JE Magazine Issue #15 by Joseph Zweig

CMY

December 2007 editor@thejemagazine.com

Insider

New Releases

Record your own Album

Nafshenu Orchestra

Bio

Spinner Cover Story

sales@thejemagazine.com

Yitzy Spinner/Avi Newmark

Sam Glaser

Gut Yohr

ReďŹ&#x201A;ections on Great Leaders

Orlev

Pic of the Month

Travel Section

Rewind Part 3

Home on the Kosher Range

Recipe Corner

Music Notes

Bands & Singers

68 info@thejemagazine.com

Chanukah Section

cover story

Yitzy Spinner page 24

Chanukah page 28

Sam Glaser

page 38

A Gut Yohr page 38

Wine Listings Backstage Pass

Orlev

page 44

Publisher’s Note

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Yossi Zweig

JE MAGAZINE 1163 47th street Brooklyn, NY 11219 JEMAGAZINE@gmail.com www.thejemagazine.com

Yeedle is delighted to inform eager fans that his album will Iy’H be released in time for Tu B’shvat. Granted, we were hoping for a Chanukah treat however, ever the perfectionist, Yeedle simply won’t stop ﬁne-tuning and ﬁne-tuning. For those who don’t know what to anticipate.... The powerful forces collaborating on Yeedle’s album attest to his musical sophistication. The inimitable MBD, Amit Arel, Avi Avidani, Yaron Gutfried, R’ Akiva Homnick, Moshe Laufer, Eli Laufer, Aron Razel, Moshe Mona Rosenblum, Ayal Shiluach & ensemble, Avi Singolda, Aryeh Volnitz and Moshe Yankofsky all lend their skills and talents. Some updates: * Lipa wrote beautiful Yiddish lyrics for a masterpiece song co-written by Yeedle and Eli Laufer. Yeedle revealed to JE that unabashedly, he had tears streaming down his face as he read stanza by stanza of his song, Keshoshana Bein Hachochim for it pierced his heart. * Yossi Tyberg and Rulli Ezrachi, star engineers, have been diligently working alongside Yeedle in the studio for many arduous months. The Yeedle-Yossi T. duo has been producing exceptional music (and laughter) for decades, stemming from their close friendship. Now, nearly all songs are ready for the mixing magician Eli Lishinsky. Sruly Werdyger is working on a project with Gershy Moskowitz. The album will feature songs composed by Shai Pearl, Mordechai Illowitz, Shragi Gestetner, Sholi Brach, Baruch Levine, Yanky Kryman, and Shua Fried will be arranging. Hopefully it will be out after Tishah B’av. Shelly Lang & Yisroel Lamm are working on Everybody’s Favorite Chupah Songs vol. 4 Great Singers/ Great Music. A.K.A Pella fans get ready! A.K.A Pella is back in the studio working on their new album, A.K.A. Pella :Adaptation. Already there’s talk about this exciting project and fans of acapella music as well as all music will delight at what is expected to be the most amazing acappela you’ll ever hear. The album will feature more amazing harmonies and that signature incredible “real music sound” that has made this group a sensation the world over. Several special guest vocals are also expected, including Shloime Kaufman from Emes fame and several other notables. Look for it right around Pesach time.

CHANUKAH SALE List price

Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at

www.artscroll.com 1-800-MESORAH

TITLES SALE ENDS 12/17/07

photo p pho ho oto to by to b SShm Shmulitk ul k / iStockphot ulitk iSto iStockphoto ckphot p o

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For those of you still around at this point, those of you still determined to make an album, we'll dive a little deeper. Let's get back to those 2 important reasons an album doesn't sell. You may be asking, "How do I get people to know who I am?" That's a very good question. If people have never heard of you there is a strong chance they will not buy your CD. Like I said before, each season the market is packed with new albums. Most of them feature proven artists and consumers can buy these without worrying that they might be let down.

Many times you hear people say "I wish I had known these

So what to do?

things before I released my album." This led me to think that some people out there, who may be considering recording an album, would benefit from some basic suggestions. Here are just some of the things I've noticed over the last 5 years.

Here is the best advice anyone can give you. GET AN AGENT OR A MANAGER.

Leading up to Chanukah we released a tremendous amount of new CD's and DVD's. Chanukah is one of the busiest Judaica seasons. Every season there are lots of new albums, many from new artists, and I know that this may surprise many of you, but most new artists are met with little or no success.

It doesn't have to be as official or expensive as it sounds, but it's important to be able to respect the person you ask to fill this position. They don't always have to see things like you do, in fact it's better if they don't. You want a partner to help you see things from different perspectives. But once you find/hire this person, you have to trust them.

The Jewish Music market is a very small industry, with many consumers buying from different genres of music. That means that the genre to album to consumer ratio is smaller then you might think. "Eitan Katz" fans aren't just buying Eitan Katz CD's. They might also buy Avraham Fried or Yaakov Shwekey, and then Uncle Moishy or Yeshiva Boys Choir for the kids and Chanale for their wives. Overall, this Chanukah season we have around 15 new CD's on the market (not including another 10 or so albums from last season.) We also have 8 new DVD's. Of those 33 items, some will just not be successful. Aside from the music albums you have to compete with, there are non music products also being released. Such as Dancing DVD's, Jewish Film's, Cooking DVD's, etc. Before you start preparing your album, it's important to know why something will fail. An album can do poorly for many reasons, a few of which are out of your hands. But some are well within one's control. The #1 reason an album fails is because nobody knows who you are. The #2 reason an album fails is because nobody knew your album was in stores. These are two very important things. A person may want to record his own album for a variety of reasons. He (or She!) may have a very beautiful voice, and those closest to him may have strongly suggested he make an album. But what's important to keep in mind is that while your friends may think you have a great voice, they aren't going to be the one's pouring $60,000 to $100,000 into your album, and sometimes it's even more than that. Page 14

A lot of people will give you advice. You'll hear a lot of opinions and suggestions, but like the old adage, too many cooks spoil the stew.

If you want the album to sound truly magnificent you have to spend real money. I know technology has come a long way and it's easy to do it in your friend's basement. But to make a good album you need all the right ingredients. Sometimes you have to shop at a few different stores to get everything you need to prepare a proper gourmet meal. A lot of money and time gets spent, and many people don't realize how large an undertaking it is until they are well into the middle of it. There is someone in the industry who often councils potential new artists, and here is how that first conversation usually begins. "Why do you want to release a CD?" Regardless of their answer, this insider will tell them, "Don't do it. It's not worth it. Go home and invest the money in some real estate." It's good advice, because many people have tried, and most have failed.

This Agent/Manager will be charged with calling concert promoters, Jewish orchestras, advertising outlets and getting the word Dovid Gabay, Shloimer Gertner, Ohad are all some recent out that you're available and getting people familiar with your examples of this. When the buzz hits the fans, they call the name. stores and the stores call us. Many times the fans call or email us directly. This is how the stores and the distributors gauge These people will contact the Jewish magazines (like this one), potential success. the Jewish music websites, blogs, message boards and radio stations. They should help you create a working website, with People were asking us for Dovid Gabay's album literally 6 live links and music samples from demos you've recorded in a months before we got it into stores. studio. They will make sure videos of you singing at concerts and weddings are up on YouTube and Yideoz and are passed If you go back a bit further, a little more then 5 years ago, Blue around from one eager Jewish music fan to another. Fringe released their debut album with overwhelming success, B"H. Ideally this should be done at least 1 year before you release your album. Every single successful new artist had fans calling For months before people were calling us non stop, asking and asking for their albums months before they hit the shelves. when this album was due out in stores. The people behind the scenes were doing a great job getting the word out. Blue Fringe performed dozens of times all over the Jewish camp scene that summer. People were talking about it, word got around and by the time the kids got back from camp they were running to the stores hoping to find the album. This also goes to show the importance of doing shows. The more you sing, be it at weddings, concerts or camps, the more people will hear you. The more people hear you, the more they will request you for their own simcha's and events.

As beautiful a voice as you might have, even if you borrow the money or find the investors, there is a strong chance that it won't do well. This might not be what you want to hear, but it's the truth. You might go through 2 or 3 years of hard work, putting as much as $100,000 into an album which may or may not include the high cost of advertising, marketing and duplicating. And after all that you'll need to be prepared that 3 months after the CD comes out you might hear those three dreaded words "It's Not Moving â&#x20AC;Ś"

December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

People have to know who you are or they can't get excited about your album. Don't allow your inner circle to blind you to the reality of the larger picture. I'm sure everyone in your Shul who knows you're making an album is excited. I'm sure all the guys who work with you at your office and the offices you work with are excited about your album. Page 15

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Jewish Entertainment Magazine

But the strangers you've never met, the ones in L.A, Miami, Montreal, Monsey, Lakewood, Detroit, Tsfat, Chicago, London, Five Towns, Queens, Brooklyn, Paris, Yerushalayim, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Brazil or even Mexico, they don't know who you are and so they aren't excited about your album. Your inner circle is not who you are selling this CD to. It's all those other people in all the cities mentioned before. Your friends and family mean well, but it's important to be realistic. I always tell people, your friends and family aren't going to buy the album when it comes out. Those are the people you'll be giving free copies to. It's the people who don't know you personally who will determine the success or failure of the album. And then, when people do know who you are, they need to know that your album is going to be in stores more then 2 days before it's out. Too many times we're forced to turn down albums because people call us at the last minute. The reason we take ads, produce the podcast, put information up on the Sameach Podcast website, put up video and audio samplers is so that people know BEFORE the season hits that your album is going to be in stores.

internet (ShmaisRadio.com, OlamRadio.com.) There are many more then you think. Go online and research it, or you can email me and I will help you collect a list of them. E-mail them of one of the songs from your album and ask them to play it at least 4 weeks before the album is out. Of course if you want to do this, make sure your album is actually completed and you won't disappoint your fans by constantly pushing back your release date. Consumers want to know in advance what is coming out, but they want to know that when you say it's coming out, it actually does. There is nothing more disappointing and frustrating to a fan of Jewish music then to keep hearing that the release date has been pushed back. I know there is a lot more to say on this topic and I plan on elaborating on this topic in a future issue. For now let me just repeat the most important points. People have to know who you are before your CD comes out. Once they know who you are, they also need to know that your CD is out. Advertise, promote, get the word out. I know you sound great, I know you spent a lot of money and everyone you know loves the CD, but let the rest of us know it too. Then, and most importantly, you must make sure you pick a good time to release it. Make sure you contact a distributor early on, reserve a spot, and have your album mastered, printed, duplicated, packaged and ready to be in stores before the season begins.

