Summer nights are winding down as we head into my fave season of all: autumn—back to school and back to Yom Tov. My, how things have changed. My, how we have grown. We’ve lost some classic music stars while new ones have come on the scene. Ah, the cycle of life. Thank you Hashem!
I never realized how big of a reach The Jewish Link has until so many folks from far and wide reached out to us directly. We consider our writing on many platforms, as well as our live music/talk radio shows, as a service—a big avoda—of the heart. We never really know who’s reading or listening, though we aim to please. Thank you for connecting; it’s truly heartwarming. We appreciate and welcome our fans and feedback.
With the music world these days so varied, let’s take a look at the hearts behind the voices. Our son Joey Newcomb’s chaver, Yossi Hecht (Yosef Chaim ben Devorah Leah), is a special soul. His first song with Joey, “Borei Refuos,” brought the velt to its knees. We were privileged to debut on live radio his second song, “Three Little Words” with Avraham Fried. This song brings me to tears every time. Can anybody guess what the three words are? Check out the music video—it’s worth sharing over and over. Reb Yossi suffered a tumor as a younger man, leaving him in a wheelchair. Suffice it to say, his soul is on fire, dancing beyond any wheelchair and leading by example. We’ve been blessed to be in his presence: Inspiration 101.
Some folks think singers on stage portray reality. Backstage is another story. We all know by now that social media is fake. We attended a recent event in Passaic and chatted with Eli Marcus (8th Day). Aside from telling us how much he loves Joey, he was surprised we didn’t ask for a “selfie,” LOL. He brought a diverse crowd together in his calming style. As a proud mom, I love watching folks do their thing.
Joey and his collaborators aren’t always full of smiles. He plays hard, prays hard and feels deeply. They all do. He ran/flew around to camps offering inspiration as well as breaking out color war, LOL. He also davens from the amud on the High Holy Days with serious intent. The ability to shift, transparently, takes courage and flexibility. Chazzanus comes alive in shuls/events during holidays, in concerts and even on cruise ships.
My daughter’s a big fan of Sephardi and Israeli music. There are so many new choices to keep folks of all ages dancing and singing out loud. Dancing is good for all souls: Sephardi, Ashkenazi and everything in between. New on our charts: Menachem Shukron’s new song “Baderech Alai” is one my DJ husband expects to be a hit.
We were delighted to hear of so many atypical engagements/marriages in the past week involving folks who waited—not by choice—for a long time to marry. We offer our heartfelt blessings to all the families involved in bringing this to fruition. Parenting at its finest as well as community collaboration. Baruch Hashem, whatever music is played at those simchas must have a special heavenly sound of achdus reverberating.
As we head into Elul introspection mode, we plan to take music with us. We say in our prayers “Sing a song to Hashem.” Music accompanies most things we do. Musicians have it in their blood. We attended an outdoor concert where listeners brought their dogs who also seemed soothed by the music at hand.
We have many new exciting plans coming up for the music radio world as well as talk, interviews, collaborations and more—something for everyone. Stay tuned and tune in friends. Wishing all a meaningful rest of summer, Elul and an easy transition into whichever personal adventures are on your horizon next.
Al and Sarah (Newcomb) Gordon own and operate 1640 WJPR, a unique radio station in hybrid format out of Highland Park/Edison. Al has been dazzling radioland with his voice and personality for decades. Sarah, a writer, realtor and 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].
