Musical Moment – Parshat Vayishlach 5785
The Jewish acapella group Six13 just released their annual Hannukah parody, this year’s inspired by the movie release of Wicked. The song captures the difficulties of the past year while articulating the hopefulness expressed in Hannukah.
Six13 – A Wicked Chanukah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY-h65HwWPw
Musical Moments – Parshat Vayeytseh 5785
The first selection is based on the divine promise to Jacob as he returns to the land of Canaan after 20 years of living with his uncle, marrying, and building a family. The two songs by Craig Taubman are inspired by Jacob’s encounters with angels which bookend our Torah portion and the idea of journey inspired by our patriarch’s experience.
Yigal Bashan – Ufaratsta – You Shall Spread
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q72mOHGvao
Ufaratsta, ufaratsta. Ufaratsta, ufaratsta.
Yama, Vekedmah, Tsafona, Venegba.
And you shall spread forth (2X)
To the West, to the East, to the North and the South.
Angels by My Side by Craig Taubman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpINR-LUvmk
Craig Taubman – Journey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BR0tHmlslI
Musical Moment – Parshat Toldot 5785
Safam – Brother on Brother
Words and Music by Joel Sussman ©1984
Safam
You got it, I want it.
What’s mine is mine.
You stole it, now show it,
Put it all on the line.
When we were both children,
You deceived and you lied,
My birthright was taken,
My future denied.
Jacob, Jacob, why did you steal it?
Jacob, Jacob, why oh why?
That’s not how it happened,
That’s just not the way,
It wasn’t important,
You sold it away
A hunter, a fighter,
You lived by the sword,
You just had no interest,
In serving the Lord.
Esau, Esau, let’s put this behind us,
Esau, Esau, let’s live in peace.
Two brothers, together,
That’s how it should be.
Each one has determined
His own destiny,
A hunter, a fighter,
One lives by the sword.
The other has chosen
To worship the Lord.
Brother on brother,
They can agree blood is thicker than water,
Brother on brother, so much to be gained.
Brother on brother,
Look at them now embracing each other.
Brother, brother…. Peace will reign!
L’ma-ahn Ah-chai V’ray-ay – For My Brothers & Friends
Two versions of this piece based on Psalm 122, verses 8 and 9, with music composed and originally performed by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach.
The Solomon Brothers Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHvZaX0gxug
Vienna Jewish Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLTzdSt0Vcw
Because of my brothers and friends,
Because of my brothers and friends,
Please let me speak, let me speak please,
Peace to you. (x2)
For the house of The Lord Our God
I will ask for the best to you. (x2)
Because of my brothers and friends,
Because of my sisters and friends
Please let me ask, please let me sing –
Peace to you.
This is the heart, the heart of the road.
I wish the best to you.
Musical Moment – Parshat Chaye Sarah 5785
Our Torah portion includes the deaths of Sarah, Abraham, and Ishmael. Unlike the later patriarchs or King David in this week’s Haftarah, the Torah does not record any final thoughts, blessings, or messages from our first matriarch or patriarch. The contemporary Israeli songs below can be seen as possible expressions on their part.
Masa Chayay – My Life’s Journey – Shabbatones (Fall Concert 2009)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P396GPyWeoc
I go out again to the road at my feet
To days and nights, to my life’s journey
I say goodbye to everyone
A sleeping country, a separate heart
My soul still looks through the home I grew up in
Dreams open to a simple truth
I go with it to every desert
Every foreign land or wild path
But, like the river’s stormy water
I always come back
To where a good longing will take me
This is where I belong
If someone back home looks at me now
As a person, not in the light of stardom
I say thanks in a trembling voice
A separate country, one heart
But, like the river’s…
I come back to the roads, the streets,
the waiting arms
To the sunrises, sunsets,
to the most beautiful years
Whatever will happen, whatever happened,
what hasn’t been said yet
But, like the river’s…
Tishmeru Al Atzmechem – Look After Yourselves – Haim Moshe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euFLopRo5BQ
The days don’t change
Everything looks the same
Only the kids plan
Each one of them, a different direction
One is traveling to the East
The second one sails in his dreams
And only my heart doesn’t rest
And is filled with concern
Chorus:
Look after yourselves
When you spread your wings
Look after yourselves
In the paths towards the wide-open spaces
My heart is with you
For ever, in any situation
Where ever you will go
I will always love you
Friday night, toward the start of Shabbat
We sit in the light of the candles
And my heart is tweaked
How my ‘flowers’ have grown up
They talk about another experience
They laugh and enjoy themselves
And·I whisper thanks
From my heart to God
Chorus:
Mi Shema’ahmin – The One Who Believes – Eyal Golan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwTPpxeUW9Y
Every place, all the time
The old and young has
Beautiful and less beautiful days
Among them answers to all the questions
There is one mighty God
He gives us everything in this world
Between darkness to a sun beam
We only need to choose the path
It is known life is a gift
All is expected and is allowed
The one who believes is not afraid
To lose faith
We all have the King of the universe
Who guards us from it all
This nation is a family
One and one more is the secret of success
The nation of Israel will never give up
We will always stay on the map
It is known life is a gift…
The one who believes is not afraid
Musical Moment – Parshat Vayera
Angels play a central role in our Torah portion this week; appearing as travelers delivering news of Isaac’s forthcoming birth, saving Lot and his family prior to destroying the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, directing Hagar to life-saving water, and interceding with Abraham to save Isaac atop Mount Moriah.
Angels are a recurrent motif in our liturgy and in songs. Below are my favorite version of Shalom Aleichem, a powerful song by Ofra Haza sung in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, and lastly, a recognition of the intercessory role of angels.
The Shuk – Shalom Aleichem (Peace to You)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pll0QNbdfkE
Peace to you, ministering angels,
messengers of the Most High,
sent by the Sovereign, the sovereign of all sovereigns,
the Holy One, whom we bless.
Come in peace, angels of peace,
messengers of the Most High…
Bless me with peace, angels of peace,
messengers of the Most High…
Go in peace, angels of peace,
messengers of the Most High…
Eshal (I Shall Ask) – Ofra Haza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ExPCEtwaLs
An angel helps, redeems and protects
An angel helps, redeems and protects
he won’t leave nor abandon
in favor, mercy and benevolence
I shall ask…
Eshal kam ad tikun gayeb mini
eshal kam ad tikun gayeb mini
ana wahedi aneni aneni
ana wahedi aneni aneni
Please God protect us and keep away the pain
guard every moment and every breath we take
you know we sweat so hard for survival
every night and every day
I shall ask…
Eshal stay with us tonight
to dance not to fight
Eshal stay with us tonight
to dance not to fight
ana wahedi aneni aneni
ana wahedi aneni aneni
Eshal kam ad tikun gayeb mini..
Malachei Shamayim – Angels of the Skies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMVOPxe–Yg
A person’s love is forever
like the waves of the sea,
just like the wind
I want to fly like a bird but there’s no place to go
where I sat engulfed in thoughts
only love will save me this time
I paced to myself until my feet turned solid
in the tracks of my life.
Chorus
Between the paths of the stars
and the angels of the sky
on the great, high throne
there sits the Creator
Look at me and guard the spirit that’s in me,
gives me the strength to continuing living my life
(2x)
There is only one melody in my heart,
in my heart I keep it
the melody is the song to faith,
from minute to minute.
I just have one small dream,
to realize it and then rest.
I want to find the serenity and live in peace.
Chorus (3x)
Look at me and guard the spirit that’s in me,
gives me the strength to continuing living my life
Musical Moment – Parshat Lech L’cha
In the Torah we meet Avraham as an adult who responds immediately to God’s command to leave everything familiar, travel to the land of Canaan, and enter a covenant with the Holy One. Cha”zal, our ancient sages, provide us with a vast trove of midrashic material chronicling Abraham’s early life including his confrontation with King Nimrod. These narratives form the basis of this Ladino song. Below are two versions.
