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.

 

Musical Moment Parshat Ha’azinu 5786
A remarkable expression of hopefulness in the face of ongoing fear and suffering.

Noa & Mira Awad – There Must Be Another Way (LIVE)
Performed as the Israeli Entry in the Eurovision 2009 Grand Final
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBTQFOkFZw8

There must be another,
Must be another way

Your eyes, sister,
they say all that my heart asks for
We’ve come a long way,
such a difficult way, hand in hand

And the tears run, flow in vain,
a nameless pain
We just wait
for the next day to come

There must be another way
There must be another way

There must be another,
Must be another way

Your eyes, sister,
they say all that my heart asks for
We’ve come a long way,
such a difficult way, hand in hand

And the tears run, flow in vain,
a nameless pain
We just wait
for the next day to come

There must be another way
There must be another way
There must be another,
Must be another way

Neshama Carlebach “Essa Eynai” – from Psalm 121 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEcYBOa6R8Y&list=RDEEcYBOa6R8Y&start_radio=1

 

Musical Moment – Vayelech 5785

Shvurei Lev / Broken Hearts – Hanan Ben Ari
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTHl0iNKIyE

This is a spiritual, soulful song, which underscores all of God’s positive qualities: God is merciful, forgiving, heals the sick, and creates light. God will also help repair a broken heart, sending strength when we need it most.

Ishay Ribo – Seder Ha’Avoda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECy3CMxShIQ&list=RDECy3CMxShIQ&start_radio=1
“Seder Ha’avoda”, recalls the service of the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur; a central part of the prayer service on Yom Kippur. Most of the lyrics of the song come straight from the liturgy.

​​​​​​​Specifically, the song describes how the Kohen Gadol would approach God on Yom Kippur, begging forgiveness for the people’s sins. In Ribo’s version, the artist includes all of God’s kindnesses and miracles, a reminder to us not to focus only on transgressions, but to remember everything for which we are grateful.

 

Musical Moment for Rosh Hashanah

Time of Your Life – Green Day
​​​​​​​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnQ8N1KacJc&list=RDCnQ8N1KacJc&start_radio=1

 

Musical Moment Parshat Nitzavim 5785

Hitchadshut/Renewal – Ofra Haza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPQlB4uIfPc&list=RDuPQlB4uIfPc&start_radio=1

Chana Tova/Call Me Maybe – Agence Juive Pour Israel (French)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gj8nUAdgMw&list=RD2gj8nUAdgMw&start_radio=1
Shana Tova – Muppets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZLq_JB8H44&list=RD6ZLq_JB8H44&start_radio=1

Hatchala Hadasha/New Beginning – The Revivo Project
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nllPJqdRWbU

The beautiful days are all behind
With hopes and dreams and broken disappointments
And familiar scents
Of a yard and flowers
And a pleasant routine, of days that pass by

I have waited for this moment to arrive
And now my soul feels somewhat empty
Predictable like the sun
And yet still surprising
The world threatens me but also offers hope

It was that, it’s over
But there is a feeling
That the end is always, a new beginning

The world will keep turning and the sun will rise
And I will walk among everyone with a smile
I will look for myself
A path to walk, I will find it and walk it further and further

It’s over.
Memories remain, they are with me always and everywhere
And tomorrow as I meet more and more people, I will make new memories with them…

It was that, it’s over, but there is a feeling..

 

Musical Moment Parshat Ki Tavo 5785
Kol Yom Matchila Shana / Every Day Starts a Year – Ofra Haza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KbzSVaKAdg&list=RD4KbzSVaKAdg&start_radio=1 ​​​​​​​
The sky’s still clear
But in the evening, it’s already cold
In the window that turns to the sea
Perhaps it’s impossible to say
That the summer already finished
But the sun gets tired earlier

On the grass in a yard
A day starts to get shorter
But still as though nothing changed
If you are a true friend
Hold your face now
Don’t tell me that another year’s already passed

No this can’t be
Years are not seconds
If you look, you’ll be able to see
That nothing changed
All my senses rebel
Give me a few more days
I didn’t manage to do anything this year.

No this can’t be
Years are not seconds
If you look, you’ll be able to see
That nothing changed
All my senses rebel
Give me a few more days
I didn’t manage to do anything this year.

