Jason Hecht's Blog (Have fun and Enjoy). This is Jason Hecht (ME) posting about great songs, products and other things people love!
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Earlier in the week I listening to Shlomi Shabbat and Yehuda Poliker.. Listen to this special rendition 10:49 into the video. It's amazing.
This got me thinking. I know I recognize that song but what it is. I googled Yom Sababa and found another version:
Have you figured it out yet? If you give up stay tuned, and I'll tell you what it is at the end of todays blog.
Very soon the Israel Hour Podcast should be out that featured my playlist. Please check back here and I'll post a link to it. In the meantime, I wanted to share an article by Israel Hour Host Josh Shron. This article shares and explains the 2020 songs when music mattered more than ever.
Again, I couldn't leave you without sharing the latest and interesting Six13 Hanukkah video and it's like the candle in the window !!!!
Still don't recognize the song. Flip your phone, tablet, or monitor over to reveal the answer:
I know it’s not the best recording but to see Haim Moshe sing live is awesome. This song has been stuck in my head since Thanksgiving. I’ve been trying to shake it loose. This song Tishmeru Al Atzmechem (Take Care of yourself):
This song got me totally in the mood for Shabbat as it is such a spiritual type song.
Well after finding that song I found something more intriguing. I was recommended a video that had a lot of Haim Moshe songs in it. So I clicked on this link. Up popped a small album of some Haim Moshe songs that i recognized. A few I didn’t. Song #4 caught my attention.
Song #4 I was thinking I know that I had heard this song somewhere and it might have been at a Camp Rikud (Israeli dance camp). I stopped what I was doing and texted David Dassa asking him if he or his father Dani Dassa created a dance to this song. I know he created a dance to Haim’s Nishba. TRANSLATION (I take an Oath)
That’s not the song I wanted to feature today but it’s another one of my favorite songs. So David replied to my message and said yes his father created a dance to this beautiful song “Shivat Piley Tevel. I knew I wasn’t loosing my mind yet. That made me feel a lot better.
This song translates to 7 wonders of the world. I didn’t find a lyrics translation of it anywhere. But the music and the lyrics are very interesting. I hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy the music!
One thing is you play it on your ipod or phone over and over, but you never get sick 😫 of hearing it.
This song Tagidi Ki got stuck in my head. The ooo's and aaah's are addicting. I have been humming the tune for the past three days. Why? I don't know.
Here is the original song sung by Shomo Artzi:
Here is Eyal Golan's version:
I remember learning the dance to this so long ago. Here it is demonstrated and also danced:
What does the song mean?
The song translates into English as "Tell me." It is a very sad song 🎵, but to me I love the tune in of the music from flutes and more. I really do love the many versions I've been able to find.
First we make our Shabbat challah and a round challah for the Rosh Hashana holiday:
Here is some interesting info on these important Jewish holidays
Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is being celebrated. It started at sundown; the two-day event which marks the first day of the Jewish new year was heralded by the blowing of the shofar, an ancient ram’s horn. Rosh Hashanah is a time for family and friendship - and also tzedakah - the act of giving to those less fortunate. Rosh Hashanah is nearly always celebrated in September or October. It is celebrated as one day by some denominations and two days by others.
Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection, reflection and making resolutions. It culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement.
The traditional greeting at this time, one of the two High Holy Days in the Jewish religion is Shana Tova! or sometimes said as Shana Tova um’tukah. In Hebrew, the word Shana means 'year' and Tova means 'good' while um’tukah means 'sweet'. So the greeting ‘Shana Tova!’ literally means have a good, sweet year – the English language equivalent of ‘Shana Tova um’tukah!’ would be ‘Have a Happy and prosperous New Year!”.
Sweet foods are traditionally eaten through the celebrations – slices of apple dipped in honey, pomegranate and braided challah bread are traditionally eaten during the celebrations. The challah bread is usually baked in a round shape to symbolize either the cyclical nature of life or the crown of God. Raisins are sometimes added to the dough for a sweet new year. Shana Tova!