The key is to get it into stores before the season begins. Remember that Chanukah is only 8 days long. Once it's over, the season dies down considerably. The same goes for Purim. If you want your album in stores "for Purim" have it done at least 2 months before Purim so that by the time people come into the stores during the season, word of mouth has hopefully Let me just close by saying that it's not impossible to release a helped sales and people know your name when they go into the successful album. You just need to have the right ingredients stores to buy their Groggers and Megilas Esthers. and they need to be added at the right times. I know a lot of this may sound discouraging, but I think it's important for people Don't rush your album out so that you "make the season." It's to know just a little of what they have to do in order to create a not important to get it out by a certain date. When it's ready, it successful album. After everything is said and done there are will be ready. Better to have it 100 percent done and sit on it for still no easy answers. You can do everything right and have a two months until the next season then rush yourself to finish it great album and it still might not sell. The part you can't control so that you get it into the stores in time for Chanukah. is Mazel. But before you can count on Mazel you also have to help yourself and these suggestions are just a starting point, In order to make sure your CD gets into stores early, you need something to consider before you take on this huge task. to contact a distributor a few months before the season starts. If you want it to be in stores by Chanukah, contact the I hope this information helps anyone currently working on an distributor by at least September. Make sure your cover and album or thinking about starting to work on one. album description are on Jewish music related websites at least 4-6 weeks before the album hits stores, this way people Sruly Meyer is the in-house graphic designer for Sameach Music. He also will be familiar with what the album looks like so that when maintains the Sameach Music Podcast website and cohosts the Sameach Music Podcast with Dov Katz of the Neshoma Orchesra. You can download their Free they go into the stores they will recognize it. #

-9

#-9

Whoever is telling you not to contact the distributor till the last minute is wrong. (Incidentally, whoever is actually doing that, please stop.) We need to plan ahead; distributors want to be able to have their upcoming releases planned and ready to go at least 4 weeks before the season starts. We need to put together the order forms and album details to send out to the hundreds of Judaica stores as early as possible. The advertisements that go into newspapers and magazines are prepared in advance of the season. If you call us at the last second you will not have benefited from any of those things.

Jewish Music Podcast (show) at SameachMusicPodcast.com. You can reach Sruly at SameachMusic@gmail.com. His personal website is DesignsBySruly.com, where you can see his most recent designs and read his blog.

Here is another suggestion, and this is something that is still not done by many in the industry. Get a single from your album out to the radio stations. Today there are many Jewish radio stations both in the traditional form (Nachum Segal) and on the Page 17

December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

Nafshenu - The Heart and Soul of the Simcha

azal tov, you’re making a simcha! Myriad preparations are underway to ensure that the special day is the perfect marriage of spiritual clarity and physical beauty; the stuff that meaningful memories are made of. To that end nothing is more important; no choice will more acutely impact the event as your choice of a band. Music sets the tone throughout the affair; it tugs at your heartstrings infusing your chupah prayers with hartzidik fervor, it pulls you to your feet to be misameach choson and kallah as if it’s the very ﬁrst time and keeps us energized to the wee hours of the morning. When all is said and done everyone will remember the music. How they will remember it depends on whether or not you’ve had the foresight to call Nafshenu Orchestra.

ith the recent release of their newest album “A Heimishe Wedding” Nafshenu Orchestra has created a buzz that is quickly spreading through the Jewish world and turning it on its side as it gains momentum. The new album, an authentic Nafshenu wedding, showcases the clean perfectionism and vibrant energy you’ve come to expect from the Nafshenu Orchestra while showcasing their talented vocalists who have infused a fresh and exhilarating energy into the band. Their sound is heady and electrifying. With a selection of vocalists to suit every different taste, the Nafshenu singers are stars in their own right. Each has Page 18

by Ora Ellenberg

earned a reputation for excellence and a faithful following before being hand picked by Aaron and Jonathon for their exquisite talents and the unique brand of style they would lend to the Nafshenu family. Aaron Appelbaum is pleased to present the energetic and charismatic Tzvi Silberstein, the dynamic and invigorating Yossi Bayles, the soothing, reﬁned voice of Yankey Goldenthal and ofcourse the inimitable, resplendent voice of Jonathan Rimberg is still a Nafshenu essential. The Nafshenu vocalists at once galvanize a crowd with their electrifying energy and touch the depths of the soul with their heartwarming sound.

tilizing the numerous talents of their very own musicians and vocal artists the latest production from the dynamic duo of Aaron Appelbaum and Jonathan Rimberg invites us to enjoy the breathtaking sound of an authentic Heimishe wedding Nafshenu style. The CD features all the greatest in Jewish Music, an eclectic mix of the most current requests and the old favorites we just couldn’t do without. Every style is featured from Yeshivish, Chasidish, to Dance and Classical to Israeli and Sephardic. Arranged by Shloime Zeiger the musical compilation artfully employs the many talents of Nafshenu Orchestra to perfection. The listener is at once transported to a time and place where work schedules and worries melt away, where joyful revelry abounds, and the spirit is lifted to a place beyond December 2007

the mundane. Such is the power of the aptly named Nafshenu and The Heimishe Wedding.

he Nafshenu sound runs the gamut of Jewish affairs. After all, having played in arenas as diversiﬁed as Radio City Music hall, Yankee stadium, The Pierre, The Waldorf, Ateres Avrohom and just about any venue in the NY & NJ area, Nafshenu has got the right sound for every occasion. Having worked with clients from nearly everywhere on the North American continent, from Brooklyn clear across the country to California, and even on to Alaska, they have the experience and know how that comes only with years of satisfying customers. Understanding their clients’ needs is a Nafshenu specialty.

and owner Aaron Appelbaum meets personally with every client to properly assess their

individual tastes and interests. Aaron has a sterling reputation not just as a musician but as a warm and caring professional with whom it is a pleasure to do business. After a comprehensive client interview coowner Jonathan Rimberg compiles an extensive and well rounded

to savor. The melliﬂuous melodies and vibrant vocals are a pure pleasure to behold. An absolute crowd pleaser, this CD is perfect for those family trips you’re sure to be taking on chol hamoed; everyone will be singing along in true toe tapping fashion. Eliminate

even ﬁrst time simcha planners are conﬁdent that the experience will yield optimal results and beautiful music. A visit to their exquisite website offers a bird’s eye view of the band members in action and is well worth checking out at www. Nafshenu.com.

“The Nafshenu sound runs the gamut of Jewish affairs. After all, having played in arenas as diversiﬁed as Radio City Music hall, Yankee stadium, The Pierre, The Waldorf, Ateres Avrohom and just about any venue in the NY & NJ area, Nafshenu has got the right sound for every occasion.” play list that is sure to please. Their hands- on approach creates perfectly orchestrated events that leave their clients delighted and their guests clamoring for an encore. If you haven’t yet heard A Heimishe Wedding for yourself you are missing out on an experience

the he wants..., she wants... and the kids want... problem when the family gets in the car - everyone agrees on A Heimishe Wedding! (You might even be inspired to step up your efforts to marry off that last daughter of your second cousin just to have another Nafshenu wedding to look forward to.)

Aaron and Jonathan are proud to invite you to A Heimishe Wedding, no RSVP needed, just be sure to wear your dancing shoes. Distributed by Sameach productions and available now at Jewish music stores everywhere. For more information or to contact Nafshenu Orchestra directly, please call 516-371-6660.

afshenu Orchestra is making it easier than ever to make the right choice when choosing a band for your simcha. If you’re not convinced that Nafshenu is right for you, A Heimishe Wedding is sure to seal the deal. After listening to this CD you’ll have no doubt that Nafshenu orchestra is the foremost orchestra available today, made up of world-class musicians and incomparable vocalists. Talk to anyone that’s made a Nafshenu simcha and you’re sure to hear of their unsurpassed customer service as well. Nafshenu is the whole package. Aaron will walk you through the process ensuring that

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

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December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

Music Man: Up Close and Personal with Yitzy Spinner By Rochelle Maruch Miller

Yitzy Spinner is not afraid of taking chances. Daring to tread where no artist in the Jewish music arena has before, his recently released debut album, “you and i” is fresh and exciting and is eliciting an unprecedented response from music enthusiasts the world over.

