We were honored attendees at Makor’s recent Hall of Fame concert on Long Island. Although my radio show DJ husband Al Gordon knew the music and performers for decades behind the scenes, this was a superlative blend of old and new integration, giving well-deserved kavod to the legends, and support for a very worthy organization all in one: a farbrengen-reunion Kiddush Hashem.”
As Jewish music lovers on a trip down memory lane, we got a taste of the pros in collaboration with current influencers. Our son Joey Newcomb was the youngest performer on stage, though the leaders tagged him as a “connector” early on. Music is a love language. Those who speak it soulfully prefer cooperation over competition. Each of us has a unique soul song meant to impact the world, with God as the Master Conductor.
Sheya Mendlowitz spearheaded the production. Abie Rotenberg played a huge role, and Nachum Segal led the festivities. So many greats were represented—over 60 years of Jewish music replays including those who have passed on like Shlomo Carlebach. Country Yossi’s appearance delighted kids of all ages. Mordechai Ben David was crowned king unanimously. Avraham Fried was piped in from Eretz Yisroel though all recognized the Makor folks as the real stars of the show.
The display of unity reinforced my belief in multigenerational influence and how we can tap into that on Passover/Seder night. Children are the glory of their elders, and elders in turn are our crown. Music, family, remembrance and going forward—each in our own lane of liberation—is powerful stuff to share.
The “Journeys 5” album revisits classics with fresh energy and concludes with a wrapup of Jewish musicians then and now in “We’ve Got the Music.” As Jewish music radio DJs, we’ve got the music, too, and are delighted to update and share our collections live on-air. We view service as a privilege. What if we viewed Passover 2022 as a privilege rather than a preparatory burden? Rabbi Efrem Goldberg reminds us of the opportunity to choose the contagious “Geshmack to be a Yid” lens on life intentionally, another song we love.
In an upside-down world we can choose personal stability and calm. Whether we are blessed to be in the company of cherished ones over the holidays/any day, or on our own, empowerment is always an option when God is included. A clerk at ShopRite finds it incredible that I love Passover, including early preparation. We love turning off the world and the internet and connecting deeply with those right in front of us. I can think of no greater gift, especially when accompanied by music.
Shlomo Katz put out a beautiful musical meditation. Listening to music is wonderful, engaging in it’s even better. Playing instruments, dance, sing out loud, zmiros together or solo express the song in our heart. Even during Sefira there’s a library of acapella options available including a special “Thank you Hashem” version. May we all find the way out of our own personal darkness & into the light together.
May we rejoice in Yerushalayim, tambourines in hand, in the blink of an eye, and in the company of World Peace, have a Chag Kasher Sameach Bezras H”!
Al & Sarah (Newcomb) Gordon own & 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 Writer, 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].
