
You, God, have always been our deliverance,
our hope in every generation.
Those who place their hope in You
will never be ashamed.
Those who trust in You will never be confounded.
Cursed be Haman, who sought to destroy us;
Blessed be Mordechai the Jew.
Cursed be Zeresh, the wife of our persecutor;
blessed be Esther, our protector.
And may Charvonah also be remembered for good.
Michelle Citrin – Shake Your Grogger (A Purim Song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-wxBQGetIs&list=RDj-wxBQGetIs&start_radio=1
Raise Your Mask Purim – The Fountainheads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9HbULd67sE&list=RDA9HbULd67sE&start_radio=1
Hey Hey Hey Haman: A Bluegrass Purim Song – Yisrael Lutnick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwxXX99bWU0&list=RDSwxXX99bWU0&start_radio=1
Stereo Sinai – Purim Hayom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsLILFrowLE&list=RDxsLILFrowLE&start_radio=1
Today is Purim
Let us sing and rejoice
Let us thank God in heaven
For redemptions on earth
Following Mordechai’s elevation to be Ahchashverosh’s new vizier the Megillah states, “The Jews enjoyed light and gladness, happiness and honor.” The song picks up on that motif.
Ora V’simcha / Light and Joy – Josh & Chava
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybxSJ_Yj9Tg&list=RDybxSJ_Yj9Tg&start_radio=1
The Jews had light and happiness,
Light and happiness, joy and honor.
Musical Moment – Parshat Mishpatim 5786, Shabbat Shekalim
Eliav Zohar – Mi Ohev Otach Yoter Mimeni | Who Loves You More Than Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uvj1aDXVNI&list=RD_Uvj1aDXVNI&start_radio=1
Eyal Golan – Ahuva Sheli | My Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc5XXytWIqU&list=RDOc5XXytWIqU&start_radio=1
In every place and every dream,
I searched and I dreamt of love
In real life I found disappointment
You came
suddenly, from nowhere in a perfect moment
and like a newborn and loud baby,
I entered the world
My love, you are
the happiness that I’ve been looking for in my life
Like moonlight that lights up my night
And you shine like a star that accompanies
me now
and doesn’t leave me for a moment and promises
that we will love each other
In both your beautiful eyes,
I see a complete world
And disappears
when you’re with me,
I can forget everyone
An arrow of love that hit me,
suddenly everything was clear
And I tell you with all my heart,
I love you
Static and Ben El – Zahav | Gold
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRGrIn2VHTE&list=RDcRGrIn2VHTE&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Parshat Yitro 5786
The first selection opens with a soldier in the IDF telling his family that he won’t be home for Shabbat and continues with a glimpse of preparing for Shabbat by those remaining on base. This is followed by several versions of L’cha Dodi, including two by Josh Warshawsky, and ends with a reflection of Shabbat in Yigal Bashan’s home.
Halehakot HaTzva’iyot – Lo Yotze Shabbat (Not Leaving for Shabbat)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckgZgjfOVA4
Roni Goldberg – L’cha Dodi (Tune of Halleluyah by Leonard Cohen)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE5qEQElDZc
Lecha Dodi (Hachamah) – Josh Warshawsky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhK33wp10FI&list=RDLhK33wp10FI&start_radio=1
Lecha Dodi (Corning) – Josh Warshawsky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jOLnaxdmvw&list=RDfNVuZdWy_04&index=2
Lecha Dodi – Shabbat Mizrachi Service with Dror Sinai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNVuZdWy_04&list=RDfNVuZdWy_04&start_radio=1
Yigal Bashan – Likrat Shabbat (To Welcome the Sabbath)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBRI6wbDGnk
Come my beloved, to meet the bride,
Let us welcome the Sabbath.
And Dad trills his voice in Sabbat songs
freedom calls on son and daughter.
And a white tablecloth is set and candles are lit
and like an echo from the past, the melodies repeat
and the house is suddenly filled with those songs.
Come my beloved, to meet the bride,
The Sabbath Queen here she rises
The chala is on the table and prayer rises
all the house dwellers sing in a great choir.
