Blog
Keil Mistater (Shmueli Ungar)
The piyut’s profound depth is aptly matched by the song’s melody and brought to another level still, by the artist tasked with singing it. I would argue, therefore, that you could not have found a better singer to convey such powerful and lofty concepts than the incredible Shmueli Ungar.
🕯 Rav Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir zt’l (1851-1925) – 3rd of Iyar
When we speak of Reb Shayele, we quickly recognize his excellence in the middah of having a Lev Tov. He loved each and every person no matter their financial, social or spiritual status. He didn’t focus on the sins, mistakes, or bad habits of others. He saw each person as they truly were – a beautiful, pure neshoma with unlimited potential.
Na’ar Hayisi
Jewish a cappella. When people ask me for my opinion on the history of this genre (and if I’m being honest, even when they don’t ask me for my opinion), I tell them where I think modern Jewish a cappella got its start.
Three brothers. Two words: Kol Achai
V’ahavta (Miami)
“Sefira Music” is not meant to be a cheap substitute for music, rather should be music that helps invoke a spirit of change, repentance and improvement in the way we think and behave toward our fellow man. If the song makes you want to sit and sway with your arm over your friend’s shoulder, then it has accomplished its goal.
Ma Nidaber Ma Nisaper
After taking a moment to collect himself, the boy closed his eyes and began to sing, in Yiddish, the famous Seder song Echod Mi Yodea. The boy only knew it starting from seven and so he slowly began, “Zibin iz der heiligeh Shabbos….” This turned out to be the highlight of the night.
Pesach in the Ghetto by Dani Kunstler
🎵 Song: Pesach in the Ghetto✏️ Composer: Avi Kunstler🎙 Singer: Dani Kunstler At this time of year, when the Jewish people prepare themselves for Pesach, there's an obligation upon each one of us to tap into the lesson of these days. Throughout our history we have...
Chad Gadya – Moishe Oysher
Moishe Oysher’s voice was rich, warm and colorful. In his recordings, he attains a depth and a celebration that affect the listener to the core of his emotions. He was a natural actor and would use his theatrical aptitude to entertain his audience through his masterful gift of song.
🕯 Rav Aryeh Levin zt’l, The Tzaddik of Yerushalayim (1885-1969) – 9th of Nissan
His eyes glimmered like crystal and were filled with love and kindness. His smiling face was warm and radiant. His voice was pleasant and sweet. Just who was this Tzaddik, about whom so many amazing things have been said? Why exactly did everyone so greatly admire and adore him? Let’s read a few things about one of the greatest figures of Yerushalayim, a man simply called Reb Aryeh, and then maybe we’ll have a better idea.
Eliyahu (D’veykus)
Even after ascending to heaven, he continues to advocate on behalf of his nation. A seat of honor is set for him at every bris milah and a cup named for him is poured at the Seder. He is a figure not only of the past, but also of the present and future.
Hiney Ma Tov by Yitzchok Rosenthal
This is one of my favorite kumzits songs. Singing the words, which focuses on achdus, while sitting amongst our friends, adds to the special feeling this song holds. I reached out to Yitzchok Rosenthal of Shalsheles to take us behind the scenes of this great song....