There’s no rain in the clouds yet
Don’t jump at each sign
Don’t get off before the stop
Don’t show me in the journal
Be like a merciful father
Don’t wake me I’m still sleeping

No this can’t be
Years are not seconds
If you look, you’ll be able to see
That nothing changed
All my senses rebel
Give me a few more days
I didn’t manage to do anything this year.

No this can’t be
Years are not seconds
If you look, you’ll be able to see
That nothing changed
All my senses rebel
Give me a few more days
I didn’t manage to do anything this year.

Year… year…
Year… another year
Year… year…
Don’t tell me that another year’s already passed.

No this can’t be
Years are not seconds
If you look, you’ll be able to see
That nothing changed
All my senses rebel
Give me a few more days
I didn’t manage to do anything this year.

No this can’t be
Years are not seconds
If you look, you’ll be able to see
That nothing changed
All my senses rebel
Give me a few more days
I didn’t manage to do anything this year.

 

Musical Moment – Ki Tetzei 5785
B’Rosh HaShanah / On Rosh Hashanah – Shokolad, Menta, Mastik 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8C0Mb9UQOQ&list=RDG8C0Mb9UQOQ&start_radio=1

Shmor Alai / Watch Over Me – Various Israeli Artists https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aue6gH4Pmq8&list=RDaue6gH4Pmq8&start_radio=1

 

Musical Moment – Parshat Re’eh 5785
The concluding section of this week’s Torah portion reviews the festival calendar concluding with an encouragement to celebrate joyously and a promise of joy for the future. The song below takes the opening words of Deuteronomy 16:14 and combines them the final words of verse 15 to create the lyric. The tune is traditional. The second version offers a different melody and uses a passage from the Musaf Amidah for Festivals to introduce the lyric.

Vesamachta Bechagecha – Bulgar Klezmer Band featuring Sarah Larsson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRGsZAYW1CM&list=RDjRGsZAYW1CM&start_radio=1
V’samachta b’cha-geh-cha v’ha-yee-ta ach sameyach.
You shall rejoice in your festival, and you shall have nothing but joy.

Haim Israel – Vesamachta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5V9DlYhaw4&list=RDb5V9DlYhaw4&start_radio=1 ​​​​​​​

Atta b’chartanu mikol ha-ah-meem
Atta ahavtanu v’ra-tsee-ta vanu
V’ro-mam-tanu mikol ha-l’sho-not
V’samachta b’cha-geh-cha v’ha-yee-ta ach sameyach.

You have chosen us among all peoples, loving us wanting us.
You have distinguished us among all nations.
You shall rejoice in your festival, and you shall have nothing but joy.

 

Musical Moment – Parshat Ekev 5785
Rak Sh’tchayech/That You Should Just Smile – Yuval Dayan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzT5YPAIGZA&list=&start_radio=1

I know that there are angels in the world
waiting for me on the path
don’t need to hurry, everything will work out alright
it will come with time
there are truly important things
in the end it is the small details
sometimes there is no need to speak
we found words also in the quiet

That you should just smile for your whole life
this is all that I ask for
a small house, a garden for the children
believe me I am happy
know that I will watch over us for ever

And you will soon see
the things themselves will come together on the path
the fears will fret, questions will be solved
it will come with time
there are truly important things
in the end it is the small details
sometimes we don’t need to speak
even in the silence we found words

That you should just smile for your whole life
this is all that I ask for
a small house, a garden for the children
believe me I am happy
know that I will watch over us for ever

Shlomi Shabat – Harei At Mekudeshet Li https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGk6vYdfrd8&list=RDiGk6vYdfrd8&start_radio=1 ​​​​​​​

 

Musical Moment – Parshat Va’etchanan – Shabbat Nachamu / Tu B’Av

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.

For me the soundtrack of this Shabbat always includes SAFAM’s interpretations of Isaiah’s inspiring words.

Nachamu Ami (Be Comforted My People) by Safam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llCttY6UDeA

This Shabbat also coincides with Tu B’Av, the 15th Day of Av, both an ancient and modern holiday. Originally a post-biblical day of joy, it served as a matchmaking day for unmarried women in the Second Temple period (before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.). Tu B’Av was almost unnoticed in the Jewish calendar for many centuries but it has been rejuvenated in recent decades as the Jewish Day of Love, especially in the modern state of Israel.

