Jewish Traces in Unexpected Places: Pennfield Middle School Starts Winter Concert with Hava Nagila

We never stop being amazed at the popularity and resiliency of Hava Nagila, probably the most played Hebrew song of all time, and how often it appears in non-Jewish venues around the world.

Since we started posting on Jewish Humor Central in 2009, we have shared 126 renditions of this song with you. So here comes number 127.

Just yesterday, the 9th Grade Chorus of the Pennfield Middle School in a Pennsylvania suburb started off its winter concert with a performance of Hava Nagila. 

Enjoy!

Welcoming Shabbat with V'Shamru (Sephardic-Turkish Style) by Rabbi Jacob Agar of Beth Sholom in Elkins Park

Last year Cantor Jacob Agar, the cantor of Congregation Beth Sholom in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, sang V'Shamru to the tune of Uskudara, a traditional Sephardic Turkish melody. The synagogue, also known as the Frank Lloyd Wright Synagogue for its architect and designer, is a National Historic Landmark.

Cantor Agar received his cantorial investiture at the H.L Miller Cantorial School at Jewish Theological Seminary of New York. Previously he studied opera performance and linguistics at SUNY Purchase College. Following conservatory, he sang with several opera companies in New York and New Jersey, and has worked with a wide variety of conductors. 

Cantor Agar is also a composer and arranger and is inspired by a wide variety of music. He was inspired to become a cantor by his love for Judaism, Jewish music, and his interest in using music to uplift people and bring them closer to Judaism. His goal is to use music to elevate people spiritually and to help them find comfort and solace at synagogue. 

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!