Dad’s lips whisper and his eyes are as lights
and like an echo from the past, the melodies repeat
and the house is suddenly filled with those songs.
Come my beloved, to meet the bride,
Let us welcome the Sabbath.
And Dad trills his voice in Sabbat songs
freedom calls on son and daughter.
And a white tablecloth is set and candles are lit
and like an echo from the past, the melodies repeat
and the house is suddenly filled with those songs.
Musical Moment – Parshat B’Shalach 5786
A taste of some of what we will be singing over the course of Shabbat Shira. Included transliterations are either the chorus of the z’mirah where there is one or its first stanza. Enjoy!
Tzur Mishelo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kCEhp0vLAQ&list=RD5kCEhp0vLAQ&start_radio=1
Chorus:
Tzur me-sheh-lo ah-chal-noo bar-choo eh-moo-nai,
Sa-va-noov’ho-tar-noo keed-var Adonai.
Yom Zeh M’chubad – Camp Ramah Berkshires
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtzeoE7D084&list=RDNtzeoE7D084&start_radio=1
Chorus: Yom zeh m’choo-bahd me-kohl yah-meem, ki voh sha-vaht tsoor oh-la-meem.
Ya Ribon Olam – Dudu Fisher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb_QW67bnFE&list=RDGb_QW67bnFE&start_radio=1
Yah ribbon ah-lam v’al-ma-yah
Ahnt hoo Malka meh-lech mal-cha-ya,
O-vad g’voor-teich v’teem-ha-ya,
Sh’far koh-da-mach l’hach-va-ya.
The Maccabeats – D’ror Yikra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itIG4WU3WUc&list=RDitIG4WU3WUc&start_radio=1
D’ror yikra l’vane ool-vaht
V’yin-tsor-chem k’moh va-vat,
N’eem sheem-chem v’loh yoosh-bat,
Sh’voo v’noo-choob’yom Shabbat.
Mipi El – Yossi Barda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFKzx-kyRZQ&list=RDeFKzx-kyRZQ&start_radio=1
Chorus: Mipi El, Mipi El, y’voh-rach Yis-ra-el. (2X)
Ma Y’didut Menuchatech – Chibat Hapiyyut
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wS0-_fFytQ&list=RD0wS0-_fFytQ&start_radio=1
Ma y’didut m’nuchateich,
Aht Shabbat hamalka
B’chein narutz likrateich,
Bo-I kallah n’soo-cha…
Chorus:
L’heet-ah-neig b’ta-ah-nu-geem,
Bar-bu-reem, oo-s’lav v’da-geem.
Musical Moment – Parashat Bo 5786
You will not be surprised that neither the plague of locust nor of darkness inspired any songs, in Hebrew or in English. Therefore, I have allowed myself to free associate on the idea of darkness for this week’s musical selections.
Pat Benatar – Promises in the Dark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qUFZwJb9GA&list=RD7qUFZwJb9GA&start_radio=1
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Dark Necessities
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8UvC-VHgpQ&list=RDE8UvC-VHgpQ&start_radio=1
Leonard Cohen – You Want It Darker (Official Audio)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0nmHymgM7Y&list=RDv0nmHymgM7Y&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Parshat Va-ehra 5786
Two songs by Ofra Haza, the first uses the name of God referred to in the verse above and reflects the relationship established between God and the patriarchs. The second song emphasizes the permanence of God’s concern and accessibility.
Ofra Haza – Shaday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NpIQ1AEjTs&list=RD1NpIQ1AEjTs&start_radio=1
Im Ninalu – If the Doors of Mercy Ofra Haza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRnzTTYk7_Q&list=RDZRnzTTYk7_Q&start_radio=1
If there be no mercy left in the world,
The doors of heaven will never be barred.
The Creator reigns supreme, and is higher
than the angels
All, in His spirit, will rise
By His nearness, His life-giving breath
flows through them.
And they glory in His name
From the moment of genesis,
His creations grow,
Captivating and more beautiful.