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December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

itzy Spinner is not afraid of taking chances. Daring to tread where no artist in the Jewish music arena has before, his recently released debut album, “you and i” is fresh and exciting and is eliciting an unprecedented response from music enthusiasts the world over. Powerful, professional, and highly polished in every aspect, this is a debut album like no other, a treasure trove of musical gems. That “you and i” is distinctively different from any CD on the market is testament to the artist’s diverse musical talents. What Yitzy Spinner brings to Jewish music is a gorgeous, classically trained voice in the tradition of the great lyrical masters, past and present. He has a rich, melodious voice you’ve heard on seventeen albums in collaboration with other performers. He has recently taken that voice to a new level: as a graduate of the illustrious Belz School of Music, Yitzy studied with such distinguished educators as Cantors Joseph Malovany, Bernard Beer, and Sherwood Gofﬁn, and was selected to participate in an exclusive program, where he is being mentored by Cantor Malovany. Yitzy is not merely another singer who has decided to come out with yet another album, but rather a gifted performer. Taking center stage is second nature to him, ever since he enchanted audiences as a star soloist with the Miami Boys Choir for ﬁve years. By the time he was sixteen, he was in demand as a wedding singer. Page 25

Since then, he has been performing at weddings and live in concert at worldclass venues the world over. His fans have, for years, been asking for a solo recording, and his long awaited debut album is proof positive that all good things come to those who wait. What sets this album apart from everything else on the market is that it reﬂects the artist himself. “First and foremost, I composed and wrote all the songs,” Yitzy explained in an exclusive interview with JE Magazine. “I don’t just compose for the sake of composing; I try to translate parts of my life into my music. It’s a very unique perspective because whereas a singer usually buys the compositions from the composer, this CD is truly representative of my musicality. It’s very diverse in style and music; I have a lot of musical inﬂuences and play piano and guitar.” Indeed, throughout his years, Yitzy studied both musical instruments with several of the most prestigious teachers in New York. Both of his parents are musically gifted, and he grew up in a home ensconced in the sounds of beautiful music.

because he’s one of the best producers in the industry. Avi’s reputation is stellar, and it speaks volumes. Listen to Dovid Gabay’s “Legabay”. To see his uncompromising diligence – it’s apparent in every one of his noteworthy productions, He won’t settle for anything less than perfection, which is what I wanted my album to be. It took us two-and-a-half years from the album’s inception to its culmination, but it was truly a labor of love and an achievement of which I’m very proud. Every track has an experience of its own. Each song had to be framed within its own setting. And because every studio has a unique vibe, we ended up in nine different studios. We recorded in New York, New Jersey, Israel, and Turkey to achieve an authentic setting and m o o d . Authenticity was integral to our production. F o r example, m o s t

“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to release an album,” says Yitzy, “and it seemed like the right time to do it.” Once the decision had been made, it was essential to ﬁnd a producer who shared Yitzy’s own standards of excellence and who would seamlessly orchestrate it to perfection. That is precisely why he approached Avi Newmark. “I chose to work with Avi December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

contemporary albums feature a MiddleEastern track. Because we wanted ‘Oseh Shalom,’ our Middle-Eastern song to be truly authentic, we recorded it in Istanbul, with Turkish instruments. We’re also very proud to feature the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra on the CD – they truly take our songs to a new level.” “Music is very much a part of who I am. It’s in my blood. Because I grew

thoughts being expressed that some people have never heard before.” Music, for Yitzy, is a very personal expression. And because he composes every song that he sings, he is able to interpret them as they were meant to be. Consider the beautiful and soul-stirring “Neshoma,” which refers to the purity of the soul. “The melody has to match the words,” Yitzy explains. “I was only able to compose a melody to these words when my son was born and I held him

“I’m very excited about this project. We’ve taken chances and explored new musical thoughts.”

“What sets this album apart from everything else on the market is that it reﬂects the artist himself.”

up in a very musical family, I was always exposed to Jewish music and I appreciate it. By the time I was ten years old, I was sharing the stage with the ‘Who’s Who’ of Jewish music and I grew up in the business. However, I think that over the years, people have become more open-minded about their musical options -- the instruments, arrangements, and orchestrations. What we’ve attempted to do with ‘you and i’ is to provide something fresh - a new compass. There are new musical Page 26

quintessential rock -- ‘Tzur and ‘L’maan Achai,’ which may be more palatable to the uninformed listener, and ‘Peeha’ and ‘Acheinu,’ which are more in the style of what people are accustomed to. We feature the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra on four songs to add depth and enrich the effect. ‘Lefonai’ is edgy and exciting. It’s a big band shufﬂe, and we did it because -- why not? If we could give people something that is new and fresh, why shouldn’t we go for

in my arms for the ﬁrst time. It’s very emotional and heartfelt.” Produced and directed by Avi Newmark, “you and i” features musical arrangements by Yitzy Spinner, Steve Bill, Danny Flam, and Sezgin Gezgin, string arrangements by Leib Yaacov Rigler, and Choir arrangements by Mike Boxer and Yitzy Spinner. Each of the twelve tracks is a standout and is unique in its own right. “There’s quite a collection here. We have December 2007

it? Musical authenticity has been a key component all throughout the CD, and our calypso track maintains the true ﬂavor of the setting by incorporating real steel drums. I’m very excited about this project. . We’ve taken chances and explored new musical thoughts. I’m grateful to Avi Newmark for making it all come together perfectly. He extended himself over and above my every expectation and made this project breathe.” Jewish Entertainment Magazine

Chanukah

“The miracle of the oil was understood as a sign from Heaven that the military victory was indeed brought about by Divine intervention”

Spiritual Survival: Why Chanukah Speaks To Us Today By Rabbi Mordechai Becher, Sr. Lecturer, Gateways Seminars

Israel: Approximately 200 years before the events of Chanukah, hundreds of thousands of Jews returned from the Babylonian exile to the Land of Israel. In time, they rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem and established an independent Jewish monarchy.

Excerpted from Gateway to Judaism: The What, How, and Why of Jewish Life, ArtScroll Mesorah Publications, 2005, Brooklyn NY

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Greece: After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C.E., the Greek-Macedonian Empire split into several smaller kingdoms: the Greek Empire based in Greece; the Seleucid Empire based in Syria; and the Ptolemaic Empire based in Egypt.

Miraculously, their campaign was successful. The Maccabees defeated the Greek army and entered the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, which had been deﬁled and tainted by idolatry. They wanted to light the Menorah and rededicate the Temple to God, but the Greeks had systematically broken the seals and desecrated every amphora of pure oil. They ﬁnally found a single jar of oil that still bore the seal of the High Priest, indicating its purity. It contained just enough oil to light the Menorah for one day, but miraculously the oil lasted for eight days. The miracle of the oil was understood as a sign from Heaven that the military victory was indeed brought about by Divine intervention, that the Maccabees had acted in accordance with God’s wishes, and that the Jewish people would survive and continue to bring the light of Torah to the world. The following year, the Sanhedrin declared a new festival of gratitude and praise to God for the miracle of Jewish spiritual survival. Beginning on the 25th of Kislev, and lasting eight days, they called it Chanukah, meaning “dedication” (of the Temple). This festival commemorates the miracles of Chanukah for all time.

The Spiritual Battle

The Revolt The Greeks were very successful in their campaign against Judaism. Many Jews were quite content to be Greeks. They adopted Greek clothing, hairstyles and names. There were entire cities in Israel populated by Jews, which to all appearances were Greek cities. To these Jewish Hellenists, the Greeks represented all that was modern, new and scientific, while Judaism was antiquated and out of fashion. They accepted the Greek gods and participated in Greek festivals and athletic events. Many Jewish men who competed in these events, in which the athletes were naked, actually underwent operations in order to look uncircumcised. Many Jews did remain loyal to Judaism, however, and continued to live as Jews, despite the pressure to assimilate and the great risks involved. A small group of these loyalists felt that they were morally obligated to fight the Greeks and to expel them from Israel. They believed that the Jewish people would only be free to live a full Jewish life if they were independent. The kernel of this group was a family of Kohanim, “Priests”: Mattathias (Matityahu) son of Yochanan the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) and his five sons. Known as the Hasmoneans (Chashmonaim), they were led by their brother Judah (Yehudah) “the Maccabee.” Although from a military perspective their cause seemed hopeless, this small army began a guerilla war against the powerful and massive Greek occupying army.

December 2007

The Lights of Victory

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

The underlying theme of the conflict between the Jews and the Greeks is the clash between two diametrically opposed worldviews. In the Jewish view of reality, everything in the physical world is a reflection of the spiritual. A physical conflict is a superficial manifestation of a deeper spiritual conflict. There are, of course, many points of contention between Jewish tradition and Greek philosophy. The spiritual essence of the Judeo-Greek conflict however, revolves around a single idea — the definition of reality. Nachmanides, one of the greatest Biblical commentators, encapsulates the difference as follows: [Our belief is unlike] that Greek [Aristotle] who denied everything that he could not sense. He and his students were arrogant Page 29

enough to think that anything that they did not arrive at with their own reasoning was not true. The essence of Jewish belief is that the senses perceive only the surface of an entity. Beneath this plane of physical perception lies a vast spiritual reality. For Jews, truth is not defined by the human being, but by God. Our system of ethics originates in the Revelation at Mt. Sinai, not in a social contract or human convenience. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch once commented that there is no such thing as Jewish theology — for theology is the opinion of humans about God, but Judaism is God’s opinions about humanity: “Not what man thinks of God is of primary importance, but what God thinks of man and wants him to do.” The Greeks believed that their perception defined reality, ethics and truth. The most elegant, beautiful concept constitutes the truth. The Greek ideal of beauty, for example, was something that depended on very specific measurements in the facial structure of a person. The more acute the angle formed by the nose and forehead, the more ugly the individual; the more obtuse the angle, the more beautiful. Western society, the successor of Greek culture, exhibits this attitude in its language as well. The English word “face” has its origins in the Latin “facies” which is related to “facade,” “surface” and “superficial.” In contrast, the Hebrew word for face is panim, which means “inside.” The most beautiful face is one that reveals inner beauty and meaning, not one with idealized angles and texture. Maimonides points out another theme in the conflict. He maintains that the greatest mistake of Greek philosophy was the belief that matter is eternal and not created. Since in the Greek view God is within nature and not above it, He could not intervene to change nature. This view precludes the possibility of miracles, revelation and Divine Providence. It denies any ultimate purpose in existence. The events of

Chanukah provided a dramatic refutation of this worldview.