Yehuda Glantz – Avram Avinu (Cuando el Rey Nimrod)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPEhPBooBp0
Arleen Ramirez and the Ladino Music Project – Avram Avinu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vwE8DsKGO4
When King Nimrod went out into the fields
He looked up to the sky and amongst the stars
He saw a holy light over the Jewish Quarter
He knew that Abraham our father was to be born.
Chorus
Abraham our father, dear father,
Blessed father, light of Israel.
Abraham our father, blessed father,
Light of Israel
Then to the midwives he commanded
That every pregnant woman
Who didn’t give birth straight away, should have the child killed
Because Abraham the father was to be born.
Chorus
Terach’s wife was pregnant
And every day he asked her,
“Why do you look so sad?”
She already knew what she had to do.
Chorus
After nine months she needed to give birth,
She walked through the fields and vineyards,
Where even her husband wouldn’t find her,
She found a manger and there she gave birth.
Chorus
At that moment the newborn spoke,
“Go from the manger, my mother,
I will find someone who will take me away
Heaven will send someone to accompany me
Because I am the servant of the Blessed God.
Chorus
Let us salute the friend
And the one who performed circumcision
Through whose worthiness all Israel came to merciful God,
We surely praise the True One, the True God of Israel.
Chorus
Musical Moment – Parashat Noah
Noach – Matti Caspi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uxoQZi_oro
A playful song about Noah and the ark performed by the well-known Israeli musician.
This Shabbat is also Rosh Chodesh, the first day of the new Hebrew month Cheshvan. This song picks up from a verse in the Haftarah from Isaiah in which the prophet promises the restoration of Israel and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Sisu et Yerushalayim – Ofra Haza https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7olQ-DHsl64
Musical Moment – Sukkot 5785
Two songs for Sukkot. The first is an entertaining parody of a Taylor Swift song which reflects on aspects of the festival. The second is an Israeli folk song which moves to the metaphoric image of the Sukkah as a symbol of peace.
“Shake Lulav” – A Parody by Cantor Stephanie Shore, based on “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift from BarCohn Productions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvjft0N_fkQ
Shlomit Bona Sukka – Shlomit is Building a Sukkah – Gilad Cohen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZMKiwcC6zM&list=RDOZMKiwcC6zM&start_radio=1&rv=OZMKiwcC6zM&t=42
Shlomit is building a sukkah
Full of light and greenery
That’s why today she’s so busy.
But it’s not simply a sukkah
Full of light and greenery –
Shlomit is building a sukkah of peace (“sukkat shalom”).
She will not forget to lay out
The lulav and the myrtle leaves (hadasim),
A branch of green willow.
A pomegranate within its leaves,
And all the fruits of autumn,
With its fragrance of orange groves.
And when Shlomit says
Look! It’s already finished!
Suddenly something wondrous will happen:
All the neighbors will come,
It will be a swarm –
And there will be room for everyone!
Then, through the roof of branches,
With a bright glow
as though it were a diamond
The twinkle of a star will shine,
-Shalom, wondrous sukkah,
How fine and how pleasing it is –
That Shlomit built a sukkah of peace.
Musical Moment – Yom Kippur
Ki Anu Amecha – Raza (Page 263)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=linLj6DW8LM
Ya’aleh Koleinu / “Let Our Voices Rise” (Piyyut for Yom Kippur) –
Joey Weisenberg, Deborah Sacks Mintz, and Friends (Page 223) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR7PFCjgIk0
Musical Moment for Rosh Hashanah
Marking the year since the events of October 7, this piece expresses remembrance, resilience, and hope.
Begin Anew – Koolulam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P0Gnvk5Kmk
Here are two version of Hayom Harat Olam, each with its own unique feel.
Today the world stands as at birth. Today all creation is called to judgment, whether as Your children or as Your servants. If as Your children, be compassionate with us as a parent is compassionate with children. If as Your servants, we look to You expectantly, waiting for You to be gracious to us and, as day emerges from night, to bring forth a favorable judgment on our behalf, awe-inspiring Holy One.
Hayom Harat Olam – Rabbi Josh Warshawsky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2gkceEzVrs
Hayom Harat Olam – Craig Taubman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anZYBMJiLao
Musical Moment – Nitzavim-Vayelech 5784
These two songs are rooted in the Haftarah for this Shabbat. As the prophet is often viewed as the mouthpiece of God, the first passage has traditionally been understood as an expression of God’s ongoing commitment to the redemption of Israel and the divine desire that all nations recognize the Israelites’ rectitude. Some suggest that the verse is a personal expression on the part of Isaiah whoo seeks to comfort and defend his people by asserting their importance in the Divine realm in the face of their detractors.
The second passage uses the celebratory nature of a wedding as a metaphor for the joyous return of the people to its land and the restoration of its relationship with God.
Lema’an Tzion / For Zion’s Sake (Isaiah 62:1) by Barry & Batya Segal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXPwsFvoaUo
For the sake of Zion, I will not be silent,
For the sake of Jerusalem I will not be still,
Till her victory emerges resplendent
And her triumph like a flaming torch.
Sisu Et Yerushalayim (Rejoice with Jerusalem) – The Hava Nagillah Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9sV3hQnS8A
Based on Isaiah 63:5b-6
And as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
So will your God rejoice over you.
Upon your walls, O Jerusalem,
I have set watchmen,
Who shall never be silent
By day or by night.
O you, the Lord’s remembrancers,
Take no rest.
Musical Moment – Parshat Ki Tavo
Two of the longest versions of a one-line song ever! At only four Hebrew words it’s even more impressive than Weird Al’s (This Song’s Just) Six Words Long, a parody of George Harrison’s “Got My Mind Set on You” which was written and composed by Rudy Clark and first recorded by James Ray in 1962. The links for these are below. Not exactly Torah portion related but fun listening.
Eretz Zavat Halav Udvash – A land flowing with milk and honey
Eretz Zavat Halav Udvash – Leon Gurvitch Project featuring Joshua Nelson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUb6kvd6gVE
Eretz Zavat Halav Udvash – Debka Fantasia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYfztqmElc0
(This Song’s Just) Six Words Long – Weird Al Yankovic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIIvJkSLSfw
Got My Mind Set on You – George Harrison https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_71w4UA2Oxo
Musical Moment – Parshat Kee Teytzeh
Beginning on Rosh Chodesh Elul Psalm 27 is added to our daily liturgy at the end of morning and evening services. The themes of the psalm are meant to guide our thoughts and reflections as we approach the Yamim Noraim, the High Holy Days. Here are three renditions of the verse, the first being the version many of us are familiar with from when we sing it during the recitation of the psalm.
One thing I ask of Adonai–this is what I seek:
to dwell in the House of God all the days of my life,
to behold God’s peacefulness and to pray in God’s sanctuary.
Achat Sha’alti – Psalm 27 – Lila Chertman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpxJxhfkCk
Achat Sha’alti – Chava Mirel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GydRNKeqb68
This last version begins with the previous verse in the psalm, “Should an armed camp be arrayed against me, my heart would show no fear; if they were to go to war against me, of this I would be sure” a confident statement by the psalmist of divine protection.
Achat Sha’alti – Sam Glaser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ggmkj0Kl60
Musical Moment – Parshat Shoftim
Both of this week’s selections are based on verses from this week’s Haftarah, the words of the prophet Isaiah expressing a joyous return to our ancestral land.
Ma Navu (How Beautiful) – Safam (Isaiah 52:7-8)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5387MMnt_Co
How welcome upon the mountains are the feet of the herald
Announcing peace
Heralding good fortune,
Announcing salvation,
Telling Zion: “Your God is King!”
Hark! Yur watchmen raise their voices,
As they shout for joy;
For every eye shall behold the LORD’s return to Zion.
Uri Tzion (Isaiah 52:1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9OaSUk1aHc
Awake, awake, O Zion!
Clothe yourself in splendor;
Put on robes of majesty,
Jerusalem, holy city.
Giora Feidman – Kumi Uri Tzion (Awake, Awake) (Instrumental)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T9bbYLbyPQ
Musical Moment – Parshat Re’eh
This Shabbat we bless the upcoming month of Elul ushering in a period of introspection. The prayer for the new month captures hope for the days ahead that our deepest yearnings will be answered.