The wheel in his circle thunders
Acclaiming His Holy name
Clothed in the glory of His radiance,
The six-winged cherubs surround Him,
Whirling in His honor
And with their free wings sweetly sing,
Together, in unison
Musical Moment – Parshat Sh’mot 5786
Released during early days of the Covid 19 crisis, when fear, uncertainty, and isolation were rampant, this recording, a cover of Meir Banai’s (z”l) “Shiro Shel Shafshaf”, brought a song of unity and optimism.
At the very end of the song, you can hear a familiar phrase from the Haggadah, “V’hakadosh Baruch Hu Matzilenu MiYadam” (and the Holy One, blessed is he, saved us from their hand)
The hope for the future despite a difficult journey feels appropriate to the story of Moses in our Torah portion, our Israelite ancestors in the Book of Exodus, and the Jewish people through the ages.
Shiro Shel Shafshaf / Shafshaf’s Song – Lior Narkis, Omer Adam, & Moshe Peretz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywaZ4evNgeg&list=RDywaZ4evNgeg&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Parshat Vay’chi 5786
Jacob’s blessing of his grandsons has become a prayer used by parents in blessing their children and a song used by them as a lullaby. Here are several versions for you to enjoy including one which includes Abie Rottenberg who wrote the music.
Hamalach Hagoel – Yonina
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSfjog9QPKM&list=RDcSfjog9QPKM&start_radio=1
Hamalach Hagoel – Kippalive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQy-FRkXyJw&list=RDvQy-FRkXyJw&start_radio=1
Hamalach Hagoel – Kaskeset
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAahrRwZCjc
Hamalach Hagoel – Abie Rottenberg and Mordechai Ben David
Mordechai Ben David expands upon the verse reminding his audience that anyone can become an angel, an agent of God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvbRqYJ31kM&list=RDIvbRqYJ31kM&start_radio=1
Musical Moment Parshat Vayigash 5786
Heye Li Chaver, Heye Li Ach / Be My Friend, Be My Brother
Lehakat Chel Ha’avir / The Air Force Choir by Yoram Taharlev
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YhxGgkk5js
At the place where I’m going to
There were many before me
They left a trail, left a tree,
Left a stone at my feet.
And what will I leave behind
Will I leave anything?
I can’t see my own steps
And who will see them tomorrow?
Be my friend, be my brother
Lend me a hand when I’ll call out
Be my friend, be my brother
Lend me a hand at times of trouble
I am your brother, don’t forget it
Be my friend, be my brother.
At the place where I’m going to
There were women, there were men
And there was great love
Will I find it?
They left me no mark
No sighs and no flowers
They left me nothing
But brothers and friends.
Be my friend, be my brother
Lend me a hand when I’ll call out
Be my friend, be my brother
Lend me a hand at times of trouble
I am your brother, don’t forget it
Be my friend, be my brother.
At the place where I’m going to
I’m careful not to break
I’m careful not to step
I’m careful not to remember.
And I’m good when you’re with me
And so are you and so are you
It’s here to stay after I’m gone
The friendship that once was.
Be my friend, be my brother
Lend me a hand when I’ll call out
Be my friend, be my brother
Lend me a hand at times of trouble
I am your brother, don’t forget it
Be my friend, be my brother.
Achim / Brothers – Shlomo Artzi & Idan Amedi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dt4aSCwC9M&list=RD2dt4aSCwC9M&start_radio=1
Apparently once we were friends
similar and different, not the same apprearance
just that same battles more or less
Naomi Shemer, what a song
Once we were brothers on a journey
not necessarily to here, not necessarily to outside Israel
to the soul on a night of camping in Eilat
Zohar Argov, Arik(1) travel slowly(2)
Once we were bothers on a motorcycle
on bypassing roads we pushed the engine
who is it that taps me now on my back
turn right and left, stop there on the side
once we slept one night outside
among thousands of stars, anxious and under pressure
my love under the milky way
once we were brothers, what about now?