Here are three songs that touch on love.
Yachad, Lev El Lev Niftach / Together, with Heart’s Opened – Gaya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_Jmyu6MQHc&list=RDS_Jmyu6MQHc&start_radio=1

Koolulove – Yesh Bi Ahava / There Is Love In Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J98XBmoZAi4&list=RDJ98XBmoZAi4&start_radio=1

Sarit Hadad -Rak Hava Tavi Hava
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHGyWN_R4BI&list=RDdHGyWN_R4BI&start_radio=1

​​​​​​​Only Love Will Bring
Hey! Hey! Come on! A song to love
To wake up in the morning
With a sweet smile in your soul
The birds of Paradise
Kiss each other in front of me in the garden
I love to love
And I don’t need any reason

Chorus
Hey! Hey! Come on!
Only love will bring more love
Hey! Hey! Come on!
I’ve got the sun, I’ve got the moon
There is happiness

Hey! Hey! Come on!
Birds are singing in a chorus
Hey! Hey! Come on!
Only love will bring more love

I belive in deeds, not in words
A new day is like magic
A gift of God
There are lots of roads
In the life’s surprises
A word of support
Is like thousands of sounds

Chorus (x2)

 

Musical Moment – Parshat Devarim, Shabbat Chazon 5785

Eli Tzion Ve’areha – Rona Kenan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1_8fMwQNIY&list=RDw1_8fMwQNIY&start_radio=1
The haunting melody and the chorus of this elegy capture the essence of Tisha B’Av giving vent to all the bitter emotion of the destruction of Jerusalem in ancient times and the persecution suffered in centuries of exile in the Diaspora. The English translation appears below.

Dudu Fisher sings “Jerusalem Is Mine”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8kK-yYuuZI&list=RDv8kK-yYuuZI&start_radio=1

Benny and Gad Elbaz – If I Forget Thee Jerusalem
If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
Let my right hand wither;
Let my tongue stick to my palate,
If I cease to think of you;
If I do not keep Jerusalem in my memory
even at my happiest hour.
(Against those) who said:
“Strip her, strip her, to her very foundations!”
                              Eli Tzion – Wail, O Zion
Chorus
Wail, O Zion, with your cities, like a woman in travail,
Like a maiden girt in sackcloth for the husband of her youth.

For God’s palace, now forsaken through the sin of Zion’s flocks,
For the entrance of blasphemers trampling in her sacred halls
For the exile of God’s servants, sweet singers of her melodies,
And for their blood that poured forth like the waters in her streams.
For the melody of her dances, now grown silent in her towns,
And for the meeting-place now ruined and her courts now desolate.
For her daily sacrifices and redemptions of her first-borns,
And for the desecrated vessels and her altar of incense.
For the children of her kings, princes of King David’s line,
And for their beauty now grown black when her crowns were stripped away.
For the Glory, now in exile, with God’s Mercy-seat destroyed,
And for the enemy’s oppressions, girding sackcloth on her loins.
For the wounds and endless blows that her holy men sustained,
And for the smashing on the rock of her babes and all her young.
For the glee that filled her foes, who laughed at her calamity,
And for the torture of her sons, free-born, pure and noble.
For the sins that she committed, straying from the righteous path,
And for the hosts of her assemblies blackened by catastrophe.
For the shouts of her revilers, as her corpses mounted higher,
And for the tumult of her scorners in the Temple’s holy courts.
For Your name that was profaned by the mouths of her oppressors,
And for the mercy that they cry for; hear her plea and answer her!
Chorus

 

Musical Moment – Parshat Mattot-Masey 5785, Shabbat Rosh Chodesh
This Shabbat we also celebrate Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the new Hebrew month. The first musical selections reflect on that theme while the latter ones are more reflective of the Torah portion and its focus on the journey to and through the Land of Israel.