Hanan ben Ari – Shvurei Lev – Those with Broken Hearts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKlsuyuh5TQ
Who knows every pain
who repairs every broken heart
creates light and darkness
makes peace and war…
Who sits in judgement1
covers in mercy
pardons and forgives
sees all and knows all
And who will heal my heart
for whom am I longing
like a sea that has no shore
just tell me who
who will embrace me and ensure
that I will not give up in the end…
Who was, is, and will be
who takes and gives renewed life
opens arms
grows wings
And who will heal my heart
for whom am I longing
like a sea that has no shore
just tell me who
who will embrace me
and ensure
that I will not give up in the end…
1. lit: chair of law
Musical Moment – Parshat Ekev
Parshat Ekev reflects an enduring reality of both ancient and modern Israel, the tension between the need to fight for national survival and the desire to live peacefully with its neighbors. This tension is reflected in the music of the country and reflects the spectrum of emotions brought out by each crisis. Here are a few songs produced in the wake of the October 7 massacre.
Hatikva 6 – Giborei Al (Super Heroes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYGd4HOend4
So the Bible teacher serves in Givati
The language teacher
The neighbor upstairs works in construction
but has already been in the reserves for a month.
The lawyer is a “Kambatzit” (operations manager)
working shifts in the military division.
Her brother, a senior hi-tech guy,
now he is a sniper on rooftops in the Strip.
The tough branch manager of the bank
is a sergeant in Judea and Samaria.
Doron, he’s the owner of a toy store,
now he is a company commander in the armored corps.
And our beloved Amedi, who usually sings in Caesarea,
Is a combat engineering soldier bravely recovering
after being wounded in the heart of Gaza.
Hey,
It’s true everyone looks ordinary — but,
We’re a nation of superheroes
In each of us there is always a soldier hidden,
Ready to save the world
The bus driver from “Dan”,
The one who is always on time,
He is now the commander of an artillery battery in the south near Nir Am
There is a student at the Technion,
In the middle of his bachelor’s degree,
He is a captain in the 91st division in the Galil,
stationed for a month already at the northern border.
There is a model here who is a paramedic.
There is an electrician here who is a MAG shooter.
There is Yoni, a gifted saxophone player, who is first and foremost a warrior in Sayeret Matkal (Elite unit).
Everyone has a hidden closet
or a large, equipped box
He has a set of uniforms or a reserves outfit, always ready for action.
Hey,
It’s true that everyone here looks normal — but,
We are a nation of superheroes
In each of us there is always a soldier hidden,
Ready to save the world
And it doesn’t matter if we are in the middle of living life
or in the middle of a soccer game,
Everyone will drop everything in a second if the flag calls out to them
This is not a parallel universe,
Not a “Marvel” reality
This is our story – the nation of Israel.
Eyal Golan – Am Yisrael Chai (The Nation of Israel Lives)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p3rtnQ_7y4
The sun will shine soon
we’ll know better days that these
the heart fights with worry
everyone will return home
we’ll wait for them below
hopefully we’ll know good news
Because the eternal people never fear
even when it’s hard to see
we’re all together, no one here is alone
when the wars burns
The nation of Israel lives
if we’ll not forget always to be united
the nation of Israel lives
during ascents and during declines,
even during the hardest hours
God, the blessed one, he watches over us
so who can triumph over us
because we have no other land
will make peace amongst ourselves
watch over our children
because we haven’t lost our faith
Ho my land is our heritage
our spirits will not fall now
around us, an iron of swords1
and the dove will spread her wings
the hope of two thousand years
we’ll go out in the streets to sing again
Because the eternal people never fear
even when it’s hard to see
we’re all together, no one here is alone
we’ll go out in the streets to sing
1 The name of the war against Hamas
Musical Moment – Parshat Va’etchanan / Shabbat Nachamu
The special name for this Shabbat, Shabbat Nachamu, is taken from the opening words of the Haftarah in which the prophet Isaiah offers comfort to the people of Israel, promising a restoration of the relationship with God and a return to the Land of Israel.
Isaiah 40:1-3
Comfort my people, comfort them, says your God. Speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry to her, that her fighting is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the Lord׳s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries, “Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway to our God.”
Below are two artistic interpretations of Isaiah’s inspiring words.
Nachamu Ami (Be Comforted My People) by Safam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llCttY6UDeA
Nachamu Ami – Neshama Carlebach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGhfeA8Rfq0&t=92s
Having mentioned the song “Anthem” above here is a recording of Leonard Cohen performing it live in London.
Leonard Cohen – Anthem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wRYjtvIYK0
Ein Od Milvado – Shlomi Shabat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEPHL6NN2gY
THERE IS NO OTHER THAN HIM
I saw stars that lit up the world
And with time, disappeared
I climbed to the tops of mountains
And along the way,
I also asked for advice from wise men
I didn’t allow my eyes to get blinded by the views
And I understood that too much
Is sometimes too little
And from the silence, I took a song for my soul
Chorus:
There is no other than Him
The whole world is filled with His glory
The Holy One, blessed is He is King
And I am His servant
In wars against the will,
Like a desert thirsty for water,
A man surrenders
And once again the soul seeks refuge
Beneath the wings of the Holy Presence
I, too, stood at the entrance, like everyone else,
Asking forgiveness from the King of the Universe
And from the silence, I took a song for my soul
Chorus….
Shema Yisrael – Ofir Ben Shitrit performing a song by Sarit Hadad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9-l5z9jT6A
Musical Moment – Parshat Devarim, Shabbat Chazon 5784
Shabbat Chazon is the Shabbat immediately prior to the observance of Tisha B’Av. As part of the commemoration of this sad day on our calendar, we read the words of the prophet Jeremiah who struggles to articulate the trauma and grief of the destruction of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. His plaintive words have eched through Jewish history.
The first musical moment uses Jeremiah’s words to capture the prophet’s pathos. The other pieces reflect more hopeful expressions of a rebuilt Jerusalem and a time when it will dwell in peace.
Binyamin File – Mi Yiten
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jz60aOIyyQ
Jeremiah 8:23
Oh, that my head were water, my eyes a fount of tears.
Then would I weep day and night for the slain of my poor people.
Rivka Zohar – Al Kapav Yavi – On His Palms He Will Bring
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjJ_jBggWi0
On our narrow street
there lives a strange carpenter.
He sits in his hut
and doesn’t do a thing.
No one comes to buy,
and no one comes to visit,
and it’s been two years
since he’s done any carpentry.
And he carries but one dream in his heart
to build a throne for Elijah who will come,
on the palms of his hands he will bring it,
to Elijah the Prophet.
And he sits and waits for him
for years he’s been dreaming he will be worthy
he guards his secret and awaits him
When will the day come?
On our narrow street
there lives a strange shoemaker.
he sits in his hut
and doesn’t do a thing.
His empty shelves
are covered with dust.
For two years has his awl
has been sitting in a sack.
And he dreams that he’d make a pair of shoes
to be worn on the feet of the Herald,
on the palms of his hands he will carry them,
To Elijah the Prophet.
And he sits and waits for him
for years he’s been dreaming he will be worthy
he guards his secret and awaits him
When will the day come?
In Jerusalem there is
a man entirely not young,
he built many houses
in all corners of the city.
He knows each alley,
every street and neighborhood,
He builds the city
for seventy years already.
And he dreams that just as he built the city
he will lay the cornerstone of the Holy Temple.
On the palms of his hands he will bring it
to Elijah the Prophet.
And he sits and waits for him
for years he’s been dreaming he will be worthy
he guards his secret and awaits him
When will the day come?
Ofra Haza – Hakotel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbTnrbviJZs
A girl stood facing the kotel (western wall)
She drew her lips and chin close to it.
She said to me, the shofar’s blasts are strong
But the silence is even stronger.
She told me: Zion, the Temple Mount**
She was silent, about the reward and the right.
And what shone on her forehead at evening
Was the purple of royalty.
The kotel, moss and sadness.
The kotel, lead and blood.
There are people with a heart of stone.
There are stones with a human heart.
The paratrooper stood at the kotel.
