Sunday, March 10, 2013

Na Nach Nachma Nachman Meets Gangnam Style in Israel


For anyone observing trends in the music scene around the world and seeing members of the Breslover Hasidim sect singing, dancing, and planting graffiti wherever they find a space in Israel, it was only a matter of time before the Na Nachs, as they are called, discovered the Gangnam Style video made popular by the Korean singer Psy, and merged the two into a unique performance.

The Na Nachs have been performing their street theatrics all over Israel. They can be recognized by their distinctive knitted white kippot. The Na Nachs follow the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov according to the tradition of Rabbi Yisroel Ber Odesser (called the Saba, or grandfather, by Na Nachs). The Saba is believed to have received an inspirational note, called the Petek (note), from the long-deceased Rebbe Nachman.

Na Nach Graffiti
Devotees of the group make themselves quite visible in the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other Israeli cities as they dance atop and around moving vans to techno-Hasidic musical compositions, with the goal of spreading joy to passersby. They distribute their literature from sidewalk tables on the downtown streets and near bus stations, often accompanied by blaring music.

The Na Nachs are Everywhere
Their large, white, crocheted yarmulkes bear the name and song from the petek that Rabbi Odesser revealed: Na Nach Nachma Nachman Meuman. Besides publicizing this phrase on billboards and bumper stickers, Na Nachs and their admirers have painted graffiti, sometimes simple, sometimes very elaborate and artistic, all over Israel.

Enjoy!

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6 comments:

  1. As if Gangnam wasn't stupid enough already now you add NaNachs. At least for a couple of days this week you sent real Humor as advertised.

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    1. Maybe if you embraced what the NA Nachs are teaching you wouldn't be so bitter. Hadassah

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  2. Dear Al,

    I had to write if only to differ with your poster. I often share your selections with my students as a bonus to my emails - and even the parents and staff enjoy them!! I hope that is within your intentions of the site.

    One class is Jewish Pop Culture, and this is superb as an example, for good or for bad. Secondly, if they certainly know the secular area, this now introduces conversation, engaging Jewish teens.

    Thirdly, I know kids who are "taken" with these "gangnam" and now we can offer a Hebrew text.

    My only "critique" is for someone to provide a translation in sub-titles but I guess that is next!

    Thanks for all your efforts

    If anyone wants to download my efforts for free use for Passover, I can be found at the following URL - no cookies, no fees, no login, just point, click and download for personal or educational use. http://www.jewishfreeware.org/downloads/folder.2006-01-07.0640323187/

    Rabbi Dov Lerner

    Rabbi Dov Lerner

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    1. Yes, that is exactly within my intentions. I founded Jewish Humor Central as a hub for Jewish humor that includes jokes, funny happenings, unusual interactions between Jewish life and pop culture, music, dance, and every kind of Yiddishe nachas imaginable. That's my definition of Jewish humor, one that can't please everyone, but based on the growth of the blog, books, and lectures, I have to conclude that most of my subscribers agree.

      The only advertisement for Jewish Humor Central is the mission statement on the masthead on top of the page. If I ever veer away from that mission, I'm sure my readers will let me know. Thank you, Rabbi Barry Dov, for your support.

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  3. Please provide lyrics in Hebrew and Translation in English!

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  4. We need more Nanaching!!! NNNNM!

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