And a good time was had by all … We sure hope everyone had a magical and musical month of Holy Days. Every time I hear people say “Welcome back to the real world,” LOL, I wonder which world is real.
We cherish the break from the internet and social media. Undistracted family time wins hands down. Music followed us wherever we went. We witnessed a new song being composed in our son Joey Newcomb’s sukkah, up close. Here’s what happened: A rabbi came in on spiritual fire. He said he dreamed of a song and awoke in his sukkah overjoyed with gratitude. He ran over to share it with my son, and together they built and sang a song. Our job was to remember it until after Yom Tov when it could be put to pen properly.
Musicians work harder during the holidays. They‘re on call constantly in service of the heart, bringing joy to others. Rabbi Moshe Weinberger called out Joey for exactly that—spreading joy in the world, then he blessed him to be zoche to sing by Moshiach, b’ezrat Hashem.
We attended a Miami Boys concert with our grandchildren. After all the recent hype on TikTok, we wondered what would actually go down at the show. It was a wonderful display of Kiddush Hashem, achdut and talent. There’s always something special about young boys/kids stepping up and out in their glory. We admire confidence and support all efforts to encourage and develop talents in kids and adults of all ages.
We’ve heard that those who’ve never seen a Simchas Beis Hashoeva have never experienced true joy. Well, today they are accessible during Sukkot as well as farbrengens beyond. We owe it to ourselves to “take it with us,”, as Rabbi Simon Jacobson quotes in his wonderful book “60 Days”—“After the Tishrei holiday season brings the period of Ve’Yaakov holoch le’darko,’ meaning ‘And Jacob went on his way.’ Every Jew goes on his way, back to his work in fulfilling his unique mission in life. But now, he comes armed with the deep inspiration and energy that he has received from celebrating all the Holy Days.”
Movement is literally healing. Avraham Fried said “the greatest speakers/leaders can inspire, but only musicians can make someone dance.” Remember to dance like no one’s looking. We do, all the time.
Often DJs speak through music. Requests, dedications, especially on live radio, add a personal touch. We “pass the mic” as do Joey and his colleagues on stage as well. I love when a mic is passed to a child, a shy person or a senior citizen. Wallflowers are welcomed into our world. We appreciate you.
So now as we head into winter, “Let the music play.” Planners are adding music to all kinds of events, recognizing the potential impact. On October 30 Project Sarah is hosting “Take a Stand” to benefit victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, as well as raise awareness overall in our communities. We are proud The Jewish Link supports this important event. We are delighted that Eli Schwebel is joining. We had the pleasure of interviewing him on-air, where we had a deep discussion. Eli’s song “Stand for You” holds an eternal message of support and unity. Please see www.TimeToTakeAStand.org for more info.
Wishing all a good winter! More on the variety of new music coming out, in our next article. Stay warm, friends. Pumpkin lattes are in the air along with the glorious fall foliage. Thank you Hashem!
Al and Sarah (Newcomb) Gordon own and operate 1640 WJPR, a unique radio station in hybrid format out of Highland Park/Edison, New Jersey. Al has been dazzling Radioland with his voice and personality for decades. Sarah, a writer, realtor and therapeutic healer, is new to radio and new to the Gordon household. Together they hope to blaze a unique trail utilizing their special koach impacting their children, grandchildren, community, many fans and all others as intended from above, one song and one smile at a time. #TYH Nation YOU matter! They can be reached at: [email protected].