Of his whole division – the only one.
He told me that death has no image
But it has a diameter –
Nine millimeters only.
He told me, I’m not shedding tears
And again lowered his glance.
But my grandfather, God knows,
Is buried here, on Har Hazeitim (the Mount of Olives).
The kotel……
She stood, dressed in black, at the kotel.
The mother of one of the infantry soldiers.
She told me, it’s the eyes of my son that are shining
And not the candles on the wall.
She told me: I’m not writing
Any note to hide between the cracks.***
Because what I gave to the kotel only last night
Is greater than any words or writing.
Lior Farhi – Shomer HaChomot – Guardian of the Walls
Musical Moment – Parshat Mattot-Masey
Rav Nachman of Bratslav captured an essential truth about the nature of life and the importance finding the courage to go forward in the face of challenges. His simple formula, “Kol ha’olam kulo, gesher tzar me’od, v’ha’ikar lo lifached k’lal – The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the essential thing is to have no fear at all.” For Rav Nachman this was also an expression of faith and trust that we are accompanied by God on our journey.
Rav Nachman’s teaching has received a variety of musical expressions.
Journey – Craig Taubman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqqaw2Ua9_o
Kol Ha Olam Kulo (Gesher Tsar Meod)
Ma’ayan Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEpa5eGFbh0
Kol Ha Olam Kulo (Gesher Tsar Meod)
L’hakat Orot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EkP6O9thyY
Kol Haolam Kulo / Take Me to the Bridge
Itamar Borochov – Instrumental
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbNh2WwMGJg
It’s only a journey – across a very narrow bridge It’s a journey -You don’t know where you’re going Can’t hide from it – Don’t dare fear from it.
Kol HaOlam Kooloh Gesher Tsar M’ohd
In My Life – The Beatles
There are places I’ll remember
All my life, though some have changed Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
[Chorus 1: John Lennon & Paul McCartney] All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends, I still can recall Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I’ve loved them all
Though I know I’ll never lose affection For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you more
[Verse 2: John Lennon & Paul McCartney] But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you And these memories lose their meaning When I think of love as something new
[Chorus 2: John Lennon with Paul McCartney]
Musical Moment – Parshat Pinchas
As noted above, this week’s Torah portion includes the mechanism by which the Land of Israel will be apportioned to the tribes who are approaching the end of the wilderness wandering. We read this as our own attention is heavily focused on Israel; the Fast of Tammuz commemorating the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by the Babylonians during the final weeks of the First Temple and in our own day, the speech delivered by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu before a joint session of the US Congress. Eyal Golan captures the enduring connection to, love for, and commitment to our ancestral home.
Israel – Eyal Golan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sEz9Q7IpPo
After you I go, ready to die for your sake
Thinking about you all of the day, for Israel I will give everything.
I have a land, the milk touches honey
And the old is very old, it’s surrounded by new.
And she is beautiful sacred, many are those who desire her
And who will know her way, leaders argue over her.
House after house, from kibbutz to moshav
And one large city, all of it made of gold.
Israel is my home
Israel, my dream
Israel … Here and now
Israel, Israel
A beautiful blue sea, and she is dry from waters
And a green desert, from dew that’s in the sky.
A generation that decided, a blue-white flag
And a new generation that’s coming, to win over time.
We are here forever, to plant and to build
From a dream for hope, (to build) the land of the ancestors.
After you I go, ready to die for your sake
Thinking about you all of the day, for Israel I’ll give everything.
Blue-white rising, rising,
Our hearts fill, Israel rises, rises
Musical Moment – Parshat Balak
As noted above, this week’s Torah portion contains “Mah Tovu”, a biblical passage which has been incorporated into the siddur and inspired many musical renditions. Some focus exclusively on the verse from the Torah, others add a subsequent verse from the prayer in the siddur.
Mah tovu oha-leh-cha Ya’akov,
Mish-k’notecha, Yisrael.
Va-ani b’rov chas-deh-cha ah-voh vey-the-cha,
Ehsh-ta-cha-veh el hey-chal kod-sheh-cha b’yeer-ah-techa.
“How fair are your tents,
O Jacob, Your dwellings, O Israel!”
As for me, through Your great kindness I enter your house;
In awe of You, I bow toward Your holy sanctuary.
Mah Tovu – Noam Katz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6yyYOd6t0A
Mah Tovu – Bat Kol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUDzPpadtJs
Mah Tovu – Six13
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-I6Q8esO5w&list=RDMMCUDzPpadtJs&index=2
Musical Moment – Parshat Chukkat
A retelling of the tragic story of Yiftach’s daughter as presented in the Haftarah for this Shabbat.
Bat Yiftach – Rayzel Raphael – Bible Babes A Beltin’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcnPptFeKDU
Bat Yiftach at JTS: Bronwen’s Pre-show Talk
Short introduction to a fascinating presentation below of the story of Yiftach’s daughter which builds on a connection between text, midrash, and performative art.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01wJVBNFj4U
Bat Yiftach at JTS: Yiftach’s Neder (excerpt)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n97rIywLcp4
The Hebrew refrain is the beginning of the vow spoken by Yiftach in the Haftarah: “If You will cause the Ammonites to fall into my hands…”
For your convenience, Psalm 45, referenced in Bronwen’s introduction above.
Musical Moments – Parshat Korach, Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Tammuz
This Shabbat we also mark Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, the beginning of the new Hebrew month. When Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbat a special Haftarah is read and the first this week’s songs is built upon verses from these words of the prophet Isaiah. The prophet expresses the Divine promise of restoration for the Israelites is predicated on their return to God.
The second song uses the incident in our Torah portion about the conflict initiated by Korach to reflect on the question of choices.
Sisu Eht Yerushalayim – Rejoice With Jerusalem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCjk6fUM_nI
Chorus:
Rejoice with Jerusalem, be glad about her,
be glad all you that love her,
all who love her.
On your walls, O city of David
I have stationed watchmen, all day and night.
Do not fear, my servant Jacob,
for your enemies shall be scattered before you.
(repeat)
Look about you and behold; see all
as they are all gathering and coming unto you.
And your people are all holy
and forever shall inherit the land.
Bad Choices – SAFAM
Live performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS5DvoVSU3g
Studio recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veWg_62VNLY
Musical Moment – Parshat Naso
This week’s Torah portion contains Birkat Kohanim, the threefold blessing bestowed upon the Israelites by the Kohanim. The blessing has been incorporated into a variety of lifecycle rituals and our liturgy. In traditional communities it is recited by Kohanim in the congregation on festivals (Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot) and in referred to as “Duchening”, a reference to the platform upon which the Kohanim stood in the Temple.
Birkat Kohanim – Blue Fringe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv3k9sYN0jQ
Birkat Kohanim – Micky Gabay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiZPWJNnJys
Y’va-reh-ch’-cha Adonai, v’Yish-m’-reh-cha.
Ya’air Adonai panav eh-leh-cha vee-chu-neh-ka.
Yee-sah Adonai panav eh-leh-cha, v’ya-same l’cha shalom.
May Adonai bless and protect you.
May Adonai’s countenance shine upon you
and may Adonai bestow kindness upon you.
May Adonai’s countenance be lifted toward you
and may Adonai grant you peace.
Musical Moment – Shavuot
Songs of Torah and Shavuot –
Instrumental and Inspirational
Laasok B’divrei Torah – Kol B’Seder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz1NuJqsdBc
Based on the blessing recited prior to the study of Torah
Alli En El Midbar – Gerard Edery – Ladino
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbhD3tDmQCY
There in the desert I saw burning
I saw the tablets of the Law brought down
And look, this man is our teacher Moses
Who went up and came down from the Heavens
The angels of Heaven want to burn him
Born of woman, what does he look for in sanctity?
The angels of Heaven are envious of him
He is but a man, what does he search for in Heaven?