Greek

The Greek Melting Pot The idea that any one people could be “chosen” or have a Divine revelation was completely contrary to Greek belief. Therefore, the Greek campaign against Judaism and the Jews attempted to eradicate the Jews as a special people. One example of this effort was the Emperor Ptolemy’s translation of the Torah into Greek. The Talmud relates that Ptolemy gathered 72 Sages, placed them in 72 separate cubicles and commanded them to translate the Five Books of Moses into Greek. Miraculously, they all translated the Torah in exactly the same way, and they all made the same thirteen changes from a literal translation in order to prevent the Greeks from misinterpreting the Torah. Although this would appear to be a positive event, perhaps as a step toward disseminating the ideas of monotheism and morality, the Jewish Sages looked upon it as a disaster. They knew that the Torah never could be captured in translation. No language other than Hebrew can convey its depth, beauty, inﬁnite layers and nuances. Another tragic aspect of this event was that the Greeks would now present the Torah, the essence of the bond between the Jews and God, as public property to be accessed by anyone. They would argue that the Jewish people no longer had any claim to a “special relationship” with God, since anyone could take Judaism 101 at Athens U. and know Torah just as well. In truth, in order to properly understand Torah, one must have the Oral Torah — which the Greeks did not have. The true Covenant between God and the Jewish people was manifested in the intimate and personal relationship of the Oral Tradition, even more than in the publicly available and accessible Written Torah.

December 2007

Celebrate! After millennia of attempts to assimilate us into our host cultures, whether through force or persuasion, we are still here. But it is not mere physical survival that we celebrate. After all, the genes of other ancient nations have also physically survived. The miracle of Jewish survival is that we have survived with our spiritual heritage intact. When we light the Chanukah candles today we are extensions of the Maccabees, lighting the Menorah in the rededicated Second Temple. In effect, we are continuing the lighting of the Menorah by the Priests in the First and Second Temples. Ultimately, we are even continuing the lighting of the ﬁrst Menorah in the Sinai Tabernacle by Aaron the High Priest, brother of Moses. The lights of Chanukah are also a potent reminder that physical might and numbers do not necessarily prevail. As the prophet Zechariah stated, “Not by might, not by power, but by My spirit, said the Lord of Hosts.” The miracle of Chanukah was the victory in which God delivered “… the powerful into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the evil into the hands of the righteous and the violent into the hands of the those who are devoted to the Torah.” Jewish Entertainment Magazine

Chanukah Doughnuts

Chanukah Menorah

A Familiar Ring

SILVER: The gold standard of Chanukah menorahs Like virtually everything else in Judaism, there is a time-honored tradition come Chanukah, to kindle the menorah using a silver candelabrum. One would think that gold would be the material of choice, but that’s out—it comes too close to replicating the Beis Hamikdash’s menorah, a Torah violation. With that out, in comes the next best thing: the world’s secondranking precious metal—so much so that silver’s “the only metal mentioned in Shulchan Aruch regarding Chanukah,” says Gadi Blizinsky, long-time manager at Borough Park’s landmark Elite Sterling. Besides being a glorious hiddur mitzvah, the craftsmanship of silver menorahs of today and yesteryear has a glorious history of its own.

of Italian stock. His store regularly does business with that country’s leading silversmiths and family-owned companies, purveying works of astounding intricacy—including some of the most amazing menorahs you’ll ever see. The most unusual Italian creation Elite ever sold was a $60,000-plus, sterling-silver, scale-model sailing ship several feet tall and wide. “The cannons on the side were the menorah,” Blizinsky says. However, Israel is catching up to the Italians. Having barely had a foothold in the market a generation ago—”twenty years ago they were producing garbage,” Blizinsky says—today he has increasing admiration for the Holy Land’s silver houses, whose precision-shaped, machine-manufactured silver menorahs are works of highly competitive beauty. So if you’re buying your ﬁrst silver menorah, or second or third, what do you look for?

Italy is the world’s leading producer of handcrafted silver, with its artisans’ traditions often passed down from father to son for generations and an unfortunately fading cultural tradition that values all things silver. Hence, explains the Elite manager, the world’s ﬁnest silver menorahs—and kiddush cups, spice boxes, and dozens if not hundreds of other items not at all related to Judaism—are

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“I have people coming out with bags of dozens and dozens of donuts,” says career doughnut man Shmiel Krausz, long-time employee of Borough Park’s landmark The Donut Man, on 13th Avenue. “The lines are out the door.” I’ve just asked the erudite Mr. Krausz just what it is about Chanukah that spikes the consumption, and hence, manic production and sale, of doughnuts—at least at his humble combination doughnut shop/local breakfast café, which pumps out about 7,200 daily doughnuts during Chanukah. The irresistible pastry that evolved from a single spherical lump brought to the New World by the Dutch into the ubiquitous holed variety earned its current name sometime in the late 1700s or early 1800s, at which point it was still called “olykoeks,” Dutch for “oily cakes.” But between those times and today’s day and age, when doughnuts come in two primary species—ring doughnuts, the ones that roughly resemble bagels, and filled donuts, like those messy sufganiyot—Jews made the connection between doughnuts, which are lumps or “nuts” of dough deep-fried in oil, and the miracle of the Chanukah oil, which is why the doughnut joined the eternal oil-fried latke as a bona fide Chanukah food. Now, within those two doughnut categories? Ah, that’s where doughnuts become a fine art. Twist the dough into a rough spiral before you form that circle and you’ve got yourself a cruller. Make it rectangular, not round, and you’ve got a Long John. You might even curve a squarish fat lump of dough into an arc, cut four deep incisions into its outer edge to give it five chunky fingers, and you’ve got a bear claw. But those are rather extreme—let’s stick to more conventional doughnuts, shall we? Krausz himself offers 14 different types, with five available toppings: vanilla, chocolate, powdered sugar, glazed and coconut. As for fillings—you know, like the sufganiyot strawberry jelly that gets all over your fingers—others might have bizarre offerings, but The Donut Man just sticks to the basics: blueberry, apple, custard, caramel, chocolate, and, of course, jelly. What about custom doughnuts? Turns out it’s quantity, not quality, that people really want in their fried goodie, especially come Chanukah time. But still, Krausz reports requests for blue-topped doughnuts at Israel Independence day and even green ones on a certain day made popular in New York by the Irish. The Donut Man also purveys about 100 Jumbo Donuts—birthday-cake-sized concoctions—each Chanukah. So what’s the ultimate Chanukah doughnut? “Jelly,” Krausz answers affirmatively. “I sell 10 times the amount during Chanukah as we do during the year, because it’s the doughnut season and everyone has parties the whole Chanukah.”

By Sender Gottenstark

How this shiny metal continues to be a timeless classic Ask anyone what they’d consider the most mehudar menorah, and they’ll say one word: silver.

At the oil-themed Chanukah holiday, eating the world’s favorite fried pastry lasts eight days By Sender Gottenstark

Blizinsky explains that menorahs are designed to last generations and become “classics,” comparing them to fashionable attire. “I have stuff that’s selling today that twenty years ago people were buying but ten years ago people weren’t looking at,” he says, adding that in the silver menorah industry, supply creates demand, not the reverse. “People come in, they see something nice, they want to keep it in the family and one day give it to their grandkids— that’s really how you decide what qualiﬁes as a nice silver menorah,” he comments.

December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

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The Doughnut Man December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

C h a n u k a h Lat k e s THE CHNUKAH OF MY YOUTH… REFLECTING ON MEMORIES AND TRADITIONS.

hanukah. The commemoration of an extraordinary miracle. Eight days to rejoice and celebrate. To break out in song and praise to HaKodosh Boruch Hu. Eight days to bask in the splendor and glow of the candle lights. To relish the tantalizing aroma and mouthwatering sizzle of a timeless tradition. Latkes. I recall vividly the distinctive taste and perfect form of my Bubbe’s freshly made latkes. I revel in the delightful memories of a family gathered round the table with strings of background laughter and cheerful voices. I can still see the heaping piles of latkes disappearing as rapidly as the spin of the dreidel. I am no longer the child sitting at the corner of the table. I am now the woman wearing the apron, creating lifelong memories for my children. Alas, churning out ﬂawless latkes is not my claim to fame. Thanks to Dr. Praeger’s pancakes, I can still be an exemplary pretend chef. Renowned for their scrumptious, homemade taste, Dr. Praeger’s pancakes are fully prepared. All I need to do is open the box, follow the simple reheating instructions, stack ‘em onto the plate and enjoy the ultimate

crispness and wholesome goodness of this innovative product. Now in bigger portions and individually wrapped for convenience, the pancakes are a cinch to prepare and a treat to devour. For most of us, tradition dictates original potato latkes. For Dr. Praeger, health is the ﬁrst priority. To accommodate cholesterol-minded individuals, his pancakes are available in a variety of vegetable options. The colorful palette includes Sweet Potato, Spinach and Broccoli pancakes. By consuming these pancakes you will boost your daily vegetable intake, and ensure that your Chanukah calories remain nutritious and delicious. For the past fourteen years, Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods has been the leading standard in taste, kashrus and quality. As Dr. Praeger puts it, “I believe that being healthy is a combination of genetics and a balanced lifestyle, including exercise and eating sensibly. As a Cardiac Surgeon, I am concerned that my patients maintain sensible diet habits as part of their ongoing cardiac care.” Indeed, Dr. Praeger’s beliefs

are portrayed by the superiority of his products. His foods provide the crucial sustenance and nourishment we need to function as healthy human beings. Dr. Praeger’s first line of products included fish fillets and veggie burgers in an assortment of choices. These products have become favorites in kitchens throughout the world. Sensible shoppers realize the unique combination of great taste and distinct health benefits that these foods offer.

