In honor of my birthday, I’d like to extend a blessing to our Jewish Link family both here and abroad: may we share simchas, good health, nachas, peace, safety for our brave soldiers, swift return of our hostages, victory, and clarity in an otherwise confused world. Am Yisrael Chai!
We’ve got a bunch of great new music to share. First, I want to mention the group of young men from Monsey who have been traveling to visit college campuses armed with music, food and camaraderie. Students describe feeling Jewish pride like never before. Keep up the good work. We’re proud of you.
Some of the leibedik tracks are “Hatzileini” by Thank You Hashem Nation (TYHN). Victory track by Pinny Einhorn. “Mah Shehaya Haya” — Moshe Storch/DJ Farbreng will keep you dancing. “Yalla ya Nasrallah,” an Israel anti-Hezbollah song, is creative expression at its finest. Gotta dance and laugh sometimes. We need it.
Sadly, we lost two Jewish music giants recently: Dedi and Sheya Mendlowitz. May their neshamas have an aliyah and may they continue their music genius on our behalf from above.
“Ki Atah Imadi” by Simcha Leiner is a hauntingly beautiful song and video. We suggest a tissue box to sample “Am Echad” — One Nation un Pueblo Am Echad.” As Rabbi Efrem Goldberg said, “If we’re not feeling deeply, check your DNA.”
“The Almighty’s On Our Side” (10/7 memorial version) in English by Tali Yess is a timely and meaningful ballad. Our favorite line is “We refuse to apologize for defending our lives.” Yes, indeed. We shall prevail. Benny Friedman remixed his “Dear Am Yisroel” (Israel war remix) as well. We’ve been writing and sending Dear Am Yisrael letters to the IDF, their families, folks who have been relocated and decision-makers.
The Boca Raton synagogue rabbis from Florida went to Israel to give chizuk. Eli Schwebel and Ohad lent their music to the cause. At the big rally in Washington, Beri Weber, Ishay Ribo, Omer Adom, and Matisyahu were some who shared their soulful talents for the occasion. My son Joey Newcomb and Lipa Schmeltzer went to Israel to encourage the soldiers, students, families who have been displaced, and rabbonim as well.
“Mimamakim” by Dalia Friedman and TYHN women and girls is magnificent. The Maccabeats “Avinu Shebashomayim” put the prayer for the state of Israel into acapella. Shulem Lemmer sings “Kehilos Hakodosh” in tribute to Zaka, heroes on the front lines.
An English version reality check on the question and answer to “How we’re doing” is presented in “Am Yisrael Chai” by Danny Palgon. What we are doing is the best we can, each in our own way. We have been taking Shabbos in early ever since the war began. Help and hope are possible. The chaplains are IN!
Avraham Fried has us ready for geula with “B’Korov Mamash.” Benzion and Luzy Klatzko’s “Asei Imi” is touching, as is mostly performed by kids in song and prayer, our personal favorites. Levi Begun and Levik Liberow tell us “The time has arrived” in their new track. It has indeed. What do you think? Let us know.
Rabbi Goldberg reminds us to let our enemies fear how much we love. How much we love Hashem and how much we love each other. May we witness real Yiddishe peace ASAP. Chanukah sameach!
Al and Sarah (Newcomb) Gordon own and operate 1640 WJPR, a unique radio station in hybrid format out of Highland Park/Edison. Al has been dazzling radioland with his voice and personality for decades. Sarah, a certified chaplain, columnist, 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].
