We’ve had quite a start to 2025 so far with monumental things happening in Israel and in the U.S.. By the way, we have a president who is a fellow music lover, replete with playlists including his signature dance. The inauguration and subsequent balls were filled with music and prayers, and plenty of representation from our communities al Kiddush H”!
D.J. Al and I are still playing Chanukah songs as well as the new music. Our own Joey Newcomb and Moshe Avigdor’s “Maoz Tzur” is year-round fun. Same for Yaakov Galen’s “In Your Light,” which has an added bonus of NYC scenes including the infamous subway.
Benny Friedman and Shulem Lemmer’s lively rendition of “Chasdei Lev” conveys gratitude for rebbes and all of our teachers. A great new version of “Im Eshkachech” was released by Reuven Garber, who happens to have a charming accent.
We love the timely Shovavim song “Hashiveini” by Beri Weber, Duvid Berger and Moshy Kraus. Shovavim has special potential for reflection and growth forward. May we all be blessed in our efforts to advance. Alex Clare has a new inspirational WhatsApp group via Thank You Hashem Nation—check it out. Nissim Black and his sweet wife, Adina, were interviewed on the “Meaningful Minute Podcast.” Their backstory is worth viewing.
Shmili Landau’s “Hakufa Gimel” is a leibidig track of long wedding dances. Moshe Kahan’s “October Rain Chuppah Version” reminded me of the viral video of recently released hostage Daniella Gilboa’s wedding proposal by her longtime beau, while she was still in captivity. Happy tears alert.
Mendel Roth, a Satmar IDF soldier has a wonderful new song, the title loosely translated into English as “I’m Running to the Battle.” May H” protect all of our brave soldiers.
Gedalya, the Folk Rock Rabbi, AKA the Jewish Johnny Cash, has been playing music for inmates in jails. Look him up; he is an example of making use of talents uniquely for good. Each of us has a unique contribution to make to this world. For some it’s music, for others it’s something else. Knowing our mission and purpose makes all the difference in daily life.
Alex Clare, and then Yaakov Shwekey were recently hosted at Boca Raton Synagogue. Akiva is up next. Rav Moshe Weinberger was hosted in Highland Park/Edison, holding an after-Shabbos farbrengen. Ami Avraham—the real mayor—did you have something to do with that?
D.J. Al and I saw a show about the life of superstar Neil Diamond, who is still alive and was involved in the production. We learned things about him we never knew before, including his struggle with depression. He wants people to know that therapeutic intervention is a life-saver at any age and stage. As a chaplain, I agree wholeheartedly. We never really know what is going on in anybody else’s life. Hope and help are available.
We are so grateful that some of our hostages have come home. We await the return of the rest. It’s been a difficult time for the klal. May they and we be blessed with courage, safety and connection. Wishing all a chodesh tov filled with new beginnings. 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].