“These knish-style delicacies are bursting with flavor. Visualize biting into crispy dough filled with a choice of delicious fillings.”

Dr. Praeger’s prominently boasts its brand-name line of Ungar’s Geﬁlte Fish. Consistently rated #1 in the market for its superior taste, kashrus and quality, Ungar’s Geﬁlte Fish enhances Shabbos meals worldwide. Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods is pioneering the food industry with their innovative products that pair superb taste with crucial dietary values. All of their items are preservative-free and consist only of pure, high-quality ingredients to maintain Dr. Praeger’s rigorous standards of perfection. “Where you recognize all ingredients” is their trademark motto, and it proves true with every bite.

In his ongoing quest to improve frozen Kosher cuisine, Dr. Praeger recently launched the following new items: Littles For Kids: These bite-size portions come in fun, enticing shapes and are available in four nourishing options including Spinach, Sweet Potato, Potato and Broccoli. To ensure that allergic kids are not deprived of great taste, all Littles are gluten-free. Littles are full of crunch and flavor and are sure to become a sought-after phenomenon for both kids and adults. Ruchy Friedman, a full-time working mom of four raves, “These littles are a huge time-saver. After a long day of work, I can rest assured knowing that I’m providing my kids with the proper food and essential nutrition for their growing bodies.” Bites: These knish-style delicacies are bursting with flavor. Visualize biting into crispy dough filled with a choice of delicious fillings. All four varieties of Bites are cholesterol-free without skimping on taste. This hot new item will surely emerge as the dish of choice on your menu. For those who appreciate the blend of exceptional taste and sensible nutrition, Bites are the perfect option. Fill your freezer as your family will be craving for second bites.

Dr. Praeger’s unyielding commitment to Kashrus: Message from the Doctor: “If my products are Kosher for one Jew, they must fulﬁll the requirements of all religious sectors. B”H, our commitment to Kashrus ensures that every Jew in the world can enjoy our products..”

Dr. Praeger eases the plight of food allergy sufferers with his selection of gluten-free products. Potato-crusted fish sticks, fish fillets and fishies are a great-tasting solution for gluten-sensitive people. The gluten-free versions of California veggie burgers are another appetizing choice.

Rav Mordechai Ungar maintains telephone contact with the Mashgichim at the plant on a daily basis and is fully apprised of

In true adherence to his pledge, all of Dr. Praeger’s products and Ungar’s frozen products are under the strict Rabbinical supervision of Rav Mordechai Ungar, Dayan in Monsey & New Square and the certiﬁcation of the Orthodox Union (OU). The production of Dr. Praeger’s products involve chumras and hiddurim that are unique in today’s food industry. To comprehend the scope of their in-depth dedication to Kashrus, picture a typical day at the production plant in Elmwood Park, NJ. Two Mashgichim Temidim open the plant early morning. The employees are not allowed to begin working before the fryers and ovens are duly inspected and turned on by a Mashgiach. The second Mashgiach is stationed at the receiving dock where he carefully examines all incoming goods, making sure that they meet all Halachic criterion.

all proceedings. He is personally involved with every aspect of the production process. The Rav HaMachshir visits the plant frequently to witness first-hand the observance of his guiding principles and the implementation of his extensive Kashrus requirements. Dr. Praeger’s obtains their fish from outside sources. To guarantee the Kashrus of the fish, a Mashgiach Temidi is stationed full-time at the fish harvesting facility. The Mashgiach meticulously supervises the processing and packaging of each fish to ensure that every Kashrus standard is met. He then proceeds to double seal each package to indicate that it passed his approval. Upon arrival at Dr. Praeger’s plant, the fish is not used unless the seal is intact. As part of the multi-faceted approach to assure 100% kosher products , each night before closing the plant the fish are once again sealed with a tamper-proof symbol to ensure that Kashrus is not compromised. The Vital Factor: Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods are produced in their own manufacturing plant. All of their products originate from their modern facilities in Elmwood Park, NJ. Whether you purchase their fine products at a supermarket in Europe, at your local grocer, or at a superstore in Midwestern US; if the product is labeled in English, Hebrew or French, you can rest assured that it was manufactured in accordance with the same exacting standards you have come to trust and rely on. All ovens and friers are used only for Kosher ingredients and therefore require no Kashering. Rabbi Spitz from Satmar Vaad HaKashrus visited the plant and was amazed by the fact that the equipment is used strictly for Kosher products. Kashering a frier is typically a very painstaking process which involves dismantling all parts and components. The significance of a truly Kosher frier is therefore immeasurable.

Every single one of the ingredients used are approved by the supervising Rabbis. All vegetables are inspected by Mashgichim Mumchim to verify that they are bug and worm-free. Additionally, the products are checked by competent experts at professional labs and are not used unless they are doubly certified as worm-free. Broccoli florets are known for their bug infestation and present a huge challenge to Kosher food suppliers. To ensure bug-free products, Rav Ungar insisted that as part of his Kashrus authorization, only stems should be used for products containing broccoli. Despite the fact that the stems are practically worm-free, they also go through the same rigorous procedure of checking and rinsing to ensure that when you consume a Dr. Praeger’s product, every mouthful you enjoy is totally Kosher. Respected Kashrus agencies and Rabbinical authorities have toured Dr. Praeger’s plant and they expressed their immense admiration for the extraordinary display of allegiance to Kashrus. Dr. Praeger established a company that provides nourishment to people in all corners of the globe. He manages substantial transactions on a daily basis. He built an empire. However, his core convictions and strong set of beliefs remain the guiding force behind all operations. Throughout the years, he has sustained his singular mission. Provide delectable food products that offer optimum nutrition and health benefits. Judging by the smiles on my kids’ faces and the empty plates on the table, I can confidently declare: Dr. Praeger: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

We wish Dr. Praeger and his family ongoing success and the best of luck to continue their impressive work.

All of Dr. Praeger’s products are Kosher Parve, with the exception of their famously delicious Pizza Bagels which are Dairy Cholov Yisroel. Page 32

December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

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December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

Chanukah Books

Linicks Toys

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December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

Rock On with Sam Glaser

JE Magazine: Of all the singers in their catalog, Jewish Music Group calls you “the hardest working man in Jewish music.” How did you get that title? Sam Glaser: Since 1992 I have been on tour to an average of fifty cities a year. I tend to be out of town every other weekend. When I’m not on the road I run a recording studio where I produce CDs for clients. Lots of clients! I also put out one of my own a year. Does that qualify? JE Magazine: How do your wife and kids handle that? SG: I’m a full time musician and I have to put food on the table! I individually take each of my three kids with me when I am on the road…it’s a wonderful bonding time for us. My wife and I have date night every Wednesday. That seems to maintain Shalom Bayis better than anything. JE Magazine: Why don’t we see much of you in New York? SG: I love New York! New York is a scene of its own…when the time is right, I guess. Although I’m an L.A. guy I am on the East Coast every other month…I play New Jersey, Philly, Boston, Florida, DC, Baltimore. Yes, most of my flights are five hours! JE Magazine: I’ve spoken to some of your fans…some are so enthusiastic about your music they seem to be more like stalkers! Your website says you have a devoted following in all denominations. Is that just press release talk? SG: I grew up in the Conservative movement, all my friends were Reform, I became Orthodox, my brothers became Chassidim, and my parents became Chabadniks. I’m all over the map. I play all the conferences…OU, GA, AJOP, cantorial, rabbinic, Hadassah, educators, for any Jew that moves. Shabbatons, chazzanut, teaching, whatever. I seem to have the personality of a “pleaser,” a unifier. My goal is to get people together. Close to each other and close to Hashem. It’s a real blessing when I play a gig where ALL the shuls in any given community collaborate on producing my concert. JE Magazine: I know we hear your music all over the place but some of our readers probably don’t know it’s yours. Can you give us some ideas where we hear your stuff? SG: Well, I have sold over 100,000 of my CDs and hopefully they are getting around. JM in the AM had two hour-long shows of my music in the past weeks. Thank G-d we have dozens of great Jewish radio/internet stations around the country. Aish.com uses a lot of my stuff. I produced the Voices for Israel CDs. I have cuts on Sameach’s latest releases…the new Veroba, A Capella Shabbos Treasury and the Best of Jewish A Capella. I’m on the Chabad Telethon every year. Are those enough shameless plugs? JE Magazine: What about movie stuff? Are you still doing that? SG: I spent much of the 80s and early 90s chasing that dream. Composing for commercials, TV movies, PBS, the WB Network, ESPN. Lots of sports music…for the Dodgers, Angels, Lakers, Clippers, World Cup of Surfing, Warren Miller Ski Films. But it was often heartbreaking…felt like everything I was writing was disposable. From that perspective, I don’t miss it. I still get a soundtrack project in the studio from time to time and I appreciate the challenge.