Sweet as Honey – Dan Nichols and 18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwug-g5k0f8
Based on the blessing recited prior to the study of Torah
Talmud Torah – Safam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxNtKmy5-SM
Musical Moment – Parshat B’midbar
Both of the artists below take two verses from this week’s haftarah as the core of their song. Aaron Berk sets the verses in the context of our patriarch Jacob’s love for Rachel using several verses from the Book of Genesis as a frame. Craig Taubman uses the verses as part of a song sung between spouses anticipating how their marriage will foster their growth as individuals.
Shared by both songs are the verses from the prophet Hoshea (2:21-22) stating the Holy One’s pledge to restore the relationship with the people of Israel.
V’ay-ras-tich li l’olam
V’ay-ras-tich li b’tzedek
uv’mish’pat uv’chesed uv’rachamim
V’ay-ras-tich li b’emunah
veyada’at et Adonai
And I will espouse you forever:
I will espouse you with righteousness and justice,
And with goodness and mercy,
And I will espouse you with faithfulness;
Then you shall be devoted to God.
Craig Taubman – V’ay-ras-tich Li
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlX-TZW04W8
Aharon Berk – V’erastich Li
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzTQSsIvnuM
Odenu m’daber, v’he-nay ba Rachel
Va’yagel eht ha-eh-ven mey-al pee ha-b’err
Va-ya-vod b’Rachel sheh-vah shanim
V’ha-yoo b’ey-nav k’yamim ah-cha-deem
V’ay-ras-tich li l’olam
V’ay-ras-tich li b’tzedek
uv’mish’pat uv’chesed uv’rachamim
V’ay-ras-tich li b’emunah
veyada’at et Adonai
Aaron Berk quotes parts of the following verses. I have left the verses complete placing a frame around the omitted phrases.
While he was still speaking with them, [Rachel came with her father’s flock; for she was a shepherdess.] And when Jacob saw Rachel, [the daughter of his uncle Laban, and the flock of his uncle Laban,] Jacob went up and rolled the stone off the mouth of the well… So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days [because of his love for her.] Genesis 32:9-10, 20
Musical Moment – Parshat B’chukkotai
The song is based on a verse from the words of the prophet Jeremiah in this week’s Haftarah.
Ve’haya Ke’ets Shatoul – Shmuel Levy LevYatan
And he shall be like a tree planted by waters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGJt6BVK2lU
Ve’haya ke’ets shatoul ahl palgey mayim
Asher piryo yeeten b’eetoh
V’ehlav loh yipol
And he shall be like a tree planted by waters,
Whose fruit ripens in season
And whose leaves do not drop.
Ve’haya ke’ets shatoul ahl palgey mayim
V’chol ahser ya’ahseh yatzliach,
yatzliach
And he shall be like a tree planted by waters,
And all that he does shall succeed/flourish
Waiting For Or1 (Waiting For Light) – Guy and Yahel
Our Torah portion speaks about the value of human beings, an idea echoed in the song Waiting for Or (Light) written in memory of Or Abramov.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAaLPnJi5Pg&list=RDDAaLPnJi5Pg
The path home is very long
too many days without sleep
we waited for the sunrise and it didn’t come
it won’t come until you arrive also
We are waiting for Or
and here he touches
how much time have we been waiting for your return
We are waiting for Or
perhaps you can hear
you promised to return and the sunrise is still waiting
The days pass and no one can say
when the entry door will open
the children have been crying since the moment you left
if only you’ll be able to come before the sunset
We are waiting for Or
and here he touches
how much time have we been waiting for your return
We are waiting for Or
perhaps you can hear
you promised to return and the sunrise is still waiting.
1. Or is the name of a person as well as the Hebrew word for light.
Musical Moment – Parshat B’har
On Sunday we will celebrate Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day in the counting of the period between Pesach and Shavuot. Part of Lag BaOmer lore connects this day with Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a second century sage who was also known for his engagement with Jewish mysticism. The song reflects on his influence and its infusion into the celebration of Shabbat.
Sefardic Song about Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkB0RF7ywe0&list=PLa2PLAu-jBUtmXMXG4MhQ1vjANJNu6iAm&index=5
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was a principal student of Rabbi Akiva. Here is a Safam song based on a teaching of his regarding the importance of our children as students and thus perpetuators of Torah.
Amar Rabbi Akiva – SAFAM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc-2Tvs-QaU
Musical Moment – Parshat Emor
Eden Golan – Hurricane – Israel’s Eurovision Performance 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8Kw1xBGTnA
Netta – Toy – Israel’s Most Recent Eurovision First Place Finish 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSZMe8cSBZg
Ilanit – Ey Sham – Israel’s First Eurovision Appearance 1973
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrLS0pMuezQ
The Eurovision Song Contest began as a technical experiment in television broadcasting. The live, simultaneous, transnational broadcast that Europe has been watching for nearly 70 years was at its inception in 1956 considered an incredible marvel. The Eurovision Song Contest has continued to evolve and expand from a seven-nation competition to include 52 nations this year including Israel since 1973.
Eurovision’s organizers have always insisted that the contest was not a place for politics. Despite that, pro-Palestinian groups and some Eurovision fans have been trying for months to get the contest’s organizers, the European Broadcasting Union, to ban the Israeli entrant, Eden Golan, from taking part at this year’s event in Malmo, Sweden.
Protests were particularly vocal after the title of Golan’s entry was announced in February: “October Rain,” an apparent reference to last year’s Hamas attacks, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 240 taken hostage. The European Broadcasting Union objected that the title and some of the song’s lyrics were overly political, and asked Israel to change them. Golan tweaked the song, which is now called “Hurricane”.
Eden Golan performed in a tense atmosphere with conflicts amongst contestants and in the face of booing from a segment of the audience. In the end Switzerland won the competition by dominating the jury vote, while Israel’s Eden Golan, scored a strong second in the public vote, and placed fifth overall.
Musical Moment – Parshat Kedoshim
Ki Tavo’u El Ha’aretz – And When You Shall Come into the Land
The song is based on the conditional statement in our Torah portion, “When you enter the land” leading to various laws obligating the Israelites to share the bounty of the land with those in need. I am sharing three versions by different artists, the first being the most traditional. Also, don’t think I have “lost it” when you see the gospel choir below. Iris and Ofer have incorporated a “gospel” sound to their music. The second link below their name will take you to a description of their work and their involvement in the Israeli music scene.
Yardena Arzi, Mazi Cohen, Reuven Gewirtz, and Yoel Lerner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXhyYYezMUw
And when you shall come into the land,
And have first planted all manner of trees,
Then shall the trees yield each its fruit
And the land its harvest.
A time to plant trees
A time to plant and to build.
And you shall sit every man under his vine
And under his fig-tree,
And you shall be like a tree, planted
By streams of water.
A time to plant…
And you shall rebuild the old wastes,
You shall raise up the former desolations,
And you shall live upon your land
In security forever more.
A time to plant…
Iris & Ofer Portugaly and Their “Gospel” Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrQbft32Qf4
https://www.en.portugalymusic.com/homesites/PageGen.asp?page=25252
MOAV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xlHbP2F_vQ
MOAV is an Israeli group performing instrumental covers for old Hebrew songs featuring Eli Benacot, Inbar Fridman, Lior Ozeri, and David Sirkis
Musical Moment – Parshat Acharei Mot
HaLehakot HaTzva’iyot – Bayit Lehilachem (A Home To Fight For)
Hebrew with English subtitles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLMTbjKSyx0
Hatikva 6 – Giborei Al (Super Heroes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYGd4HOend4
So the Bible teacher serves in Givati
The language teacher in intelligence.
The neighbor upstairs works in construction
but has already been in the reserves for a month.
The lawyer is a “Kambatzit” (operations manager)
working shifts in the military division.
Her brother, a senior hi-tech guy, now he is a sniper on rooftops in the Strip.
The tough branch manager of the bank is a sergeant in Judea and Samaria.
Doron, he’s the owner of a toy store,
now he is a company commander in the armored corps.
And our beloved Amedi, who usually sings in Caesarea,
Is a combat engineering soldier bravely recovering
after being wounded in the heart of Gaza.