Once we were the champions of conversation
nothing is better than coffee, nothing is better than a story
to return to the roads and to travel again
stadiums, hey there Naomi
Once we were bothers playing music
you’ll both bring guitars and sing la la la
give me a melody without fear of loving each other
he to me, he to me, what a song this is
Once we were bothers on a motorcycle…
Apparently once we were friends
perhaps we’ll be again, certainly we’ll be again
soon, she says, we’ll look at each other
what a song, what a song this is
1) Einshtein z”l
2) Reference to a famous Arik Einshtein song, Go Slowly
Musical Moment – Parshat Miketz & Shabbat Hannukah 5786
Dreidel – Hanukkah song – Shir Soul – Hanukkah 2025
A Very Jonas Hanukkah — Y-Studs x Jonas Brothers [Official Video]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFRCnBrIliE&list=RDUFRCnBrIliE&start_radio=1
Disclaimer/Warning: Kurstin and Grohl released two years’ worth of what they describe in the brief introduction below. I definitely enjoyed some more than others, mostly based on my affinity for the artist they were covering. 2022 is a much more elaborate presentation with guest artists performing in front of a live audience. There is also language on some tracks that make them at least PG-13.
Kurstin x Grohl: The Hanukkah Sessions 2021 (Intro)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8AAPoZVpmg
Kurstin x Grohl: The Hanukkah Sessions 2022: Night Two https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhkE-X_4vrY&list=RDHhkE-X_4vrY&start_radio=1
Musical Moment – Hannukah 5786
Hanukkah oh Hanukkah – a Pentatonix Daft Punk cover – Hanukkah 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH83oNwhDVM&list=RDkH83oNwhDVM&start_radio=1
Golden: A KPop Demon Hunters Chanukah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p19MhNB3vg&list=RD1p19MhNB3vg&start_radio=1
HanuKpop Demon Hunters | The Maccabeats | Kpop Demon Hunters Hanukkah Medley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPnt1xqBv5c&list=RDaPnt1xqBv5c&start_radio=1
A Very Jonas Hanukkah — Y-Studs x Jonas Brothers [Official Video]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFRCnBrIliE&list=RDUFRCnBrIliE&start_radio=1
Kurstin x Grohl: The Hanukkah Sessions (Intro)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8AAPoZVpmg
Kurstin x Grohl: The Hanukkah Sessions: Night One
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pqGdwZ3zPo&list=RD_pqGdwZ3zPo&start_radio=1
The Beastie Boys, Blitzkreig Bop, Barry Manilow, Peaches, Amy Winehouse, Billy Joel, The Clash, Kiss
Musical Moment – Parshat VaYetseh 5786
Al Tirah Israel / Do Not Fear Israel – Shimi Tavori
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-5teQ8fRaw
Musical Moment – Toldot 5786
Tefillah/Prayer – Omer Adam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhSZKAcJs38&list=RDuhSZKAcJs38&start_radio=1
Amen – Liora Simon at Eurovision 1995
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gui9JWHsv-M&list=RDGui9JWHsv-M&start_radio=1
With a prayer – Amen
That rises up – Amen
All that breathes will praise God
Amen.
Give us a blessing of peace & guard our homes
Bring us closer to the dream within us
Let us see blessing in what we do
Open our hearts so we can always sing for you.
My God – Amen
My hopes – Amen
Wrap us with your love
Amen.
Give us life and guard us
Let our love be fulfilled,
Bless us and shine upon our faces
Open our hearts so we will always sing for you.
To the world – Amen
To everyone – Amen
Make the human spirit strong
Amen.
With prayer – Amen
To peace – Amen
All that breathes will praise God
Amen.
Musical Moment – Chaye Sarah 5786
Songs of comfort for a mourning Abraham
Esa Einai – Dan Nichols and 18
A Hebrew and English blend of the opening verses of Psalm 121.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSFJNqzMZaE&list=RDQSFJNqzMZaE&start_radio=1
Broken-hearted Psalm 147 – Shir Ya’akov
A Hebrew and English adaptation of the opening verses of Psalm 147.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyyUR2K29BM&list=RDAyyUR2K29BM&start_radio=1
Karov – Batya Levine (From Ashrei)
Karov Adonai l’khol kor’av, l’khol asher yikra’uhu ve’emet
The Lord is close to all who call upon God, to all who call to God with sincerity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZWjCaqxesI&list=RDMZWjCaqxesI&start_radio=1
Musical Moment Parshat Vayera 5786
This Ladino song about Abraham our patriarch is a fascinating mixture of midrashic tropes along with a few elements that permeated from the surrounding Christian world. There ar extensive midrashic narratives detailing the confrontation between Abraham and King Nimrod.