Yesterday on my way to work I was listening to Radio Noshmim Mizrahit on the RLIVE app. And I heard a familiar song but it was covered by a different artist.
Here is another version sung by Liran Danino from Kochav Nolad TV show aka a Star is Born. Since Jewish people don’t worship idols that is why there is no Israel Idol TV show. If you want to hear the original Tslam version it can be found on YouTube.
In other news Olivia Newton-John passed away yesterday. Here is a tribute song to her:
Another version:
If you are in the mood for a little disco / Saturday Night Fever this will do it for you:
This last song is for the birds. My mother hates birds. Every time lately I hear this song, I think about Moshe Eskayo an huge Israeli dance choreographer that passed away recently.
Be sure on Rosh Hashana that you sing and play this song while throwing your breadcrumbs (casting your sins away) wherever they will land. The song has nothing to do with Tashlich or Rosh Hashana but the birds enjoy the tune!
This is a live version and the singer / actress is in an upcoming movie.
I recently attended a zoom lecture about Israeli Zionist music. A few of the songs were great songs and some that I recognized. Other songs were a bit scary towards the end of the lecture. Thank you to occsp.net for the inspiration in writing this.
One song which has been brought up a few times in the last 2 years is this song by Teapeacks / Tipex. (Various spelling).
Tipex is a correction fluid (whiteout):
Tipex gained popularity by combining israeli music with light humorous hints.
If you walk down the street in a Jewish neighborhood anytime between Friday morning and Saturday afternoon, you will notice Jews of all stripes wishing each other a peaceful, enjoyable Shabbat. In fact, as early as Wednesday, you can bid farewell with wishes for a good Shabbat.
But what to say? As always, different Jews have different ways of doing things.
The traditional Yiddish greeting of Ashkenazi Jews is “Gut Shabbos,” which means “Good Sabbath.” This greeting is used in place of both “hello” and “goodbye.” However, when used in parting, it is modified slightly to “Ah gutten Shabbos.” If you cannot remember the Yiddish nuances, just say “Good Shabbos” every time, and you’ll be in very good company.
This greeting is preferred by chassidic and traditional Jews of European descent.
The Hebrew salutation, used by Sephardim of Eastern descent and those who favor modern Hebrew, is “Shabbat shalom,” which means “Sabbath [of] peace.”
(Just to add to the mix, there is also the Aramaic version of “Shabbata tava,” “Good Sabbath,” that appears occasionally in writing. No need to memorize this for when you meet an Aramaic Jew, because there are none.)
Today’s song of the day comes from Mordechai Ben David. On my way to work I was listening to Yakov Schwekey singing a medley that had this song in it. That was the inspiration of today!
Here is a little maze and fun from the PJ Library to help you with Shabbat Shalom!
Don’t forget to do your homework!
Bonus Track:
Just heard this one on Israel hour online! Love it!
Have an AMazing weekend! (Yes that spelling was on purpose!) 😁
Heard this yesterday on Israel Hour Radio and decided to keep the America theme going for a bit and share some of the fun. You need to join in the fun Monday - Friday and Sunday Mornings !
Frank Sinatra!
Enjoy this one also (From West Side Story!)
To get you back in the swinging mood here Sesame Street: Do-op Hop With Kermit:
Even though this isn't the current Minions movie its funny! So I hope you enjoy it!
Need to learn the Hebrew alphabet? I've brough along some friends that might be able to help out! Warning there may be a quiz in the future !
What does one think about on 4th of July besides a day off work?
Fireworks
I always think of this one song and the word of the day:
ZIKUKIM = Fireworks !!!
Moshe Peretz sings this lovely song "Zikukim" (See lyrics translation) all about fireworks:
I just recently heard about a Muppet Show pinball machine in a group on facebook.. How cool this will be. I know Elaine won't ever allow us to own one but I will work on convincing her!
I hope that I can edit the music in the pinball machine. It would definitely include this one:
To keep us in is a good mood we all need to take a bath with our rubber duck ! (Listen carefully!)
This one is for all of those that like to have some fun which is what we are going to do in a little bit:
You can believe what you want. But again this isn’t going away lightly! The numbers in Arizona put us in the read Believe it or don’t believe it! Still caution is good but do what you want not as you get told!! Uncertainty is definitely in the air!
