Welcoming Shabbat with Ein Keloheinu by Eitan Kantor

Eitan Kantor is a musician, educator and composer based in Denver, CO. Eitan is the Music Director of the Hebrew Educational Alliance, a Conservative synagogue in South Denver. Through the creation of both religious and secular Jewish music, he works to inspire social action rooted in Jewish values. 

He channels music through his fiddle, his singing voice and the collective singing voice of the community. His music is rooted in musical traditions of Eastern Europe and sends branches skyward towards the potential of the present moment.

Eitan Kantor’s Ein Keloheinu challenges our concept of what Jewish music can be. The song was composed in a 7/8 rhythm and features neither guitar nor piano, but accordion. Clap along with Eitan and St. Louis-based Bosnian-American accordionist Mensur Hatic. 

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 Yismechu Sung by Cantor Yaakov Motzen

Cantor Yaakov Motzen is a native of Tel Aviv and the fifth generation of a family of Cantors. He attended the Kol Torah, Be’er Yaakov and Ponovezh yeshivot in Israel and studied music and vocal technique with the late Yosef Goland, the principal baritone in the Berlin opera in the late 1920’s. He also studied liturgy with the renowned Cantor Yitzchak Eshel, obm. Additionally, he served in the Israel Defense Forces.

Cantor Motzen served as vice president of the Nachala organization from 1973-1978, which was dedicated to entertaining wounded soldiers. Cantor Motzen held the position of Chief Cantor in Givatayim, Haifa, and Ramat Gan, and sang on Kol Yisrael radio and television.

Cantor Motzen served Congregation Shomrim Laboker-Beth Yehuda-Shaarei Tefillah and the Adath Israel Poalei Zedek Congregation in Montreal. From 1997 to 2005 he served as the Cantor of Shaarei Shomayim Congregation in Toronto, Canada. 

Since 2005, he has been the Chazzan at The Shul of Bal Harbour, Florida. Cantor Motzen has performed in concert in many parts of the world, and he has become a favorite of guests of many kosher cruises.

In this video Cantor Motzen sings Yismechu from the Shabbat liturgy.

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 Lecha Dodi by Congregation Beth Israel of San Diego

Congregation Beth Israel is San Diego’s oldest and largest Jewish congregation with roots dating to 1861 when San Diego was a frontier settlement. Jewish pioneers first came to San Diego in 1850 and, although very few in number, gathered each year to observe the High Holy Days. 

According to the late historian Henry Schwartz, San Diego Jewry, led by Old Town merchant Marcus Schiller, first met in 1861 to form the congregation they called Adath Yeshurun (Assembly of Israel). Beth Israel traces its origins back to the formation of Adath Yeshurun in 1861.

Join us today in welcoming Shabbat with the congregation singing Lecha Dodi by Aaron Bensoussan.

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. 

Welcoming Shabbat and Hanukkah with Adon Olam by Kolot HaLev of Washington DC

Kolot HaLev – Voices of the Heart – is Greater Washington, DC's independent community choir focusing on Jewish choral music.

Kolot HaLev has performed in various venues beyond its home base, including the Jewish Heritage Museum in New York City, Arlington National Cemetery, the Library of Congress and the Italian Embassy in Washington DC among other prominent venues. In response to invitations from the community, KHL presents at local and regional music festivals and at nursing homes as time allows. KHL has become recognized as a source of highest quality, inspiring Jewish music, catering to audiences that return again and again.

Adon Olam, the well-known Jewish prayer, is actually a poem that describes the greatness of God and is often sung to the tune of different songs. In 2015 we posted a version sung by Kolot HaLev to the tune of Moscow Nights.

In this performance by Kolot HaLev led by musical director Ramon Tasat, the prayer is sung to the rousing melody of "Asa Branca" by Luiz Gonzaga and Humberto Teixeira.

Enjoy, Shabbat shalom, and Chag Chanukah Sameach!

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 Shir LaMaalot Sung by Yosef Karduner and Ari Goldwag

Today we welcome Shabbat with Shir LaMaalot (Psalm 121 - A Song of Ascents), which is sung on Shabbat after Mincha between Sukkot and Shabbat Hagadol.