Kuando El Rey – Sephardic Journey (Ladino)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsz-Wes_Rhk&list=RDQsz-Wes_Rhk&start_radio=1
When King Nimrod went out to the fields
Looked at the heavens and at the stars
He saw a saint light at the Jewish quarter
A sign that Abraham, our father, was about to be born.
Abraham Avinu, dear father
Father, who blessed the light of Israel.
Then he told all the mothers
that every pregnant woman
who did not give birth to her baby was going to be killed
because Abraham our father was going to born.
Abraham Avinu, dear father
Father, who blessed the light of Israel.
Terach’s woman was pregnant
and each day he asked her
Why do you look so distraught?
She already knew very well what she had.
Abraham Avinu, dear father
Father, who blessed the light of Israel.
After nine months she wanted to give birth to her baby
She was walking on the fields and on the vineyards
Her husband will not discover her
She made a manger where she will have her baby.
Abraham Avinu, dear father
Father, who blessed the light of Israel.
When the baby was born, he told his mother
‘Get away from the manger, my mother
God will send somebody to take me out
God will send from heaven the one that will go with me
Because I am the son of the blessed God.’
Abraham Avinu, dear father
Father who blessed the light of Israel.
Musical Moment – Parshat Lech L’cha 5786
Amber Skies – Yuval Raphael
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMlSOheEcrM&list=RDBMlSOheEcrM&index=1
One Day in October, an anthology series exploring the aftermath of the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel has recently begun airing on HBO Max. Told through interviews with survivors, including hostage nine-year-old Emily Hand and her father Tom, the series pieces together an account of the attack on Kibbutz Be’eri and the reality of the October 7 terror attacks. The main title theme is entitled Amber Skies and is performed by Yuval Raphael.
Musical Moment – Parshat Noah 5786
Koolulam | Mahapecha Shel Simcha – Omer Adam & Lior Narkis | Jezreel Valley | April 20th, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fBM6a3Gzh0&list=RD0fBM6a3Gzh0&start_radio=1
El Yakar – Eden Hason & Mor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsQsgv1PhNU&list=PLyzobhsSm2LYO5TQgFmfC1yDQAYk_Ivnl&index=8
Dear God
This world is driving me crazy
and with time it’s already penetrated my heart
a look at the street causes me to long
for the innocence that I lost some time ago
I would want to see the sun shining a bit
and like a bird into my skies
So dear God hear me
and come and show me the path
the picture is not yet clear
everyone sees it kind of
and everything presses down on me
and what am I, half a person without value
share some of your light with me
This world is driving me crazy
how everything happens too fast, too fast
and during the holidays i always long for the most
serene moments of my life
I would want to see a world that has satisfaction
like I had during the landscape of my childhood
Yaakov Shwekey – L’chaim: A Toast to Life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2L-wRdRAVs&list=PLyzobhsSm2LbRE6qY4lQBaIS-HqgDfMY4&index=6
There is joy in my heart,
perhaps we’ll sit together
And thank God with songs of praise
Together
And we’ll bring to the heavens, from now on,
there will only be blessings for all
Both with me and with you
That it should be with the help of God, with a happy heart
This is the time to thank and pray,
to lift the cup and also to wish
And bless, for the future
That we should meet in joy
A toast to life
Say L’chaim, L’chaim,
Until a hundred and twenty,
with righteous generations
A toast to life,
May you be healthy
All of us, answer amen
Musical Moment – Parshat Breysheet 5786
The first song is a beautiful rendering of the opening verses of the Torah. The second I found accidentally but liked immediately. The Argentinian performer uses the opening words of the Torah as the refrain for his song inspired by the reality of creation. The last one is just me being playful but the lyrics do capture some of the spirit of the moment.
Bereshit – The Moshav Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltCLGZtAoXg&list=RDltCLGZtAoXg&start_radio=1
In the beginning,
God created the Heaven and the Earth.
And the Earth was without form, and void;
And darkness was upon the face of the deep.
