Welcoming Shabbat with Ana B'Koach by Jacob's Ladder Bluegrass Band

This week we welcome Shabbat with Ana b'Koach, a liturgical poem from the Kabbalat Shabbat service that appears in the siddur just before Lecha Dodi. It's a Kabbalistic prayer composed by Rav Nehunia Ben Hakannah.

Known as the 42-letter Name of God, Ana b'Koach is a unique formula built of 42 letters written in seven sentences of six words each. Each of the seven sentences correspond to the seven days of the week, seven specific angels, and to a particular heavenly body. The letters that make up Ana beKo'ach are encoded within the first 42 letters of the book of Genesis.

The kabbalists explain that this combination of letters takes us back to the time of Creation, and each time we meditate on a particular sequence, we return to the original uncorrupted energy that built the world. By performing the Ana beKo'ach meditation, we enrich our lives with unadulterated spiritual light and positive energy.

This version of Ana b'Koach is performed by Jacob's Ladder, a Jewish Bluegrass band that brings a warm, welcoming, and uplifting musical experience to the Kabbalat Shabbat service. Formerly known as Kol Kahol, Jacob's Ladder explores different styles, themes, grooves, and musical modes in this revised and updated version of the Kabbalistic Psalm. 

The melody- Bury Me Beneath The Willow- comes from the old American folk traditions, with one of the first recordings ever made by the widely renowned and esteemed Carter Family. The band purposefully decided to explore West African grooves, clawhammer banjo styles, and group vocals as an homage to the rich traditions of West African music as a foundational pillar of American Music.

Shabbat shalom! 

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

 

 

Welcoming Shabbat with a Bluegrass Version of Lecha Dodi by David Sasso

David Sasso has composed a number of works on Jewish themes. Beyond chamber works from his college years, David has recently composed a choral setting of modern poetry on biblical themes and two setting for soprano and piano of Yiddish poems, including his own Yiddish translation of Wordsworth’s “Daffodils.” 

In 2023, David traveled to the island of St. Thomas to participate in a collaboration with local musician and fellow Interlochen Arts Camp alum Gylchris Sprauve, celebrating the many musical heritages of the US Virgin Islands, including David’s own personal ancestry in St. Thomas and his heritage of Sephardic Jewish music. 

Also in 2023, David teamed up with Boston-based Jewish bluegrass group, Jacob’s Ladder, to record selections from his bluegrass setting of the traditional Friday night Shabbat liturgy, Sasson v’Simcha - Joy and Delight. This service was dedicated to David’s parents, Rabbis Dennis and Sandy Sasso, and premiered in May 2023 at the retirement celebration of Rabbi Dennis Sasso at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis.

Tonight we welcome Shabbat with a Bluegrass version of Lecha Dodi from Jacob's Ladder's latest record.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.  

Welcoming Shabbat with a Bluegrass Version of Oseh Shalom Bimromov by Nefesh Mountain

In the last few years, we've been highlighting some of the bluegrass music of Nefesh Mountain, founded by husband and wife team Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff.

Nefesh Mountain is pioneering this blend of Jewish Americana throughout the country, bringing their unique knowledge and passion for both Jewish and Bluegrass traditions to the fore, singing English and Hebrew songs alike.

In this video at Temple Kol Emeth in suburban Atlanta, Nefesh Mountain performs Oseh Shalom Bimromov, part of the Kaddish that's recited multiple times during all services, including Kabbalat Shabbat.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Welcoming Shabbat with a Bluegrass Version of Lecha Dodi

Written by 16th Century Kabbalist Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz, Lecha Dodi is a classic erev Shabbat text that has been put to many tunes. This Shabbat, we bring you Lecha Dodi to the melody of a Bluegrass standard, Old Home Place. 

It's performed by Kol Kaḥol, a virtuosic Jewish Bluegrass band that brings a warm, welcoming, and uplifting musical experience to the Kabbalat Shabbat service.

The combination of banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and bass, together with vocals by Ariel Wyner and Sofia Chiarandini creates a version of Lecha Dodi that we haven't heard in shul (or anywhere else).

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

 A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Israelis Seeking Country Music Find it in Nefesh Mountain

Today we're sharing another episode of Jewish Country with Israelis Oriel and Lior filming and talking their way through a road trip across the American heartland looking for unexpected Jewish connections in flyover country. 
 
In today's episode, they travel to Memphis, Tennessee, where they connect with the Jewish bluegrass band called Nefesh Mountain.

We've posted some of Nefesh Mountain's music before, but in today's post they perform a bluegrass concert a the Levitt Shell Amphitheater in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff, founders of Nefesh Mountain, explain how they infuse the bluegrass country sound with elements of klezmer, Jewish, Hebrew music, and the pride of being Jewish Americans.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Welcoming Shabbat with a Bluegrass Shalom Aleichem by Nefesh Mountain

In the last couple of years, we've been highlighting some of the bluegrass music of Nefesh Mountain, founded by husband and wife team Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff.

Nefesh Mountain is pioneering this blend of Jewish Americana throughout the country, bringing their unique knowledge and passion for both Jewish and Bluegrass traditions to the fore, singing English and Hebrew songs alike.

Last year they appeared at Temple Beth El in Newark, Delaware, and joined in with Rabbi and composer Micah Becker-Klein, who leads the Reconstructionist synagogue, in his version of Shalom Aleichem.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Nefesh Mountain Releases New Jewish Bluegrass Album

Last August we introduced you to the new bluegrass group called Nefesh Mountain. Founded by husband and wife team Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff, Nefesh Mountain is pioneering this blend of Jewish Americana throughout the country, bringing their unique knowledge and passion for both Jewish and Bluegrass traditions to the fore, singing English and Hebrew songs alike.

