Howdy friends. It seems there’s been more trouble at music concerts post-Oct. 7. A recent terrorist attack hit a Russian concert. Singer Matisyahu’s concerts are being canceled due to threatening protestors. Music has the power to unite, but not for terrorists/bullies. We are not the same.
Matisyahu put out a new single, “Back of the Carriage,” with Thank You Hashem Nation. He refuses to be stopped. He has relocated some of his concerts and even performed some without charge. Sruly Green’s “Farbrengen,” also via Thank You Hashem Nation, is a fun zemer combining Hebrew, Yiddish and English. There’s nothing like a farbrengen to keep our spirits high. 8th Day’s “We Want” is a meaningful reminder that we’ve got to know what we want, what we stand for and go for it.
Our son Joey Newcomb’s new album “Avoida of Simcha” brings home the message in both music and lyrics that simcha is a real avoida and a real important one at that, especially these days. “Avinu Chai” (Am Yisrael Chai) by Yoni Z is DJ Al’s new fave and is getting a lot of radio airplay time by choice and by request. For those of us who love to dance, grab your partner and doe-si-do.
We and our radio fans love “Am Yisrael Chai Remix” by Simcha Leiner and Shua the DJ. They consider it our anthem. Indeed. Ari Goldwag and Zevi Kaufman’s “B’ezrat Hashem Nenatseach” is beautifully done. They call it the “tefillin battle song” and our soldiers’ secret weapon. We read a beautiful statement from one of our gedolim regarding our IDF soldiers, likening their uniforms to bigdei kodesh, holy garments.
The “Mamish at the End” album by Mendy Worch and once again via Thank You Hashem Nation, is full of various tracks which include guest singers. Something for everyone; find your favorite.
Rabbi Efrem Goldberg has been visiting Israel regularly, offering chizuk to our soldiers, hostage families and without a doubt gaining chizuk as well. He has met with many of our singers and musicians including Nissim Black as shown in the photo. Ishay Ribo is due to appear at BRS in concert shortly.
“Guf Uneshama” is Yakov Shwekey’s newest addition. Interestingly, he emphasized “Shema Yisroel” as a segula just prior to the grand “Shema Yisroel” worldwide event on Ta’anit Esther. Jewish unity is powerful.
Benny Friedman and Moshe Tischler collaborated on yet another wonderful “Am Yisrael Chai,” this one a mashup. Last, but certainly not least, “Pokeach Ivrim” by Meir Nussenzweig, Motty Ilowitz and Michoel Schnitzler, z”l is a heartfelt song about gratitude from a young man who overcame a brain tumor yet lost his eyesight in the process. Michoel appeared in the song just before the music world lost him and we now approach his first yahrzeit. May this young man regain his vision and may all those seeking refuot and yeshuot be blessed!
Purim songs are not just for Purim. We enjoy them all the way through to Pesach and actually year-round. Music energizes Shabbos preparations and daily life. We just experienced a beautiful Purim. There was a Purim parade in Jerusalem after 42 years without one. Our people are unstoppable.
Fellow radio show host Sid Rosenberg, 77WABC, caused quite a splash with his now famous “Says who?” comment in protest of a Gaza casualty number mentioned at the State of the Union address in Washington. May we all continue to use our “mic” and voice to empower our world with clarity.
As our hearts are in Israel, we are planning our trip there excitedly. May we be zoche to celebrate a grand victory dance altogether now with our soldiers and hopefully freed hostages.
Looking forward to Pesach in all of its glory. Wishing all a beautiful Yom Tov filled with connection. What the world needs now is “love, sweet love.” We shall prevail. 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. 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].