On the first day,
God divided the darkness from the light.
And there was light.
And the shining morning arose over the world
And, after it, came the night,
Black.
And it was evening and morning – the first day.
Bereshit Barah – Dr Kumalo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUfS1H-rNbc
I seek emotion, not reason,
I seek the words that soothe my heart.
I seek in the beginning of all creation
That which manifests the essence where we were conceived.
The answer is in the fruit of the tree of life
In it lies the source of all wisdom.
Good, evil, the line is narrow.
Only fire, only water, only air, only earth.
BERESHIT BARAH
Uho ho ho ho. X 3
Let nothing limit you, broaden your horizons,
Don’t spit up, don’t shit where you eat.
How good it is to see people searching for answers,
Leaving their fears behind, expanding their experiences.
Letting go of the ordinary, reversing what’s controlled,
And releasing everything that haunts their minds.
And fear no more… no more.
Everything returns, everything is born, everything is made and unmade.
BERESHIT BARAH
Uho ho ho ho. X 3
Babylon is the hell that lives in your conscience,
Lies, greed, power without strength.
It steals your dreams, cuts off your inspiration.
The world it offers you leaves you without solutions.
Standing on your tile, you won’t get anywhere.
In the middle of the road, you’ll be petrified,
Swimming in the mud, lifting the rubble,
The beginning and the end are the same for everyone.
BERESHIT BARAH
Uho ho ho ho. X 3
Indifference attacks me, courage gives me advantages.
If I get lost along the way, destiny rescues me.
I recover humility, original simplicity,
Purity, innocence, naturalness.
BERESHIT BARAH
Uho ho ho ho. X 3
Genesis – Land of Confusion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUbfL5fg1io&list=RDtUbfL5fg1io&start_radio=1
Get in the Mood for Simchat Torah!
A smattering of songs traditionally sung during Hakafot on Simchat Torah though the versions below are quite different from the melodies which we sing on Simchat Torah. Enjoy these seven performances, one for each Hakafa. I look forward to singing, dancing, and celebrating with you on Tuesday evening and/or Wednesday morning.
David Melech Yisrael – Kolot Ramah in the Berkshires
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cck3W9OkVBM&list=RDcck3W9OkVBM&start_radio=1
Ki Mitzion – Ópera Soul Produções
https://www.youtube.com/@operasoulproducoes8440
Hinay Ma Tov (How Pleasant) by the Hava Nagillah Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvn_prHzmQk&list=RDdvn_prHzmQk&start_radio=1
Or Zarua – Dan Nichols – Meditative Niggun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwoJk8UrqtU&list=RDWwoJk8UrqtU&start_radio=1
Ivdu et Hashem Besimcha Worship the Lord Yonatan Razel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EPxInTccdo&list=RD-EPxInTccdo&start_radio=1
Jaffa Road’s Lo Yisa Goy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k2h66_cb1M&list=RD8k2h66_cb1M&start_radio=1
Nefesh Mountain | Esa Einai (Feat. Sam Bush, Mark Schatz, Rob Ickes & Gary Oleyar)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWD9xyWO0vY&list=RDZWD9xyWO0vY&start_radio=1
Musical Moment for Shabbat Chol Hamoed Sukkot
Sukkah V’lulav – Hibbat Hapiyut
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4deNI5fcx4o&list=PLyzobhsSm2LbOhp2wNbgC3PkQbtmVo_z-&index=6
Refrain:
Lulav and Sukkah for a treasured people,
Together they will sing and offer prayer.
The song begins with a brief review of the Exodus from Egypt touching on the roots of the three pilgrimage Festivals: Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. This is followed by a series of verses inviting each of the traditional Ushpizin (1) to celebrate Sukkot with us. The song concludes with hope for redemption and peace in the future.
Atta V’chartanu – Aharon Razael
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6py2QTDET7U&list=PLyzobhsSm2LbOhp2wNbgC3PkQbtmVo_z-&index=3
The words are from the fourth paragraph of the Amidah for Festivals:
You have chosen us from among all peoples, loving us, wanting us. You have distinguished us among all nations, making us holy through Your commandments, drawing us close to Your service, and calling us by Your great and holy name.
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