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JE Magazine: What’s on the horizon for you? SG: I’m marketing my new Chanukah release. JMG/Sony just picked it up and I’m shooting a one-hour TV special for it next month. It’s called Sam Glaser’s Rockin’ Chanukah Revue and features my eight-piece band and a kids choir. It’s my first attempt at doing parodies and it’s a lot of fun. I’m almost done with a new Hallel album. It’s close…really close…and I’m really excited about it. I’m writing a teen-oriented musical about Israel. At any given moment I’m producing about five artists at the same time. No rest for the weary. JE Magazine: I think it’s safe to say that your CDs are among the best produced and most heartfelt that are out there. But you got so many of them…which ones would you recommend for newcomers? SG: I’d start with Presence and The Bridge. I really proud of those two…one is about the themes of Tishrei and the other about unity and outreach. If you like niggunim, my Niggun/Voice of the Soul is really rich and features RebbeSoul and singers from Blue Fringe, Moshav and Soulfarm. For kids, the new Chanukah CD, Kol Bamidbar and Soap Soup should do the trick. I find that people get hooked and then start working their way backwards to my first release, Hineni. On my website you can buy 3 and get 1 free. Take a risk! JE Magazine: Any final words for our readers? SG: First of all, many thanks to JE Mag and to you for getting the word out about new Jewish music. For your readers: Welcome guests to your Shabbos table every chance you get. You can change lives for generations. Smile and say hello to everyone you see in the street and don’t worry if others think you are crazy for doing so. Have an attitude of gratitude. Daven hard for Mashiach. Don’t burn CDs for your friends. Buying downloads is cool but keep in mind that many artists like me intend to have their art taken in as a whole…you wouldn’t only buy 1/10th of a painting! Write to me at samglaser.com and let me know let me know what you think of my music. Keep on rockin’!

EXPERIENCE EIGHT DAYS OF MIRACLES YOURSELF THIS CHANUKAH

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December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

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A Great Album for a Good Year The secret of a solid 12 months: listen to A Gut Yohr By Sender Gottenstark

fter the spiritual highs of Tishrei, between the warmth of Chanukah and the mirth of Purim, and before the magniﬁcence of the Seder table, something happens: ordinary life. In those day-to-day spaces, a Jewish heart may musically relive the exhilarating moments of our yomim tovim, or even the spiritual focus of Shabbos, and in that instant be transported to those times in the middle of a mad Monday.

you singing along like you wouldn’t believe—because it’s about you, Reb Average Yid, and your average experiences throughout your average year.

rubbery Simchas Torah medley that almost gives your feet a mind of their own. Track #5, a Hallel medley that, like the Shabbos medley, really could ﬁt anywhere in your year, comes next. It’s followed by track #6, a sparkling collection of Chanukah tunes, all classics faithful to tradition but reinterpreted enough to give them a fresh new sound. But it’s medley #7, the album’s concluding Am Yisrael Chai battery of tunes, that truly swept this writer away.

Now, was I talking about your average Jewish medic, melamed or millionaire humming a snatch of musical inspiration in the nooks and crannies of the yearly grind? Or was I talking about A Gut Yohr?

Which is why, at least in this writer’s opinion, this CD is such a fun, rapturous ride—and one you’ve gotta buy. After all, when you ﬁnd yourself recognizing, enjoying and yes, singing along with virtually all of the tunes sung by its cadre of fabulous grassroots singers, their voices become yours by simple virtue of their earnest raw soul—just like that frum guy in the next cubicle who tends to sing really nicely as he works, to your eavesdropping, and sometimes accompanying, delight and inspiration.

See, there’s something extraordinary special about this around-the-year medley album.

That’s what real Jewish music is all about—and that’s what A Gut Yohr is all about.

Why an around-the-year medley collection? And why name it “A Gut Yohr”?

Yes, the soloists, all the top requested vocalists on the Jewish wedding scene, are spectacularly gifted. Eitan Katz, Shloime Kaufman, Yoelis Klein and Greenfeld, Yumi Lowy, Moshe Rothman, Yonatan Shlagbaum, brothers Beryl and Choni Cuckier (pronounced “Zucker”) capture the deﬁning styles of today’s Jewish communities at simcha after simcha with their unaffected heart.

A Gut Yohr does follow a rough ‘round-the-year format, beginning with Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur and Succos medleys followed by a Carlebach-heavy Shabbos medley and only then by Track #4, a rousing,

“When I was growing up, the “ ‘round-the-year” albums [by Avraham Fried and Mordechai Ben David] were popular,” explains industry veteran choirmaster and A Gut Yohr producer Avraham Zamist, who has been arranging and conducting background vocals, and major productions, for today’s top draws, including ﬁve HASC concerts, for quite a few years now. “ ‘A gut yohr’ “ just captured the album—it’s such a common phrase. I felt ‘a gut yohr’ was a way to present to the consumer what the album is about: everyone says a “gut yohr,” Chasidish, modern or whatever, so it goes with the theme of diversifying the album and targeting as many people as possible.”

But none of the songs on this new CD are new. And there are no overdone arrangements, no bells and whistles, no uncomfortably secular styles. In short, it doesn’t sound like today’s Jewish music, which, in the process of constantly trying to redefine itself, has become defined by redefinition itself. A Gut Yohr, by contrast, is just about the purest, “realist” Jewish music you’ve heard in a while. But it is sung with extraordinarily goosebump-producing soul by a bunch of regular chevra like me and you who just happen to sing a heck of a lot better.

December 2007

With today’s complex technology and production, Jewish music albums can take literally years to create from beginning to end. And when you throw in a choir, 10 singers and production in New York, New Jersey and Israel, getting the whole thing done in six months just may be a record-breaker. Jacobs and Zamist traveled to Israel to record the music, and then recorded the vocals stateside. “All the singers came in very prepared,” reports Jacobs, himself one half of the popular duo album Pi Shnayim (the second half being Ari Pearlman). “It was a pleasure to work with young singers who knew what they were doing.” And listening to the CD, it sure sounds that way. So whether you’re Satmar or Mizrachi or anything in between, you deserve “A gut yohr.” And A Gut Yohr certainly puts you in that frame of mind—whatever day of the year it happens to be.

A Gut Yohr is an all-star album of the rising variety— brimming with an abundance of talent. “We didn’t want superstar names,” says co-producer Sholom Jacobs, himself a chazzan/singer of no small repute, having recently sung with Avraham Fried at a sold-out Jerusalem concert and having toured Israel, the British Isles, and Europe. (His upcoming Ukraine concert tour is already sold out.) “We wanted to take young guys on the rise and give them a chance,” he says. “We didn’t compromise on talent, but wanted to give audience something fresh, you know, voices that haven’t been heard, new presentation of old songs. For the kumzitz songs, we

And that’s just it. You listen to A Gut Yohr and there you are, singing at your Shabbos table, or wrapped up in your Yomim Noraim regalia, or dancing on Simchas Torah or lighting your menorah or letting your voice ﬂy at a spirited late-night kumzitz. This CD will have Page 40

Opening with yet another interpretation of Reb Shlomo’s enduring Od Avinu Chai, it just sucks you in as it segues from slow to super-soulful, and then to fast-paced with a bouncy rendition of Dov Shurin’s Ki Karov and Sruly Williger’s B’mheira, and tidily wrapping up with another Od Avinu Chai rendition.

had them sung by regular yeshiva guys, the Chasidishe songs by chassidishe guys, and Am Yisroel Chai for your very Modern Orthodox/Carlebach crowd. It’s a mix of an all-star album and an around-the-year album.”

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

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December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

But that’s not exactly true, because Itzik Orlev started his music career only 2 years ago when he released his debut album “Ma’agalim”. After much success, he’s releasing both his second album entitled “Mitga’ageha”, and a live performance DVD. Due to the release of his 2nd album, Israel’s biggest concert promoters decided to arrange for Orlev, what is being called “The concert of the year”, where Israel’s most known singers such as Gad Elbaz, Alon De Loco, Itzik Eshel, and child prodigy Meidad Tasa just to name a few came to give honor and lend their voices together with and for him. Therefore, no other concert promoter dared to even think about arranging another concert. This was the show of the year!

Itzik Orlev to be young and restless

After hearing so much about this young singer’s amazing stage performances and seeing an advertisement for this concert, I decided to go and see for myself what all this talk was really about. When I got to the venue I was in total shock to see the place packed to its capacity and about a thousand more people outside disappointed that the tickets were sold out. Itzik Orlev gave the show of his life, and I remained in awe throughout it. After the show ended, I decided not to hesitate, and made my way backstage to catch a few words with him, and here I bring you the exclusive interview.

JE: Hi Itzik, I’m with JE Magazine, I have to tell you, that was some show you put on tonight. How are you feeling now that it’s over? Orlev: Thank you for the compliment, I have to be honest with you, I was very excited before the show, just as I am before every performance, and I myself enjoyed seeing everybody in the audience enjoying themselves and singing along to all my songs. Even the new ones! And the album just recently came out.

It’s not often that a frumIsraeli performer explodes into international stardom, that’s of course unless you’re Itzik Orlev, a 20 year old that knows how to give a performance as if he’s been on stage for 20 years.

JE: The stage wasn’t less than an international stage. 7 musicians, amazing lighting, pyrotechnics, a huge screen on each side of the stage. Were you expecting such a grand stage?

I rehearsed with, everything else was a surprise for me. It was like a dream come true. JE: Tonight you sang with Gad Elbaz, Itzik Eshel, Alon De Loco, which are all different styles of music, and we usually don’t get to see this happen on one stage. Orlev: I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of the artists that lent their talents and came to support me tonight, and to comment on what you said, I think that that’s what made this show very special tonight. Having different styles of music, and if you listen to both my albums, you’ll see that there is a variety of musical styles. Did you like the variety? JE: Yes, very much! I have to say that the whole audience got emotional when you walked to the edge of the stage, and your mother blessed you, and then you dedicated that song. Orlev: Yes, I have a very supportive and loving family who are by my side during the good and bad times. Especially at a time like tonight which is a highlight in my life, not to forget where it all started, and where I came from. JE: I know that you’re very tired, but I’d like to ask you a few questions about your new album. Orlev: With pleasure! JE: The name of your new album is called “Mitga’ageha”(missing you) who is it that you’re missing?

