Lots of new music has been released this month, friends! Must be the double mazal of Adar. And war time of course. I must say I was surprised that Matisyahu was prevented from performing at a couple of U.S. venues due to his solidarity with Israel. He and his supporters, ourselves included, have vowed to persevere. Music must never be corralled.
“Heart & Soul Medley” by Israel Portnoy is beautifully done. Yaakov Shwekey was inspired by an IDF soldier’s mother, leading to the song “Give me Strength.” Reb Yaakov, Lipa Schmeltzer and our son Joey Newcomb rocked the house at a fundraiser in Manhattan. No snow, nor NYC protestors who seem to have nothing better to do with their time than target Israel ineffectively, could stop our men’s music.
The many solidarity missions and families visiting Israel are making a great impact. We’re planning ours—a Chaplain adventure—stay tuned. 77WABC Radio sent morning show host Sid Rosenberg to Israel, where he broadcast LIVE all week. It was great radio in the making. We hope to do the same. At a Jewish Foundation event, Sid was honored as being a voice for Jewry worldwide. Kosha Dillz & Six13 performed. Curtis Sliwa, radio host & founder of The Guardian Angels, was present, receiving a standing ovation.
We join the klal in mourning the legendary Rebbe Alter z’’l. Who can forget the “Paraoh in pajamas” song with Pesach on the horizon? Eli Levin’s “Az Yashir” album has topped our charts. My personal fave is “Only You.” Check it out. Shmueli Ungar’s “Habita” is chillingly touching, though I admit I found the video visuals hard to watch. Sensitive souls may prefer audio over graphics. Benny Friedman has sure been getting around, spreading his good energy everywhere. Listen in to “Lo Lefached.”
We love Simcha Leiner’s “Ki Atah Imadi,”and interestingly that is the exact phrase on one of my car’s license plates. Simcha graced the Boca Raton Synagogue with his presence. Rabbi Efrem Goldberg also reports singer Akiva performing concerts in IDF uniform during one of his many recent missions to Israel. Ishay Ribo is heading to NY, & BRS next. “Ima Yekara” by Gad Elbaz is something special. Each of our musicians has something especially unique to offer, as do each of us b”H!
“Young men from Malawi, Africa, recently replaced Thai workers at Kibbutz Zikim. They’re pro-Israel and deeply concerned about the captives issue. Their friends back in Malawi, part of an a capella group, created a new version of ‘Habaita’ (Homecoming) & filmed a supportive video for Israel, “Aca 4 him HOME,” which went viral.
Tuvia Eichler released “Ki Gadol” which he intended to warm up long winter days. Anyone in the mood for a long zemer? Try “Malchus” by Beri Weber. Group vocals as well as the young boys’ solos always warm my heart.
The “Mamish at the End” album by Mendy Worch/Thank You Hashem Nation is a masterpiece, with meaning showing kavod to colleagues and family foremost, and displaying priorities with love. Alex Clare, among other guests, appears on the album. Get yours now.
Off the cuff, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention Billy Joel’s new song, after decades of semi-retirement, “Turn the Lights Back On.” Deep meaning for times like these, in relationships and in life.
Kol Sof, Ezzi’s “We ain’t going nowhere” is the bottom line. The klal is here to stay. Legally armed & armed up. Together. Am Yisroel Chai! Freilichen Purim! May our joy increase with victory in Israel and clarity in the world! Thank you Hashem!
Al & Sarah (Newcomb) Gordon own & operate 1640 WJPR, a unique Radio Station in hybrid format out of Highland Park/Edison NJ. 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].