If you are sick don’t get a Covid test! That one good piece of advice!
The only way to properly test for Covid is like this! It is the only accurate way to get a Covid test and I’ll bet your bottom dollar it feels better too! Watch the video on the link!
If you go to a synagogue try to speak to god without a mask on! Too bad our synagogue and most are requiring masks. Hello rabbis in rabbi land God can’t hear you with a mask on!
Todays song is by Sagiv Cohen who I have personally met a few times at various dance camps around the US! Great singer with great songs. This song is a bit unique.
Version with English translation:
Here is a precious little gift that Israel hour Radio DJ Josh Shron found. Enjoy! Note there might be some fireworks in one of my next blog posts.
Oh wait it’s 108 degrees today. It’s a Sunshine Day!
How many of you have The Brady bunch album?
Just think TV has evolved even further along ! Color TV ! (YAY) This song will take you back a little bit !
But back in the day when tv was invented it was only in Black & White. Here is another song by Eyal Golan talking about a black and white movie (Translation) סרט שחור לבן - Seret Shachor Lavan. He had hair back in 2011. I hope you enjoy the concert clip:
Here is one more in Eyal Golan's Living Room in 2020 singing a duet of Seret with Itay Levi:
The song is also a really fun Israeli partner dance by my friend Sholmo Maman:
If you are stuck at home watch some great black and white movies or television shows.
Here is a music video of Samir Shukri singing his song Rona.
This version not so special but it's funny so I included it:
Rona Circle Dance by Sefi Aviv (Created 1987)
Pièce de résistance:
Rona melody sung to Lecha Dodi. (If you need info on Lecha Dodi please go back to Friday June 17th, 2022's song of the day. I found this by accident and just couldn't wait til Friday rolled around to share it with you:
Another cassette I purchased when visiting Israel in the 80’s was Modern Talking. It’s a German band and huge in Israel in the 80’s.
This clip (above) I just learned about from a zoom lecture and I had no idea it even existed. it’s a parody of the modern talking song brother Louie. It’s about Barbecuing by Yair Nitzani. He was the a keyboardist and singer in the Israeli band T-Slam. He was the guy with the faucet on his forehead.
Since today is Father’s Day I figured this year share with you all Shlomi Shabbat and his song “Abba”. It’s a great song so enjoy the video and the English translation.
Haim Israel sings a song / prayer yit'gadal v'yit'kadash (The mourners kaddash) Its his very special version. I personally find this version very comforting. Meir Shem-Tov made a really beautiful dance to it. I haven't danced it in a long time.
Here is a bonus song Malachim (Angels) by Haim Israel. Another one of his big hit songs. Here is the translation.
Read below on this other song and enjoy the music (So soothing): תן לי לדבר איתך / מילים של תפילה:
I love to find concert footage with these Israeli Singers and share. We all love a good concert now and again. I found 3 songs my Haim Israel that i wanted to share below. A Live version of Yit'gadal V'yit'kadash / Malachim / Ten Li L'daber Itcha תן לי לדבר איתך (I couldn't find anything about the song anywhere until finalizing my writing) This new song also goes by a possibly different name than what he announced on his concert (מילים של תפילה). I promise to do some future research into the mystery of the song. What I did research is it translated to let me talk to you.
I edited this part of the concert out so you can all enjoy it.
I've been a little bit busy. I did want to post a quick song of the day. It's weird but interesting.
Keep the comments coming!
Ok so I love the Song Zohi Yaffo by Avi Toldano. Avi sings many of our famous Israeli Dances. I couldn't find the correct version of the dance to display today but might later. Every time I hear this version of the song it reminds me of the Wonder Woman Theme Song. I found this version on youtube.
And speaking about Wonder Woman (uh oh)
I might have accidentally groped her last night at the arcade. I've gotten away with it a few times before (since she is Israeli). Last night she threw me across the room and I'm lucky I didn't wind up in the Negev!