Hey,
It’s true everyone looks ordinary — but,
We’re a nation of superheroes
In each of us there is always a soldier hidden,
Ready to save the world
The bus driver from “Dan”,
The one who is always on time,
He is now the commander of an artillery battery in the south near Nir Am
There is a student at the Technion,
In the middle of his bachelor’s degree,
He is a captain in the 91st division in the Galil,
stationed for a month already at the northern border.
There is a model here who is a paramedic.
There is an electrician here who is a MAG shooter.
There is Yoni, a gifted saxophone player,
who is first and foremost a warrior in Sayeret Matkal (Elite unit).
Everyone has a hidden closet
or a large, equipped box
He has a set of uniforms or a reserves outfit, always ready for action.
Hey,
It’s true that everyone here looks normal — but,
We are a nation of superheroes
In each of us there is always a soldier hidden,
Ready to save the world
And it doesn’t matter if we are in the middle of living life
or in the middle of a soccer game,
Everyone will drop everything in a second if the flag calls out to them
This is not a parallel universe,
Not a “Marvel” reality
This is our story – the nation of Israel.
Musical Moment – Pesach
There are a multitude of songs related to Pesach and I have chosen a few including an old spiritual, “Go Down Moses”, a playful parody, a contemporary retelling of the Exodus narrative and Moshe Salio de Misraim (Moshe Came out of Egypt), which comes from the Moroccan Ladino tradition, captures in song the major events of Moshe’s life from his flight from Egypt to his encounter with GOD on Mt. Horeb.
Go Down Moses – Alan Eder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpYqADukJj0
Go Down Moses – Louis Armstrong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP5EfwBWgg0
Go down Moses
Way down in Egypt land
Tell all pharaohs to
Let my people go!
When Israel was in Egypt land
Let my people go!
Oppressed so hard they could not stand
Let my people go!
So the God said: Go down, Moses
Way down in Egypt land
Tell all pharaohs to
Let my people go!
So Moses went to Egypt land
Let my people go!
He made all Pharaohs understand
Let my people go!
Yes the Lord said: Go down, Moses
Way down in Egypt land
Tell all Pharaohs to
Let my people go!
Les Misérables – Passover – The Maccabeats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmthKpnTHYQ&index=8&list=RD09jmwmHJZgI
Yetziat Mitzrayim – Eti Ankri (Hebrew with subtitles)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_j5QpvR-pY
Moshe Salio de Misraim (Moshe Came Out of Egypt) – Vanessa Paloma
From the Moroccan Ladino tradition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM1qeR-NV30
Moses went out of Egypt
fleeing from king Pharaoh
Went directly to the land of Midian
and met Jethro
He was given his (Jethro’s) daughter
because he was God-fearing,
Moses tended to his flock
which his father-in-law assigned to him.
While working
he came to the mountain of Horeb
He seated himself on a rock
waiting to see God.
He heard a voice which said
“Moses, Moses, my servant”
Take off your shoes
You are in a Holy place.
Go straight to Egypt
tell king Pharaoh
To send out my people
my Hebrew people.
And if he will not let them go
I will punish him
With ten plagues which I will send him
so that he will know who I am.
Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness
for His everlasting graciousness.
Praised be His name
because of his continuing goodness.
Musical Moment – Pesach 5784
There are a multitude of songs related to Pesach and I have chosen a few including an old spiritual, “Go Down Moses”, a playful parody, a contemporary retelling of the Exodus narrative and Moshe Salio de Misraim (Moshe Came out of Egypt), which comes from the Moroccan Ladino tradition, captures in song the major events of Moshe’s life from his flight from Egypt to his encounter with GOD on Mt. Horeb.
Go Down Moses – Alan Eder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpYqADukJj0
Go Down Moses – Louis Armstrong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP5EfwBWgg0
Go down Moses
Way down in Egypt land
Tell all pharaohs to
Let my people go!
When Israel was in Egypt land
Let my people go!
Oppressed so hard they could not stand
Let my people go!
So the God said: Go down, Moses
Way down in Egypt land
Tell all pharaohs to
Let my people go!
So Moses went to Egypt land
Let my people go!
He made all Pharaohs understand
Let my people go!
Yes the Lord said: Go down, Moses
Way down in Egypt land
Tell all Pharaohs to
Let my people go!
Les Misérables – Passover – The Maccabeats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmthKpnTHYQ&index=8&list=RD09jmwmHJZgI
Yetziat Mitzrayim – Eti Ankri (Hebrew with subtitles)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_j5QpvR-pY
Moshe Salio de Misraim (Moshe Came Out of Egypt) – Vanessa Paloma
From the Moroccan Ladino tradition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM1qeR-NV30
Moses went out of Egypt
fleeing from king Pharaoh
Went directly to the land of Midian
and met Jethro
He was given his (Jethro’s) daughter
because he was God-fearing,
Moses tended to his flock
which his father-in-law assigned to him.
While working
he came to the mountain of Horeb
He seated himself on a rock
waiting to see God.
He heard a voice which said
“Moses, Moses, my servant”
Take off your shoes
You are in a Holy place.
Go straight to Egypt
tell king Pharaoh
To send out my people
my Hebrew people.
And if he will not let them go
I will punish him
With ten plagues which I will send him
so that he will know who I am.
Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness
for His everlasting graciousness.
Praised be His name
because of his continuing goodness.
A Musical Moment – Parshat Shmini / Shabbat Hachodesh 5784
It shouldn’t surprise anyone when I say that there are not (m)any songs about keeping kosher or the lists of animals, fish, fowl, and insects which inhabit our Torah portion this week. So, I share with you two songs of the same title about King David. The first speaks about David in his youth when he was a shepherd tending his family’s flocks, watching over the baby sheep and goats. (A bit of a stretch but our Torah portion does mention these animals.) Having begun with King David, the second song is the more familiar song about the beloved monarch.
David Melech Yisrael – Chava Alberstein
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBR2EAqEPu0
David the king of Israel
who when he was (still) a shepherd
sat on a rock and played the flute
do re mi fa mi fa re
And the baby-goats and the baby-sheep
she-goats and the sheep
bleated me-me-me-me-me-me
what a magical tune
The world was filled with bleating
of the baby-goats and the baby-sheep
of the sheep and the ewes
by day and night
David put down his flute
with a silent song he sounded his voice
lu lu lu lu lu
and everyone fell asleep.
David Melech Yisrael – Neshama Carlebach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDrmbJjdrao
David is king, king of Israel
alive and existing.
Good sign
and good luck
may we have
and all of Israel
amen.
Musical Moment – Parshat Tzav
Canaanite Blues – Ehud Banai
This moving piece captures the reality of the empty chair at our tables left by those no longer present with us but who were incredibly important in our lives, helping to shape the people we have become.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLMTbjKSyx0
Since you’ve left, much here has changed
This is the time of madness
Of endless tumult
And with every new moment
Calamity is not upon us
And its all broadcast live,
its all exploding
And in a different plane, over the same Gemara page
You and I sit up all night
Worlds of calm
Pardes Hannah-Karkur
A eucalyptus in the wind
Whistles Canaanite Blues
Since you left, the darkness here is growing
Your light still shines, still glows
It’s a few local shows,
You know
The same song of pain, over and over
And in a different plane
Around the Shabbat Table
Everybody sits together
You and I as well
Worlds of calm
Pardes Hannah-Karkur
A lonely eucalyptus
Whistles Canaanite Blues
Since you left, much here has changed
It’s an electronic world, it’s a little hard to talk
And words like yours
Nobody says anymore
Your candle still casts light, still burns
And in a different plane, after a show
We’ll pass around a pungent wreath of thorns
Worlds of calm
Pardes Hannah-Karkur
A giant eucalyptus
Whistles Canaanite Blues
Since you left, much here has changed
Your candle still casts light, still burns.
A Purim Musical Moment
Mishenichnas Adar
A Collaboration by Franciska
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-J9_GdpUTQ
This is a fun twist on an old classic. This is based on a phrase in the Talmud, “Mishenichnas Adar Marbin B’simcha” – “When (the month of) Adar arrives we are especially joyous” reflecting on the upcoming celebration of Purim.
Purim has encouraged a myriad of parodies and shpiels (plays and skits), with many rooted in the culture of the time. Enjoy!