Yosef Karduner realized his passion for music early on. At age 13, Yosef began playing guitar and eventually learned the keyboard and other instruments as well. 

When he was 24 years old, after serving in the Israeli Army, Yosef was introduced to the teachings of Rebbi Nachman of Breslov zt’l, which fascinated him and infused him with a desire to learn more about Breslover Chassidus. These teachings quickly developed into the main source of inspiration for Yosef’s musical compositions. Comprised of Biblical texts, Psalms, and Rebbi Nachman’s teachings, Yosef’s songs blend together to create a plethora of music filled with hope, faith and joy. 

The famous and stirring ‘Shir La’Ma’Alot’ and many of Yosef’s songs are known far and wide, and are commonly performed by distinguished artists universally. 

Yosef is joined in this song by Ari Goldwag, who first entered the Jewish music world at a young age. His singing career began when he joined Miami Boys Choir, achieving fame for his touching solos. He starred in five albums and three videos

In 2007, Ari founded the Ari Goldwag Orchestra, which performs at concerts, weddings, and organizational fundraisers.

Ari lives with his wife Talia and their seven children in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel.

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 Shalom Aleichem by Jacob's Ladder

Last week we welcomed Shabbat with a bluegrass version of Lecha Dodi by David Sasso and the Boston-based Jacob's Ladder bluegrass group. The popularity of that selection encouraged us to follow up this Shabbat with their version of Shalom Aleichem, another song that we sing on Friday night.

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.

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 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 the Big Band Sound of Elliot Dvorin and the Key Tov Orchestra

Elliot Dvorin and the Key Tov Orchestra are at it again.

We have featured the Chicago-based wedding band before, performing a flash mob version of Hashem Melech and and a mashup of Passover songs in downtown Chicago, with the Kol Ish a cappella singers in a bluegrass version of Yigdal, in an Israeli salsa number in Miami, and in a Chicago mashup of Chanukah songs old and new.

Today we're sharing a performance of the Key Tov Orchestra playing a medley of Shabbat songs:

Bim Bam (Instrumental) 

Shabbat Shalom (Hey!) 

Shalom Aleichem by Israel Goldfarb 

Shalom Aleichem by Rabbi Shmuel Brazil

Regesh V'Shamru by Reb Shlomo Carlebach 

Lecha Dodi Shabbos Kodesh by Moshav Band 

Harachaman Hu Yanchilenu  

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 Yismechu by the Zurich Synagogue Choir

Today we're sharing a version of Yismechu by the Zurich Synagogue Choir, a singing group in Switzerland that includes about two dozen singers under the direction of conductor Robert Braunschweig. The choir sings once a month at the Löwenstrasse synagogue in the service on Shabbat morning and on the High Holidays. In addition, the choir sings at interdenominational events and gives concerts in Germany and abroad. 

Yismechu is part of the Mussaf Amida on Shabbat. 

Yism'chu v'malchut'cha shom'rei shabbat v'kor'ei oneg. Am m'kadshei shv'ii kulam yisb'u v'yitan'gu mituvecha, uvash'vii ratzita bo v'kidashto, chemdat yamim oto karata, zecher l'ma'ase v'reshit.

יִשְׂמְחוּ בְמַלְכוּתְךָ, שׁוֹמְרֵי שַׁבָּת וְקֽוֹרְאֵי עֹֽנֶג, עַם מְקַדְּשֵׁי שְׁבִיעִי, כֻּלָּם יִשְׂבְּעוּ וְיִתְעַנְּגוּ מִטּוּבֶֽךָ, וּבַשְּׁבִיעִי רָצִֽיתָ בּוֹ וְקִדַּשְׁתּוֹ, חֶמְדַּת יָמִים אוֹתוֹ קָרָֽאתָ, זֵֽכֶר לְמַעֲשֵׂה בְרֵאשִׁית:

The choir in the Löwenstrasse synagogue has existed – in various forms – for over 100 years. Its members have a wide variety of religious orientations. What they all have in common is the joy of singing in the cultural and religious environment of the Zurich Jewish community. The choir's repertoire includes around 60 mostly synagogue songs and chazzan accompaniments by German, French, Polish and Russian composers of the 19th century. 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.