Howdy friends! We’ve got a lot of new good music and messages to share as the holidays come upon us. Just back from family travel, we’re energized for the New Year.

Official remix alert: Dudi Meshi’s “Ein Yeush” reminds us to deter despair, perhaps with Benny Friedman’s “Nissim Geluyim,” a leibedig song and video.

Did anybody catch Yaakov Shwekey on “Behind the Bima”? Though the Boca Raton Synagogue rabbis’ podcast is always fun, this episode is extra special. Catch the recording on YouTube. Berel Solomon’s inspiring film “Finding Mashiach” is also available on YouTube.

Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s book “60 Days” is great preparation for the Holy Days. Reb Nissim Black has been out touring American universities in order to mechazek students with song and prayer, who are feeling under siege. Inspiration comes in many forms- music, learning, chesed, and whatever excites each of us towards the goal of living with vitality and strengthening our marriages, families and connection to H”!

With October 7 coming upon us, Shulem Lemmer released the beautiful and special music video “October Rain.” “Min Hameitzar” by Motty Steinmetz and Dovy Meisels, a Thank You Hashem Nation production, has an added bonus of sounding the shofar. Eli Miller’s “LeDavid” is a lively zemer—put on your dancing shoes. On one of Chabad’s parsha sheets, we read about a special song called “Until Victory” by Omri Goren.

Beri Weber put out “Melech Rachaman,” a Gesher Project that aims to bridge older and newer music and versions. Aviad’s “Yesh li aba Melech” is a fun track, hot on our charts.

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg reminds us that a lot of what is taking place in Israel are open miracles. May we share good news, victories on the war front and on the election front, the homecoming of our hostages and soldiers, and a healthy New Year filled with connection.

New Jersey Music Hall of Famer Jon Bon Jovi actually talked someone off of a bridge. He noticed a situation, stopped what he was doing, engaged the person to safety and provided a heartfelt hug after all was said and done. Musicians with compassion are powerful indeed.

D.J. Al and I wish everyone a reflective an empowered New Year. To those who are on their own, or who feel alone, we hear you. There is always, always hope. Welcome back, students and teachers: May you have a successful school year. From the chaplain’s desk: Be blessed. Thank you Hashem!

Al and Sarah (Newcomb) Gordon own and operate 1640 WJPR, a unique radio station in hybrid format out of Miami. Al has been dazzling Radioland with his voice and personality for decades. Sarah, a certified chaplain, writer and realtor, 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 and community, one song and one smile at a time. #TYH Nation YOU matter! They can be reached at: [email protected].