Howdy friends! With this busy month going from holiday to holiday, be sure and take time to smell the roses. D.J. Al and I walk around the lake daily and feed the ducks. Self-care 101.
Dovid Pearlman’s new song “Keh Keh” is great. He is one of the nicest guys by the way. We loved Uri Davidi’s “Layehudim,” Ahrele Samet’s “Lomir Dertzailen,” featuring Aaron Razel, is a special blend of language, music and meaning. We enjoy singing Yiddish, Aramaic and even non-traditional zemirot on Shabbos as well as classic Hebrew songs. The more the merrier.
Avraham Fried always gets a party going; now his new song in collaboration with Thank You Hashem Nation, “Layehudim,” tops the charts. Also from Thank You Hashem Nation is “Farbrengen” with Sruly Green. Everybody loves a good farbrengen. We celebrated a great one this past Friday night in shul with an imported special rebbe from Monsey.
Legendary Mordechai Ben David released his version of “Chaverim Kol Yisroel,” which we have on repeat, especially during difficult times for the klal like these. Unity is our power.
Speaking of unity, how about the grand C-Teen celebration in Times Square? Star-studded, dignitaries and, most of all, teens from all over the world screaming Shema as one with pride. Chabad sure knows how to lift up a crowd. It was a powerful night, frozen in my mind.
“Orot Shel Tikva” by Adi Gabison straight out of Israel, is a terrific song with great video animation as well. Jewish rapper DeScribe released “Kulanu Mishpacha.” Rap about Israel and the IDF is another level. Check it out. Israel Gavra and David Taub’s duet, “Kam Venofel,” stole my heart. Some songs just pull at the soulstrings; this is one of them.
Yossi Green presented R. Abish Brodt’s “Aderaba” in honor of Reb Meilech’s 312th yahrzeit. Wowee. Yaakov Shwekey’s “Kaddish” in tribute to his parents includes the IDF, hostages and all those lost. I know as a compassionate chaplain that grief must be witnessed out loud.
Our own Joey Newcomb’s new album, “Freilach All the Time,” has taken the world by storm. There were so many new Purim songs released just before Purim — why not keep on listening to joyful freilach songs in Adar and always? Being freilach is a choice. I will also add that some folks have shared that they do not always feel freilach, yet feel a need to pretend to be, especially during holidays. For those who are alone or who feel alone, we hear you and we are here for you as chaplains and as caring humans.
Last but certainly not least, Rabbi Josh Broide, formerly of New Jersey, now at Boca Raton Synagogue and soon to be making aliyah this summer, lived out his dream of drumming with the big bands by attending the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp where he had the time of his life. He introduced us to Jewish rock band Shavrock, and their song “Hope Found Me.” We will be keeping an eye and ear out for them. We are so proud of Rabbi Broide for authentically reaching for the stars, in more ways than one. We’re also proud of his superb drumming abilities. He’s a man who takes Hashem’s talents gifted to him and puts them to use in the best way possible.
May we pursue our dreams as we make the klal and world a better place.
Wishing all a zissen Pesach filled with connection. May we merit geulah internally and externally. May our hostages/IDF return home safely and may we build peace through strength in the world, klal and our own homes. Let it begin with me. 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 alandsarahliveradio@gmail.com.
