Jewish Traces in Unexpected Places: University of the Philippines Plays Hevenu Shalom Aleichem

Hevenu Shalom Aleichem has traveled all over the world and has been played and sung in more countries than any Hebrew song except for Hava Nagila. 

Since we started Jewish Humor Central 12 years ago we have shared versions from 20 countries. Today we're sharing a recent performance of this popular song by the native string ensemble of the Philippines. It's called a rondalla, and it consists of plectrum instruments such as the bandurria, laud, octavina, mandola, guitarra, and bajo de uńas (supplanted today by the regular double bass).

The New Jersey-based University of the Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla was established in 1992 as a cultural/educational nonprofit organization. Its membership later expanded to include non-alumni and interested friends age seven and older. Pieces range from simple folk songs and dances, to beautiful symphonic arrangements of beloved Philippine kundimans, Broadway, classical, religious, popular tunes, and well-known melodies from around the world. 

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO IS NOT VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY.  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.

Jewish Traces in Unexpected Places: Meet Mike Hanopol, the Filipino Jewish Rock Star

Drew Goldberg, who uses his childhood nickname Binsky when he travels, is close to achieving his goal of visiting each of the 193 countries recognized by the United Nations. In just a few months, the 28-year-old will have done it. 

It started when he spent part of his college junior year in Prague after a Birthright trip to Israel. Then he got hooked on travel and never stopped.

As Josefin Dolsten wrote in The Times of Israel, 

Goldberg grew up in a Jewish family in Scottsdale, Arizona. He attended Temple Chai, a Reform congregation, where he had his bar mitzvah.

After graduating with an economics degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Goldberg took a job teaching English in South Korea. He created a travel blog to document his experience traveling throughout Asia over the next 18 months.

Goldberg makes a point of visiting Jewish communities in the countries he visits, and he says traveling has helped him connect with his Jewish identity. He has visited Jewish communities in Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Ethiopia and the Philippines.

“I feel more connected with the religion from a global perspective because I’ve really gone in the houses of Jews around the world,” he said.

We'll share some of his videos in the next few weeks, starting today with his video report about meeting Mike Hanopol, the Filipino Jewish rock star. 

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.