Rosh Chodesh Prayer – Rebecca Schwartz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaYbqwGDfxU&list=RDAaYbqwGDfxU&start_radio=1
Even Ma-ah-su Habonim – Neshama Carlebach (From Hallel for Rosh Chodesh) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xk_eGwjEB0&list=RD7xk_eGwjEB0&start_radio=1

Yoman Masa / Travel Diary – Aviv Geffen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg14hPcrNN4&list=RDJg14hPcrNN4&start_radio=1
Travel Diary
Infinite paths and an exit
Impressions inside the travel diary
To mix in and not be absorbed
Impressions inside the travel diary

And if it happens, and someone comes
Don’t turn around
Because it can always be
The one that will set alight your heart
And rescue it from pain in calmness

A soft touch overcomes the blow
Impressions inside the travel diary
All of us are made of a dust of love
Impressions inside the travel diary

Looking upwards and issuing prayers
While in the meantime forgetting
That the meaning of life
Is to ask the questions and to answer

And if it happens, and someone comes…

Shalom Lach Eretz Nehederet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNdN5Ss69Jc&list=RDeNdN5Ss69Jc&start_radio=1

 

Musical Moment – Parshat Pinchas

Our attention this week is heavily focused on Israel; by the Hebrew calendar’s marking 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, with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to the White House and the ongoing efforts to bring a resolution to the situation in Gaza. These songs reflect on Israel’s resilience and hopefulness.

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 war 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, 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 swords
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

Medina Ktana / A Small Country – Kaveret
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8u9gLKc4-w
In a rather distant place, near here
We gathered ourselves
We brought our friends
And didn’t say who or what

In the south, in the north or in the center
We rented some sky
Tears brought water
We opened a new country

A small country evades trouble
You won’t find the address
It’s kept inside a box
In such a difficult world
To be prominent isn’t nice
We’ll hide here and never leave

Two houses, two horses, three trees
We always travel on foot
We sing songs without a flag
We breathe for years for no reason at all

Wars and disasters pass us by
We are inside ourselves
And everything that’s here
Is always easily erased

A small country…

Some day if it’s worthwhile perhaps we’ll leave
As long as we remain standing
I don’t feel the need
We’ll live, we’ll die, then we’ll see

A small country…

Idan Raichel – Evan Al Evan (Stone on a Stone)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIi29Qeqlis&list=RDNIi29Qeqlis&start_radio=1
It’s always a stone on a stone
Nothing comes for free
To be on the way now
To collect drops until we have a sea
Look, at the end it will come
We will keep on waiting for it

A moment of happiness like this that one lives for
A moment of happiness like this that one runs towards
And don’t be afraid of the sadness, it will always go
And will come again
Stone on stone

To build from moment another moment
Nothing comes for free
And also to make a mistake is fine
And then to go out once again to the world
Even if they say don’t
We will keep on waiting for it

A moment of happiness like this that one lives for
A moment of happiness like this that that one runs towards
And don’t be afraid of the sadness, it will always go
And will come again
Stone on stone

 

Musical Moment – Parshat Balak 5785

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.

Danny Maseng – Ma Tovu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9_o4iwXZZg&list=RDn9_o4iwXZZg&start_radio=1
Mah Tovu – Yosef & Annie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDUVCCKlXII&list=RDQDUVCCKlXII&start_radio=1
Mah Tovu – Noam Katz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6yyYOd6t0A&list=RDw6yyYOd6t0A&start_radio=1

 

Musical Moment – Parshat Chukkat 5785 / Independence Day

God Bless America – Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin performs the iconic song he wrote on The Ed Sullivan Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmc-pEyUHTs&list=RDVmc-pEyUHTs&start_radio=1

“God Bless America” in Yiddish (“Got Bentsh Amerike”) – performed by the cast of Fiddler on the Roof
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riHMRZsv3nc&list=RDriHMRZsv3nc&start_radio=1

America – Neil Diamond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTSLRbm8L9E&list=RDwTSLRbm8L9E&start_radio=1

1 Rabbi Baruch of Tulchin, grandson of the Ba’al Shem Tov, served as leader of the Hasidim of Podolia and later Medzhibozh where he held court in a lavish manner, with festival celebrations featuring carousels, dancers, and excited crowds of his followers. While adroit in his leadership of his Hasidic community he never wrote on Hasidic doctrines, only a few of his sermons were published and the collection of aphorisms entitled Buzina de-Nehorah (The Luminous Torch) ascribed to him is probably apocryphal.

​​​​​​​2 Avot 1:12

 

Musical Moments – Parshat Korach 5785

Let’s Stage a Coup!” – Creative Judaism

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ci3h-Z2rg4

This playful song is based on a midrashic passage which stages a debate between Moshe and Korach in which Korach used rhetorical questions to undermine Moshe’s rulings, such as asking if a house full of Torah scrolls needs a mezuzah, suggesting that if the entire Torah doesn’t suffice to exempt the house, how could a single mezuzah do so? Korach also used garments entirely of blue wool (techeilet, used for tzitzit) to question the need for tzitzit on the corners.