I thought it was a mitzvah to do such a thing on Shabbat, but a friend reminded me that it's only a mitzvah with your wife! (Sorry Elaine!)
I promise you will all enjoy my father's day post !
I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. Here is a version of Lecha Dodi. I try and post a different video weekly here. This prayer welcomes the sabbath bride. During the prayer everyone stands up and faces the entrance to the synagogue. It is very similar to a wedding when the bride comes in. There are some great renditions of lecha dodi. If you have any suggestions please post in the comments.
For all my friends I wish you all a fantastic weekend. Relax, enjoy, play pinball, sleep etc….
Today’s is a double. Just like the other day you get a song and a dance. I like that when it works!
Ofra Haza sang this the best. Ofra was one of Israel’s iconic singers and she is missed often. I listen to a lot of her music and we dance to a lot of it too!
Sorry I couldn’t find a version of the song in Japanese. I’ve heard it in Japanese before. I’ll try and find one later. It’s great in Japanese too.
Thank you to my friend Moshe who translated the song. You can find the translation at lyricstranslate.
The dance version I like to do is by Marco Ben-Shimon. I remember a long time ago Marco’s dances were taught at a dance camp. Soon I will share another of my favorite songs that have a dance to it.
FYI I have too many favorites.
To learn this version of the dance directly from from Marco I have provided a video below.
Hello, No, I’m not making any Jason jokes because it’s not Friday. This is one of my favorite pictures. My brother Jason likes to hurt me every time I walk in the door of this arcade.
This song is a big favorite of mine. Every time I hear it I go “”Oh Yeah!”. The musical notes are mesmerizing. Play it a few times you will see what I mean.
Today's "Song of the day" is an interesting and funny one and hopefully cheers up those that love musicals.
I was driving home Friday night from the arcade and I was listening the the RLive App. Radio Lev Hamedina 91 FM in Israel was doing a children's special. This song came on the radio and I just enjoyed it all the way home. I was thinking to myself that I had to share the song with you all that read my blog.
Ok so here is the song of the day. A newer song by Moshe Peretz. Why did I choose this song? I recently learn of a few new YouTube channels that have Israeli songs translated into English.
Another reason is that I’m playing in a pinball tournament today and I hope maybe today I make it to the top! Last month I placed around 8th place in a 3 strikes format tournament. So as the song says maybe today!
Today is the birthday of Yuval Banay. He was the lead singer of the group Mashina. I learned about Yuval’s birthday today because Israel Hour Radio did a Facebook live on him to celebrate.
This song is one of my favorites. “Night Train to Cairo”
Around 1987 I was in Israel and purchased the album
I will post the play list link of the show once it’s on YouTube.
At le'ati ahavati lamrot retzonah mi yiten yacholti lasur lema'onah ani ohev otach kol kach ani noshek otach kol kach lu ahavtini le'ati chayay lach umoti.
Vehu amar lah at shochenet bil'vavi vatzar alai beitah ut'shukoteiha chatam belahat itamar hu ben avi shalosh shanim bachu'ha bacha eleilha bikesh lasim ketz lechayav be'ekdacho hakar veshar lah nachal dma'otav veshar veshar veshar.
I feel a shudder at the back of my neck Thinking about how Love once used to speak. In the city of Jerusalem there was a very pure man, Deeply in love and in a great pain of angst. And these were the words of his love: A flaming love, Which was heard By his beloved princess, Leah
“I loved my Leah – in spite of her will; Oh, how I wish I could cross her threshold. I love you so much! I yearn to kiss you! If only you would love me, my Leah, I would be yours in life and death.”
And he said to her: “You dwell in my heart” And he stalked her house and her desires, Signed his letters in passion, Itamar Ben Avi, And cried for her incessantly three years. He threatened to take his own life With his cold pistol. And sang to her a river of tears He sang, and sang and sang:
“I loved my Leah – in spite of her will;
Leah is locked and indrawn in her hideaway, With her coal-colored hair and pure complexion. He vowed to obliterate her image in his heart, But his promise failed, and he returned to her. And sometime after three years At long last she went after him. Since then when he walks the bells Ring his poetry to her.