An Encanto Purim – The Maccabeats (We Don’t Talk About Haman)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmLkEcaUAA
Boo Hoo Haman – Rabbi B
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4GGuGHSIKc
Kermit the Frog – Purim Parody
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhhz0rtL7jg
Musical Moment – Parshat Pekudey
Shuly Nathan – Ana Eli / Please God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTmc4jCnA00
Please God, Please God,
make me an instrument for your missions.
Please God, Please God,
make me an instrument for your missions.
Where there is hatred –
let me show love
Where there is anger – forgiveness
Where there is darkness – light
Where there is sadness – happiness
Sovereign of the Universe
Please God…
God give me peace of mind
to accept what I cannot change
Please make me brave of heart
to change what I can
And please give me the wisdom
to distinguish between the two.
Please God…
Musical Moment – Parshat Vayakel
The Jewish mystics living in Tsfat composed zemirot, table hymns to be sung in honor of the spiritual guests who visited Jewish homes on Shabbat. Many of these zemirot are still sung around the Shabbat table including some attributed to the master kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria.
Yom Zeh Mechubad – Hibbat Hapiyut
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-70pseMrpCg
This day is honored, above all blest,
The day the God of the worlds did rest.
You have six days to labor away
The seventh day is God’s, God’s special day.
No work on the Sabbath, O this obey,
For in six God made all, by divine behest.
This day is honored…
The first of the holy days is this,
A Sabbath of rest and holy bliss.
Then kiddush on wine don’t ever miss,
To bless God over two loaves is best.
This day is honored…
Eat tasty food, drink well and sing,
For God provides, if to God you cling,
Clothing and food so nourishing,
Good meat and fish to eat with zest.
This day is honored…
You’ll lack for nothing, you’ll eat with cheer,
So dine and wine and singing clear,
Bless the Lord and love and revere,
For above all did he bless in your nest.
This day is honored…
God’s glory is told by the heavens above,
The earth is filled with his kindness and love,
See: God made all, to the gentlest dove,
God’s work is perfect, east or west.
This day is honored…
Translation by Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz in B’kol Echad, In One Voice, USCJ Songbook
Yom zeh L’yisrael – Beat’achon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC9AmIGbz6s
One of the most popular zemirot is Yom Zeh l’Yisrael (This day is for Israel), which describes a mixture of spiritual and physical pleasure. The second stanza refers to the Talmudic teaching (Ta’anit 27b) that each Jew receives an additional soul on Friday evening which departs when Shabbat ends.
Shabbat menucha.
Your gift to those who strive with You
is joy and light: Shabbat Menucha.
Certain of Your holy ways
You revealed to us at Sinai
Shabbat and other holy days
we are to keep as You commanded
You send your healing rays
accept our human ways:
Shabbat Menuchah
Charm is Shabbat for the heart
for the poor and broken people
if all week we were depressed
additional souls are ours on
Shabbat to help our anxious moods
breathe a relaxing sigh:
Shabbat Menuchah
Consecrated bride You blessed
all other days gave her their blessing
in the sixth and final phase
You finished global creation
There found the sorrowing calm and security:
Shabbat Menuchah
Let go of every form of toil
You in Your kindness have commanded
regal auras shine from us
when we keep Shabbat as is wanted
I offer holy gifts
a fragrant sacrifice:
Shabbat Menuchah
What songs of love could I perform
with rhythm and harmony and music
to please your presence holy God?
My soul delights in her surrender
Do keep that promise God
to your beloved folk:
Shabbat Menuchah
Receive my worship blessed God
as if it was my life I offered
This restful, blissful Shabbat day
with ample joy and sweet elation
we feel secure and loved
in Your protection God:
Shabbat Menuchah
Your salvation do we trust
Yah God most powerful and mighty
David’s heirs – do send them soon
to those who do transcend convention
Let Freedom be proclaimed
and with it space that’s safe:
Shabbat Menuchah
Awesome God who is most High
do look for us and give an answer
redeem this troubled planet soon
be kind and manifest Your caring
revive our trust in You
with light and blissfulness:
Shabbat Menuchah
Cherish and Renew Your house
enough the years it was in shambles
With Your compassion Gentle God
console the grieving ones in sorrow
who puts her grief aside
to sing You Shabbat songs:
Shabbat Menuchah
Zealous to treasure this holy day
keep us well in your remembrance
protect and guard us wondrous God
This day and every other day
Beloved do respond
and grant deliverance:
Shabbat Menuchah
Could celebration’s welcome song be heard
by Israel and her neighbors
When that vast vision is fulfilled
and all the world is safe from terror
Our light has dawned this day
and shines in every way:
Shabbat Menuchah
Translation by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
Musical Moment Parshat T’tsaveh
Ba Min Hashtikah
It Comes From Silence
Kobi Aflalo & Nofer Salman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCxmc-G_XZI
And I dream of an olive tree in the garden
and in its shade a grass sits
and I see there a flower and maybe it’s
actually you covered in the light of its beauty
All that I will say now
it will yet feel in every situation
like a silent question
yet the song that is playing in a light
is a song in minor with a sound of string
it comes from the silence.
I balance human desires
the logic and the emotion
I ask of G-d in my prayers for
understanding of knowledge and silence.
All that…
Sometimes the song says in a melody
and expresses itself better it’s the way
because each sound that comes as a gift
receives vitality and has a value.
All that…
Musical Moment – Parshat Yitro
The first song puts to music the opening passage of Pirke Avot/The Wisdom of Our Sages and speaks to the unbroken chain of transmission with generation after generation passing along the sacred gift of Torah and the teachings of our tradition. Next are two versions of the verse from Proverbs that is sung as part of the service returning the Torah to the Ark, the first more familiar and the other a relatively recent composition.
Torah Misinai – Naftali Kalfa & Shlomi Cohen (Pirke Avot 1:1)
Moses received [the] Torah from Sinai and transmitted it to Joshua.
Joshua [transmitted it] to the elders, and the elders to the prophets,
and the prophets to the members of the Great Assembly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWs5byDZ05I
Eitz Chayim Hee – Proverbs 3:18
It is a tree of life for those who grasp it, and all who hold on to it are blessed.
Kol Halayla Shabbat A Cappella 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL01VoHysOM
Eitz Chayim Hi (Megdal) 2/18/19 at SLBC, St Louis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggq2_hjewHo
Musical Moment – Parshat B’Shalach
Yetziat Mitzrayim / Leaving Egypt – Eti Ankri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_j5QpvR-pY
The song seeks to capture the excitement, anticipation, and anxiety of the Israelites as they leave Egypt and enter the unknown of the wilderness.
Psalms 104 – Yamma Ensemble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–UABwqW9Sg
The opening verses of the Psalm describe God as the Creator not in the past tense, but in the present. God is not the One who created light millennia ago on the first day of creation; God is the ongoing source of light in the universe. All the forces of nature manifest in the exodus narrative are similarly expressions of ongoing Divine power.
Musical Moment – Parshat Va’ehra
Go Down Moses
Alan Eder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpYqADukJj0
Go Down Moses
Louis Armstrong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP5EfwBWgg0
Go down Moses
Way down in Egypt land
Tell all Pharaohs to
Let my people go!
When Israel was in Egypt land
Let my people go!
Oppressed so hard they could not stand
Let my people go!
So the God said: go down, Moses
Way down in Egypt land
Tell all Pharaohs to
Let my people go!
So Moses went to Egypt land
Let my people go!
He made all Pharaohs understand
Let my people go!
Yes the Lord said: go down, Moses
Way down in Egypt land
Tell all Pharaohs to
Let my people go!
Musical Moment – Sh’mot
Moshe Salio de Misraim (Moshe Came out of Egypt), which comes from the Moroccan Ladino tradition, captures in song the major events of Moshe’s life from his flight from Egypt to his encounter with GOD on Mt. Horeb.
One of the ideas emphasized by the Torah in this week’s parasha is the unity of the emerging Israelite nation. With that in mind I have collected for you a variety of versions of the classic song taken from Psalm 133 which has a similar theme. Some were chosen for their musical appeal, others for their situational appropriateness.