As a duo, Doni and Eric alternate lead and harmony vocals while switching between instruments, using the drive of the banjo, intrigue of the guitar, nuance of the mandolin, and visceral sound of the dobro.

You may recognize Doni Zasloff as Mama Doni, the role she has played in producing CD and DVD albums of children's songs. In 2012 we featured her video Mission Immatzoble as one of our Passover posts.

Here's the official music video of Esa Einai from Nefesh Mountain's new album releasing May 20, 2016. Doni and Eric are accompanied here by special guests and bluegrass greats Sam Bush, Mark Schatz, Rob Ickes, and Gary Oleyar. Also joining them on their record is banjo extraordinaire Scott Vestal. The video was shot by Jeff Carpenter of Readylight Media at the Sound Emporium in Nashville, Tennessee and in the beautiful hills of Asheville, North Carolina.

(A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.)

Hasidic Israeli Super Fiddler With Secular Roots Performs With Boundless Energy

We've been following the career of the amazing Hasidic Israeli fiddler Daniel Ahaviel ever since we discovered one of his early YouTube videos five years ago and posted it on Jewish Humor Central.

His fame and his audiences keep growing as does our amazement at his boundless energy, his synthesis of Jewish, Irish, and bluegrass music, and finding that his talent comes from British secular musical roots.

All over the world yesterday was Simchat Torah, the last day of the month of holidays that began in September with Rosh Hashanah. But in Israel, Simchat Torah ended on Monday because the holiday is only seven days long in Israel.

Not to be denied an extra day of exulting in the presence of many Torah scrolls, Israelis in Jerusalem extended the celebration in a way that they couldn't on the actual holiday, by bringing in a brass band and Ahaviel and his violin to entertain a crowd on what's called Isru Chag, a day meant to ease the transition from a religious festival to everyday life.

We're not posting the celebration here because it's too long for our Jewish Humor Central format, but here's a link to it if you want to take the time to watch for a half hour. 

We are posting below a video of Ahaviel in a performance last year at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City's Lincoln Center. We came across an article in Mishpacha magazine that details Ahaviel's journey from growing up in Northwest London.

As Rachel Ginsberg wrote in the article,

He was born in northwest London 48 years ago as Daniel Wistrich, to left-wing, idealistic, forward-thinking parents who had exchanged all vestiges of their Judaism for a commitment to a progressive England and a united Europe. His father, Ernest Wistrich — originally Wistreich, son of a well-off, assimilated family in prewar Poland — managed to get on the last train out before the Nazi invasion.

He quickly acclimated to the surrounding English culture and Anglicized his name. As an accomplished social activist, he lobbied for Britain to join the European Union and for the creation of the euro currency. Daniel’s mother is a retired academic and local Labour councillor.

“I knew nothing about Judaism except that Jews died in the Holocaust,” Daniel says. The family didn’t go to shul on Yom Kippur, and he didn’t have a bar mitzvah. “Three-quarters of my family on both sides perished in Poland, and I grew up thinking Judaism as a relevant spiritual force was dead.”

Daniel’s musical talent developed almost accidentally, and under unfortunate circumstances. His mentally disabled older brother — who passed away as a teenager — was sent to a music therapist, and little Daniel was his escort. Daniel was enchanted by the music, and the teacher encouraged his parents to develop his talents. She even predicted he would one day become a great concert violinist.

Enjoy! 

(A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.)

Musical Showcase: Introducing Nefesh Mountain - Blending Bluegrass Music and Jewish Spirit

In addition to introducing our readers to new comedians, from time to time we've been doing the same for new musical groups and highlighting some of their songs. 

Today we discovered the new bluegrass group called Nefesh Mountain. Founded by husband and wife team Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff, Nefesh Mountain is pioneering this blend of Jewish Americana throughout the country, bringing their unique knowledge and passion for both Jewish and Bluegrass traditions to the fore, singing English and Hebrew songs alike. 

As a duo, Doni and Eric alternate lead and harmony vocals while switching between instruments, using the drive of the banjo, intrigue of the guitar, nuance of the mandolin, and visceral sound of the dobro.

You may recognize Doni Zasloff as Mama Doni, the role she has played in producing CD and DVD albums of children's songs. In 2012 we featured her video Mission Immatzoble as one of our Passover posts.

Nefesh Mountain conducts Shabbat and holiday services around the USA. Their first album will be released later this year.

Here is one of the songs from the album, Hinei Ma Tov. Enjoy!

(A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.)

Musical Showcase: Kol Ish Singers and Key Tov Orchestra Team Up In Bluegrass Yigdal

Here's another in our series of showcasing Jewish singing and instrumental groups that are relatively new on the scene. 

We think this video offers a melodic and fresh way of welcoming Shabbat with an unusual twist -- a bluegrass version of Yigdal, the song that ends the Friday night Shabbat service.

We're calling attention to two groups here, Kol Ish, an otherwise a cappella group that got its start at the University of Maryland, and Key Tov, a Chicago-based wedding band that takes Kol Ish out of its usual instrument-free mode and enriches their sound with a solid bluegrass beat.

In this music video, a Kol Ish singer stops on his way to synagogue to pick up a tiny yellow flower, which he takes with him. Nodding off during the service, thoughts of the flower transport him to a farm, where he strolls among the flowers and animals and is joined by the other Kol Ish singers.

As the song (and the service) ends, his colleagues wake him and he leaves the shul wearing a straw cowboy hat. Was it a dream? We'll let you decide.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom.

(A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.)