Orlev: First of all, I was very surprised when I was told that a concert was being planned for the release of my album. Except for the musicians that Page 45

JE: If we’re talking about Achdut, I noticed that you host Shay 360 & Alon De Loco on the song “Shir Lama’a lot. Why did you choose this song?

Orlev: It’s not who, it’s what. We all miss the days when there was Ahavat Chinam, Achdut. When a friend said “I love you” and he wasn’t looking for favors.

December 2007

Orlev: We were looking for a song that would bring all of Am Yisrael together, and because of it’s popularity amongst everybody, we decided to remake the song together with Alon De Loco & Shay 360. JE: As I recall, tonight you sang “Shir Lama’a lot only with De Loco. Orlev: Unfortunately, Shay 360 couldn’t make it tonight because he’s abroad touring, so we asked Alon De Loco to write an extra verse for the song especially for tonight. JE: Your first album was a huge success, which is very difficult to maintain on the 2nd album. Here you succeeded to even pass the success of the first album by far. Orlev: This album Mitga’ageha was produced by Yoram Yitzchak Vazana, who is a very well known radio personality & an advisor to radio stations throughout the country on Jewish Entertainment Magazine

‫בס"ד‬

which songs to enter to playlists. He himself produced over 80 albums internationally. He connected me to one of the top recording studios in the country and the best arrangers in the genre. Together they created this album at an international level.

Fried, Miami Boys Choir. That’s the style of music I bring with me to each and every wedding I perform at. At weddings, I tend to sing more of the conventional Jewish Music that everybody knows and loves. I also sing Mizrachi, & if I have special requests to sing my songs I do it with pleasure.

JE: On this album, you sound different than the ﬁrst album, what changed?

JE: Well, thank you very much for your time. I’d like to wish you great success on this album!

Orlev: My ﬁrst album Ma’agalim was just the beginning of my career. Today, I can say that I feel more conﬁdent, free, and relaxed with my voice. I guess it’s the experience that I acquired over the past 2 years.

Orlev: You’re very welcome! Thanks for taking interest. On my way out, I bumped into Yoram Yitzchak Vazana and asked him to say a few words. He told me “after I became Ba’al Teshuva, my dream was to produce a Jewish music album that compares to the international standards that I know from my past, and to prove to everybody that it can be done. And when I met Itzik Orlev, and heard his voice, I knew right away that he’s the person that I will fulﬁll my dream with.”

JE: With such a brilliant production, knowing that you’re going into the studio to work with the top people in the industry, how does a day like that in the studio go for you? Orlev: First thing, I make sure to wake up extra early. I go to shul to daven shacharis, then go to learn with my chavrusa, then ask my rabbi for a bracha, then make my way to the mikveh. Only then I head out to the studio. Once I get to the studio, for the ﬁrst hour we choose the correct voice colors for the songs. After choosing the right voice color, only then do we go in to start recording. “Shma Tﬁlati” and “Nashir Lecha” were both recorded on one take during the practice session.

After all this was over and done, I realized that all the commotion that was being made about this young talent was well deserved, he turned out to be a real mentsch, and right before I sent this article in, it was brought to my attention that Itzik Orlev signed a contract with one of the top PR companies in Israel who took a huge liking to his music.

JE: What’s your favorite song on this album? Orlev: Naturally, I love them all, but if I had to choose only one, I would have to say its “Shma Tﬁlati”. It’s a song that goes into my neshama, and takes me to spiritual heights. That’s why I chose to open tonight’s show with that song.

If you’re interested in having Itzik Orlev perform at one of your simchas you can easily book him in the USA through Menachem at 718-737-2767 or in Israel through Asher Cohen Productions 050-462-8390 and an email for more information ashercoh@zahav.net.il

JE: What type of music did you grow up listening to? Orlev: You might be surprised, but I grew up listening to MBD, Avraham

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December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

FLYING WITH CHILDREN WITHOUT AGING IN THE PROCESS BY Josepeh Leifer, CEO/Travelers CHOICE Inflight When you get onboard, some airlines still offer some sort of child goodie bag. Don’t ask for one because if they don’t have them or not enough, you’ll make your child feel bad—or angry depending on how their day’s going. Be aware that whatever’s inside might not be ageappropriate or kosher (especially if you’re traveling Erev Pesach or Chol Hamoed ). It’s hard to estimate the age of a child from the aisle and a coloring book for a 10 year old might make good paper hats or boats or just be fun to rip up for a 6 month old. You never know. Inspect it and use your own common sense. Some actually come with the age marked somewhere. If it’s your baby’s first flight, something in the pack might still be a cute memento of the trip. Many parents are concerned about ears. Based on feedback and after speaking to doctors, it seems many perceived ear problems are vastly overrated—much of the crying is just the noise, new environment, etc. In fact, crying actually helps their ears (much like yawning helps ours). Needless to say if your child has any sort of ear infection rescheduling may be prudent for your child’s physical health and your mental health. Every article on flying says to make sure they have something to suck on during takeoff and landing. It’s okay advice but if the child falls asleep, the parents have to debate waking them and that’s not actually when this advice should be applied. Pressurization doesn’t happen exclusively at these times. It’s a slower process. If you’ve brought a car seat, this is not a reason for removing the child from it during these most dangerous moments of the flight. For the record, if a child is obviously sick, the airline can refuse to take you. This can only really be applied if the child has a rash or some other obvious symptom so just be aware that the rule exists. Also for your information, the chicken pox vaccine is not standard in Europe and perhaps elsewhere in the world. If your child hasn’t been vaccinated nor had it yet, there is a chance of exposure in-flight, depending on where you’re headed (and don’t forget connections even on domestic flights!) Ask your doctor for recommendations, like the flu vaccine. An airplane is a good place to pick up the flu! Page 50

December 2007

Do try try to to wake wake your your kids kids about about an an hour hour Do before landing. landing. This This is is a a good good excuse excuse to to do do a a before lavatory run, run, diaper diaper change change or or simple simple wash-up. wash-up. lavatory The worst worst time time for for ears ears starts starts around around this this time time The and people people actually actually feel feel better better when when 10,000ft 10,000ft is is and reached. This This is is considered considered the the “final “final descent” descent” reached. when the the no no smoking smoking sign sign has has turned turned on. on. Now Now when you’ll know know as as it’s it’s when when everything everything should should be be you’ll stowed and and the the crew crew is is closing closing up up the the galley. galley. stowed The reason reason for for waking waking children children is is ifif The they’re moving moving around, around, they’re they’re less less likely likely to to they’re have ear ear problems. problems. Older Older children children will will be be able able to to have tell you you ifif something something isn’t isn’t right. right. Getting Getting back back to to tell the sucking sucking on on landing landing advice, advice, itit would would simply simply the be too too little, little, too too late. late. Tackle Tackle it, it, ifif itit arises, arises, in in that that be last hour hour (less (less for for a a shorter shorter flight). flight). last There has has been been a a lot lot of of publicity publicity about about There the air air on on airplanes. airplanes. This This is is supposed supposed to to be be the the the source of of all all evil evil picked picked up up onboard. onboard. There’s There’s source even a a “medicine” “medicine” sold sold now now to to combat combat this. this. even Most airline airline professionals professionals just just roll roll their their eyes eyes Most when they they see see this this when Logically, though, though, ifif you you take take that that many many Logically, tired travelers travelers from from everywhere everywhere and and anywhere, anywhere, tired then cram cram them them altogether altogether in in a a small small space space for for then several hours hours non-stop, non-stop, it’s it’s not not a a big big surprise surprise several that a a few few germs germs get get exchanged. exchanged. That That would would that probably happen happen ifif the the air air were were completely completely probably sterile! II blame blame all all those those hands hands touching touching the the sterile! same seatbacks seatbacks and and door door handles handles more more than than same the air, air, which which is is filtered filtered anyway. anyway. the What can can you you do do to to protect protect yourself yourself What and your your child? child? Besides Besides staying staying home, home, not not and much. Washing Washing hands hands is is a a good good idea. idea. Bring Bring much. some of of those those antiseptic antiseptic wipes wipes along. along. If If your your some baby crawls, crawls, put put outgrown outgrown socks socks over over their their baby hands to to protect protect their their little little paws paws and and prevent prevent hands them picking picking up up germs germs of of shmutz shmutz on on the the floor floor them (unless you you want want to to be be the the first first parent parent in in (unless history who who was was able able to to keep keep a a crawling crawling baby baby history in his his seat seat the the whole whole time). time). Smaller Smaller babies babies are are in actually safer safer as as they they don’t don’t go go too too far far and and don’t don’t actually touch everything. everything. Talk Talk to to your your pediatrician pediatrician touch you’re really really concerned concerned but but actually, actually, your your ifif you’re best defense defense is is to to get get enough enough rest rest beforehand beforehand best and not not over over schedule schedule yourselves yourselves at at your your and destination. Bottom Bottom line; line; unless unless you you have have a a destination. private jet jet (and (and sometimes sometimes even even then) then) hygiene hygiene private is an an issue issue with with which which you you have have to to make make your your is peace ifif you you want want to to fly fly anywhere. anywhere. peace Don’t depend depend solely solely on on airline airline food, food, Don’t which by by the the way, way, is is kept kept clean clean in in the the carts. carts. which In addition addition to to the the meal, meal, bring bring snacks snacks but but don’t don’t In let the the kids kids carry carry them them in in those those individual individual let backpacks II suggested suggested last last month. month. Keep Keep backpacks those for for toys toys and and games games only. only. Please Please don’t don’t let let those them drink drink colas colas which which have have lot lot of of caffeine caffeine for for them little bodies. bodies. I’ve I’ve seen seen too too many many zapped zapped kids kids little bouncing down down the the aisles. aisles. A A good good compromise compromise bouncing would be be to to let let them them drink drink it it towards towards the the end end of of would the flight. flight. the For changing changing diapers, diapers, the the restrooms restrooms For with changers changers are are usually usually marked marked on on the the with outside. People People waiting waiting in in line line will will usually usually let let outside. you use use that that one one specifically. specifically. Look Look for for one one in in you each section section of of the the plane. plane. For For the the record, record, II have have each Jewish Entertainment Magazine