OSHE SALIO DE MISRAIM – MOSHE CAME OUT OF EGYPT
VANESSA PALOMA (From the Moroccan Ladino tradition)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM1qeR-NV30
Moses went out of Egypt
fleeing from king Pharaoh
Went directly to the land of Midian
and met Jethro
He was given his (Jethro’s) daughter
because he was God-fearing,
Moses tended to his flock
which his father-in-law assigned to him.
While working
he came to the mountain of Horeb
He seated himself on a rock
waiting to see God.
He heard a voice which said
“Moses, Moses, my servant”
Take off your shoes
You are in a Holy place.
Go straight to Egypt
tell king Pharaoh
To send out my people
my Hebrew people.
And if he will not let them go
I will punish him
With ten plagues which I will send him
so that he will know who I am.
Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness
for His everlasting graciousness.
Praised be His name
because of his continuing goodness.
Hiney Ma Tov
Hiney ma tov u’ma-nayim
Shevet ach-im gam ya-chad
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Nefesh Mountain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXmb-rAJ1vc
Abayudaya Congregation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJxMjfm142A
History of the Abayudaya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYAjOt46qkI
Michelle Citrin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujLzbjG-07A
Yehuda Glantz in Australia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqJKg3jLn18
Beth Schafer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZhf8r-v9SE
YIDDISH FEST MOSCOW 2015: Joshua Nelson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD2BZIiK7zA
Musical Moment – Parshat VaY’chee
While Jacob’s final testament to his sons is an amalgam of blessing and curse, warning and critique, advice and hopefulness, it is clear that the aging patriarch is concerned about his family’s future, as individuals and as the nucleus of a nation in formation. Jacob’s parting words are meant to challenge and inspire the next generations in their relationships with each other and as links in the covenantal chain. The two songs below capture the feeling of reaching beyond ourselves to touch the future.
Sh’ma B’ni
Craig Taubman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPkUZdbxPcA
Sh’ma B’ni – Take these wings to fly with.
Shi-mi Bi-ti – With these roots you will grow.
This is my promise, this is my blessing,
You are the promise and you are the blessing.
Sh’ma B’ni — Shi-mi Bi-ti.
May you live to see the wonder,
In this world and those yet to come.
To care for those who came before you,
To trust in those who are yet to come.
Sh’ma B’ni — Shi-mi Bi-ti.
CHORUS:
U-fros A-lei-nu
U-fros A-lei-nu
U-fros A-lei-nu
Su-kat Sh’lo-mecha.
May your heart be filled with wisdom,
May your mind be filled with love.
May your lips be filled with sweetness,
May you shine like the stars above.
Sh’ma B’ni — Shi-mi Bi-ti.
CHORUS:
So you shall fly on wings of eagles,
And you will grow to be straight and tall.
This is my promise, this is my blessing,
You are the promise, and you are the blessing.
Sh’ma B’ni — Shi-mi Bi-ti.
Sh’ma B’ni — Shi-mi Bi-ti.
U-fros A-lei-nu — Sukat Sh’lo-mecha – Cover us with your shelter of peace.
I’m Standing on the Shoulders
Doug Cotler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giir7A434co
In the garden there’s a tree
Planted by someone who only imagined me
What love
What vision
I marvel at the gift…
No fruit, could be sweeter than this
I’m standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me
As my people went from land to land
Something passed from hand to hand
And it isn’t just the words and stories
Of the ancient laws and golden glories
It’s the way we study
The book we study
It’s the way we study
The way…
I’m standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me
Today my life is full of choice
Because a young man raised his voice
Because a young girl took a chance
I am freedom’s inheritance
Years ago they crossed the sea
And they made a life, that’s come to me
I’m standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me
So in the garden I’ll plant a seed
A tree of life for you to read
The fruit will ripen in the sun
The words will sound when I am gone
These are the things I pass along
The fruit,
The book,
And the song
I’m standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me
Musical Moment – Vayigash
Hinei Ma Tov – Elana Arian
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtP3IDEY1ts
Hineh ma tov uma na’im
Shevet achim gam yachad.
How good and pleasant it is
For brothers & sisters to sit together.
Sarit Hadad – Yachad N’natseyach / Together We Will Win
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfoalLqT45E
Together we will win, (if we) stay together
Days of the storm, we will overcome
And hope to always go along with us
Only together will win, stay together
On days when silence speaks poetry
Fire and thunderous days, we have no choice
We have a destiny that one small country
And is alone against the world
And should only loving freedom (freely?), keep us here
Together we will win, (if we) stay together
Days of the storm, we will overcome
And hope to always go along with us
Only together will win, stay together
When it seemed all right, come back to say goodbye
Never learn a lesson and remorseful
Our little to Israel, a thousand suitors
And they want it all
But there is a promise from the Creator of the Universe,
Keep us here
Together we will win, (if we) stay together
Days of the storm, we will overcome
And hope to always go along with us
Only together will win, stay together
(Chorus of “Am Israel Chai”)
Together we will win, (if we) stay together
Days of the storm, we will overcome
And hope to always go along with us
Only together will win, stay together
Musical Moment – Parshat Miketz
Kol Ha’olam Kulo – Maayan Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEpa5eGFbh0
Kol Ha’olam kulo
Gesher Tsar me’od
Gesher Tsar me’od
Gesher Tsar me’od –
Kol Ha’olam kulo
Gesher Tsar me’od –
Gesher Tsar me’od.
Veha’ikar – veha’ikar
Lo lefached –
lo lefached klal.
Veha’ikar – veha’ikar
lo lefached klal.
THE WHOLE WORLD
The whole world
is a very narrow bridge
a very narrow bridge
a very narrow bridge
The whole world
is a very narrow bridge –
A very narrow bridge.
And the main thing to recall –
is not to be afraid –
not to be afraid at all.
And the main thing to recall –
is not to be afraid at all.
Ani Ve’ata – Arik Einstein
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETqJxlBrQbc
Ani ve’ata neshaneh et ha’olam
ani ve’ata az yavo’u kvar kulam
Amru et zeh kodem lefanai
lo meshaneh, ani ve’ata neshaneh et ha’olam.
Ani ve’ata nenaseh mehahatchalah
yihyeh lanu ra ein davar zeh lo nora.
Amru et zeh kodem lefanai
zeh lo meshaneh, ani ve’ata neshaneh et ha’olam.
YOU AND I
You and I we’ll change the world
you and I by then all will follow
Others have said it before me but
doesn’t matter you and I we’ll change the world.
You and I we’ll try from the beginning
it will be tough for us, no matter, it’s not too bad!
Others have said it before me but it
doesn’t matter you and I we’ll change the world.
Musical Moment – Hannukah Edition
Musical Moments brings you songs to help celebrate each night of Hannukah. Enjoy these two songs about light, two versions of I Have a Little Dreidel, and a classic by Peter, Paul, and Mary. Also included are four versions of Hanukah, O Hanukah, – decide whose version you like best. There are five versions of Hanukkah, O Hannukah as mash-ups. There is a song just released and one based on the Haftarah for Hannukah. Finally, two traditional Hanukkah songs recited after lighting candles but with a new twist.
Light Up the Night – The Fountainheads
Light One Candle – Peter, Paul, & Mary
We’re Still Here (Am Yisrael Chai) – Hanukkah 2023 – The Maccabeats
Not By Might – Debbie Freidman
I Have A Little Dreidle – Joshua Nelson
8 Nights – Hanukkah Mashup – StandFour
Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah – Shir Soul – A Pentatonix-style Music Mashup
Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah – Craig ‘n Company
“Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah” – Barenaked Ladies
Pass the Candle – Michelle Citrin
Bluegrass “Chanukah” – Mama Doni
Haneirot Halalu – Six13 and Friends
Musical Moment – Parshat Vayeshev
For this week, I share two links to the opening of the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as a taste and encouragement to watch or listen to whole play.
Any Dream Will Do
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5Lg4trPUJc
Jacob and Sons/Joseph’s Coat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtpzoGj-1V8
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