13 New York City Cantors Sing Hinei Ma Tov to Oklahoma's Opening Song

Last week Park Avenue Synagogue's Cantor Azi Schwartz led a group of New York City cantors in singing Hinei Ma Tov to the melody of "Oh what a beautiful mornin'", the opening song in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!

It was quite fitting for an event taking place at the site of Oklahoma's original premiere.

For the first time ever, a Shabbat service was brought to the Broadway stage. Featuring leading Broadway stars at the St. James Theatre for Shabbat Shira last week, Shabbat on Broadway was an inclusive experience that blended prayer and inspirational showtunes. Produced by Amanda Lipitz and Henry Tisch, this event fostered a sense of togetherness during a challenging time for Jews worldwide.

Cantors in this video (in order of appearance): Azi Schwartz, Mira Davis (Park Avenue Synagogue); Jenna Pearsall (Central Synagogue); Irena Altschul (Temple Israel); Daniel Singer (Stephen Wise Free Synagogue); Mo Glazman (Temple Emanuel); Shiree Kidron (Or Olam); Shimon Smith (Romemu); Shayna De Lowe (Congregation Rodeph Sholom); Todd Kipnis (Temple Shaaray Tefila); Olivia Brodsky (East End Temple); Natasha Hirschorn (Ansche Chesed); Luis Cattan (Sutton Place Synagogue) 

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. 

Here Come the Rosh Hashanah Videos: Congregation B'nai Israel of Sacramento Sings "Roshklahoma"

It's that time of year again. In only nine days we will be attending Rosh Hashanah services in person in synagogues, and at home via Zoom sessions and live streaming services.

In addition to attending traditional services, we have been posting music videos that capture the spirit and nuances of the holiday season, by synagogue groups and choruses and by creative individuals.

We're starting to see some new videos and we'll be sharing them with you during the coming week. In the meantime, let's start with a music video that was posted last year by Congregation B'nai Israel in Sacramento, California. We missed it last year so we're playing catch up today.

Founded in 1849 as one of the first few Jewish synagogues west of the Mississippi, B'nai Israel is a vibrant multi-generational and multi-cultural community in the heart of Sacramento,  California where people of diverse backgrounds pursue their Jewish journeys. It is an egalitarian, inclusive congregation committed to experiencing the joy and beauty of Jewish life.

Here's their version of Oklahoma!, with new words reviving the Rodgers and Hammerstein show tune as Roshklahoma!

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.