Shlomo Artzi – We Don’t Need – Anachnu Lo Tzrichim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm7io9RZ6dY&list=RDcm7io9RZ6dY&start_radio=1

The song expresses a deep yearning for simplicity and healing in the face of past pain and suggesting that the essentials of life are often enough to find solace after enduring scars.

 

Musical Moments – Parshat B’ha’ah-lot-cha 5785

Shalom Rav – Kol B’Seder with Zamir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fsSLmdz8bI

Shalom rav al Yisrael amcha tasim l’olam
Ki atah Hu Melech Adon L’chol hashalom
V’tov b’einecha l’vareich et amcha Yisrael
B’chol eit uv’chol shah bish’lomecha

Grant abundant and lasting peace to Your people Israel, for You are the sovereign master of all the ways of peace. May it please You to bless Your people Israel at all times with Your gift of peace.

Shiri Maimon – Shir LaShalom (Song for Peace)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncRnv310wNY

​​​​​​​Hashkiveinu – Dan Nichols and Eighteen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV7Efniu0QE

 

Musical Moments – Parshat Naso 5785

The Beatles Carry That Weight (Remastered 2009)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B224XDJw6g
Sorry, but it’s thematically too perfect to pass up.

Mizmor Shir Hanukat Habayit (Live) – Voice of the Turtle & Judith Wachs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AvDhwJ_898

The opening verse connected this psalm to the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem built by David’s son, Solomon, rebuilt under Ezra and Nehemiah’s leadership, and rededicated by the Maccabees centuries later.

Psalm 30:1-5
A Psalm, a Song for the dedication of the house; for David.
I raise my voice to praise You, Adonai,
for you have lifted me up, and not allowed my enemies to rejoice over me.
Adonai my God, I cried out to you, and you healed me.
Adonai, You raised me up from Sheol,
You gave me life and did not let me descend into the pit.
Sing to Adonai, faithful people, praise God as you pronounce God’s holy name.

Gad, Benny & Benyamin Elbaz – Even Ma’asu – A Cast-away Stone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjnR0fy1gKg
From Psalm 118 (verses 21-22) and familiar from Hallel in the Siddur, the psalmist here uses the image of the keystone as a metaphor for the Jewish people.

The stone the builders rejected is now the keystone
This is Adonai’s doing; how wondrous it is in our sight.
This is the day that Adonai has made; we shall celebrate and rejoice in it.

Matanot K’tanot – Small Gifts – Rami Kleinstein (Live NYC 2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QClcG1Nb0Co

The idea of gifts given, received, and passed on inspires this song.

It’s another Friday,
breathing the air,
Light and shadow are
playing “tag” again.
The table is set, childhood
photos on the wall,
White processions are
returning from synagogue,
And that smell which
scratches my heart
Sneaking in and opening doors
To a small joy, to the same
old song which is being passed
along for generations.

Small gifts
Someone has sent me small gifts
Fragments of intent, circles of faith
Small gifts
Such as the power to accept what
doesn’t exist and what does exist
What else could you possibly
ask for?

It’s another Friday, balcony
and newspaper,
The sun, like worries, is slowly
being erased, simple melodies
crawl out the window
and there is no longer any storm
which can hide the silence here.

For You have chosen us
and sanctified us…
Blessed are Uou, God,
sanctifier of the Sabbath.

And that smell which
scratches my heart
Sneaking in and opening doors
To a small joy, to the same
old song which is being passed
along for generations. ​​​​​​​

 

Musical Moment – Shavuot 5785

Etz Chayim He, It is a Tree of Life, is a longstanding metaphor for Torah and its teachings. For Shavuot, here are several musical interpretations of the phrase.

Etz Chaim He – Blue Fringe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjK7Ozi2DAA

Etz Chaim He – Dan Nichols & 18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3iYh9XLeZI

Eitz Chayim He – Kol Halayla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL01VoHysOM

Eitz Chayim He – Sam Glaser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bld8ErsKB04

Aytz Chayeem He – Craig Taubman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwNrHxeMujQ ​​​​​​​