We hope our fellow music lovers are enjoying summer. We’ve been blessed this summer with mourning doves nesting on our porch and we eagerly await the sacred moment. We’ve also got some music-themed travel in the works.
“Rak Beyachad” by Ari Hill and Aviel Graucher is a beautiful song, our fave of the month in vocals, instrumentals and meaning. Alex Clare and Matisyahu’s “Spread Light” in English and Hebrew is a great collaboration between them as is “Thank You Hashem Nation.”
Yaakov Galen’s “Future Dance,” also under the auspices of “Thank You Hashem Nation,” is one of those “get up and dance while no one’s looking” songs, and even better, who cares if they look? LOL. Grab your partner and doe-see-doe.
Reb Nissim Black’s “Speed Dial”— well, leave it to him to compose thought-provoking and soul-stirring melodies. Tali Yess put out his special version of “Coming Home,” composed by his heilige father, Moshe Yess, who must be very proud of him from the heavens above. “Ich Vill” by Ari Samet, Shmili Landau and Chilly Wagschal is delightful in Yiddish and Hebrew.
Young Eli Krasnianski sings “Oh Rebbe” in honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s 30th yahrzeit. What a powerful voice and moving music video to accompany his song! We’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who was not touched by the Rebbe or his loyal followers somehow or somewhere. I recall my own meeting with him at age 19, as well as the bracha he gave me, which my cherished husband and I live forward in truth each and every day.
The Klatzko crew continues to put out beautiful music, each in their own way. They say the family that sings together stays together. Or was that “prays?” They’ve got both b”H!
At our own Shabbos table, we love to sing zemiros consisting of traditional tunes as well as newer songs. When guests grace our table, we expand our list of Shabbos melodies to rival D.J. Al’s vast music library. By the way, only my Dad’s extensive music collection comes close.
The summer camps are busy with concerts showcasing our one-of-a-kind singers. I know our own Joey Newcomb has been doing the rounds. Each one has something unique to contribute. As do we all. Rabbi Efrem Goldberg reminds us that seeking external validation is like running down an endless rabbit hole. When we confidently show up as we are, we add special light to any occasion and to the world.
As far as courage on display, both on and off stage, how about the brave Bukharian community who stood up to a disruptive group of agitators surrounding a quiet Shabbos park and shul in Queens last week? And how about that shot at President Trump heard around the world? May we all continue to fight the good fight with Hashem on our side.
With The Three Weeks upon us, let us pray that this period of mourning may be the last one, God willing, until it turns into days of celebration and we welcome our hostages and soldiers home. What if we chose to turn baseless hatred into baseless love? What if we practiced acceptance in the U.S., Israel and anywhere we find ourselves?
We’re grateful to be part of the Jewish Link family, embracing variety and unity over uniformity. May we all build bridges, erect healthy boundaries and above all: Let go and Let God. After all, we’ve got an election and a war to win. Am Yisroel Chai! Chaplain Sarahand& D.J. Al wish everyone a meaningful summer. Let the music play, a capella included. Thank you Hashem!
Al & Sarah (Newcomb) Gordon own and operate 1640 WJPR, a unique radio station in hybrid format out of Highland Park/Edison NJ. Al has been dazzling Radioland with his voice & personality for decades. Sarah, a Certified Chaplain, Columnist, Realtor & 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].