never seen seen a a plane plane that that didn’t didn’t have have one. one. Using Using never the larger larger restroom restroom for for the the physically physically disabled disabled the might be be a a better better idea idea (just (just watch watch and and listen listen for for might a passenger passenger who who is is physically physically disabled). disabled). a Hopefully you you won’t won’t need need the the change change Hopefully of clothes clothes you’ve you’ve packed packed in in your your carry-on. carry-on. of Even with with the the more more limited limited carry-on carry-on limits, limits, Even make sure sure you you at at least least have have an an extra extra top top and and make shorts in in case case of of a a spill. spill. II use use something something thin thin shorts and worn worn which which rolls rolls up up well. well. and Please also also keep keep the the kids kids out out of of the the Please aisles during during the the meal meal service. service. Those Those carts carts are are aisles heavy and and hard hard to to see see over. over. Toddlers Toddlers are are just just heavy below the the serving serving crews crews line line of of vision. vision. If If your your below toddler escapes, escapes, point point him him or or her her out out to to the the toddler nearest crew crew member member so so they they don’t don’t bump bump into into nearest them on on accident accident them Many parents parents worry worry about about the the idea idea Many of the the child child crying crying on on the the plane. plane. This This actually actually of is not not a a big big problem problem overall. overall. Babies Babies often often cry cry is during boarding boarding but but quiet quiet down down once once we’re we’re on on during our way. way. The The hum hum of of the the engine engine usually usually calms calms our them down. down. Your Your child child is is more more likely likely to to cry cry ifif them you are are seated seated near near the the crew crew rest rest area, area, when when you the crew crew is is actually actually trying trying to to rest…no rest…no II don’t don’t the know why, why, but but it it was was pointed pointed out out to to us us during during know a recent recent flight. flight. a Your other other passengers passengers are are more more Your sympathetic than than you you probably probably realize. realize. Most Most are are sympathetic parents themselves themselves and and know know it’s it’s not not so so easy easy parents for you. you. I’ve I’ve honestly honestly never never had had a a complaint complaint for about a a crying crying baby baby when when the the parent parent was was about obviously trying trying to to do do something something about about him him or or obviously her. Once Once II had had a a mother mother who who did did nothing nothing and and her. there was was a a stampede stampede to to the the galley galley of of enraged enraged there passengers. If If you you use use the the “cry-it-out” “cry-it-out” method method passengers. to put put your your child child to to sleep, sleep, better better “leave “leave that that at at to home”. home”. Some parents parents have have shared shared with with Some us their their secret secret for for a a peaceful peaceful flight, flight, which which is is us slipping the the child child a a “mickey” “mickey” –a.k.a. –a.k.a. some some over over slipping the counter counter children’s children’s medication medication that that causes causes the drowsiness. Cleary Cleary our our staff staff doesn’t doesn’t suggest suggest drowsiness. anything of of the the sort, sort, as as we we train train them them in in how how anything to deal deal with with airlines airlines and and parents parents to to ensure ensure as as to peaceful a a flight flight as as possible. possible. The The only only reason reason peaceful I’m mentioning mentioning this this less less than than tasteful tasteful approach approach I’m (to us, us, anyway) anyway) is is because because II came came across across (to an article article from from a a pediatrician pediatrician on on itit that that was was an informative http://pediatrics.about.com/od/ informative http://pediatrics.about.com/od/ weeklyquestion/a/06_fly_benadryl.htm weeklyquestion/a/06_fly_benadryl.htm Please don’t don’t be be tempted tempted to to place place Please children on on the the floor. floor. Ouch! Ouch! Their Their poor poor little little children heads in in turbulence... turbulence... Don’t Don’t even even place place them them heads on the the floor floor with with the the logic logic that that you you would would pick pick on them up up ifif it it gets gets rough. rough. Turbulence Turbulence can can hit hit them quickly without without warning. warning. If If your your children children fall fall quickly asleep in in their their seats, seats, put put the the seatbelt seatbelt around around asleep them so so it it can can be be seen. seen. If If you you all all are are sleeping sleeping them (we can can always always hope) hope) and and the the seatbelt seatbelt sign sign (we goes on, on, the the flight flight attendants attendants are are supposed supposed goes to come come down down the the aisle aisle to to check. check. If If they they can can to clearly see see that that everyone’s everyone’s strapped strapped in, in, they they clearly won’t have have to to wake wake you you up. up. won’t

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GETTING OFF THE PLANE—AND ON back and collect your things towards to the end of this ritual, when there are fewer people and WITH YOUR TRIP

If you can be the last off the plane, it’s a good idea to do so. This gives you time to get everything together and double check to make sure you’ve left nothing behind. FYI: The bottoms of the seats come up for cleaning and security purposes so lift them up to make sure nothing is lost down there. Also take a good look at the floor and in all the seat pockets while the other passengers file off. Make sure you have all your documents before leaving the aircraft. Once in a while, they do check these at the door of a plane arriving internationally. They will only glance at them at that point and you will still have to go through immigration as usual. Be ready to whip them out and don’t waste any time on the jet way, (the “tunnel” which connects the plane to the gate) as it can be very cold or hot depending on the weather. After arrival at the gate, you’ll know the door of the airplane is open when a new voice welcomes you to the airport again. Try to keep your kids from making too much noise at that moment because if there are any special announcements, either personal or about connections, they will be made at that time. If you missed it, or think you did, don’t ask a crew member. Get off the plane and talk to one of the ground agents directly. They’re easy to find, just look for the person with the piece of paper and/or the walkie talkie! If arriving in the States from overseas, all fresh food products have to be left behind. Just leave them in the seat. Don’t waste time finding a trash basket. It won’t be long on the seat, the cleaners will be right behind you and the trash bins are often full anyway. Everyone either wants to get on or off the plane at the end so don’t delay the “exchange” with anything you don’t need to do! If you have requested any help or gate checked a stroller, ask which door you should exit. On the bigger aircraft, two doors are routinely used and passengers are herded out of either. Don’t just head out the closest one. Tell a flight attendant before you leave that you have an item to collect. Once off the airplane, if it’s international, head to immigration control as soon as possible. This can be grim with children but the people behind the booths are known to be cooperative.

SIMPLIFYING LUGGAGE PICKUP SO IT’S IN THE BAG With older kids many parents have a bit of a “challenge” keeping them away from the luggage belts. Smaller airports are the worst. These belts are dangerous and it is important to keep children off them. Have one adult collect the bags, while the other stays and keeps an eye on them. If alone and you have time, stand December 2007

perhaps you can get some help. People are more likely to offer help once they’ve collected their own bags first. FYI: You rarely save major time grabbing the bags early since there is probably a wait again at the exit. A general tip is to mark your bag with something really obvious like putting a really bright colored ribbon on it. Too many bags get mistaken and you’re even more at risk if you’re trying to identify your luggage and keep your eye on your children at the same time. Again this is a hassle for anyone but even worse if you’re with little ones. Give yourself a little visual cue to make life easier. Other passengers are also less likely to grab your stuff as well. Spend as little time as possible in the airport once outside customs or security as this is, again, a public area. If you have a wait, restaurants are good places to camp out. Try to find somewhere “enclosed” as much as possible, away from the main doors. If you’re connecting, go towards your next gate, especially if you’re changing terminals. You can often pass security again and stay in the “airside” area to wait. Be aware that your gate might not yet be posted or, again, the gate could change. As a general reminder, (which you’ll get automatically if you’re dealing with us) remember that some carriers do not automatically check through your bags, so be prepared to repeat the entire process of checking in again from scratch. If someone is picking you up, better to come up with a rendezvous point in the arrivals area than to try to find them in the crowds who tend to form at the exit. As I suggested earlier, you’ve asked your “party” to park the car and meet you in person rather than on the curb. You need to keep your eyes on your little one and can’t scan the crowd properly. Don’t even try. You could block other people trying to get out and those carts aren’t that safe piled with luggage. Your greeters will probably spot you first. Get past the crowd and move into an more open area where you can do your hello’s in a more calm setting. If they’re late, and you can contact them on a cell phone, tell them where you are and stay there. Most important rule to follow when traveling with kids. Do repeated head counts (especially in the terminal pre flight and after disembarking at your destination) to make sure you have the same about of people in your party as when you started! Yossi Leifer is the CEO of Traveler’s Choice; a full service travel agency based in NY. which specializes in all kinds of business and personal travel. Jewish Entertainment Magazine

WARM UP DURING THE CHANUKAH NIGHTS WITH THIS

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4 Part

By Y.S. Haber

o it’s right before Chanukah (or by the time you’re reading this right in the middle of Chanukah—or even right after Chanukah) and I’m wondering what is it I really want for Chanukah? Moshiach would be very nice as this whole galus thing has been going way too long. For that matter, a real shot for peace in Eretz Yisroel would be nice as well, but considering who we’re dealing with, the only way a real peace can ever happen is if my ﬁrst gift comes true, so lets move on… “Stuff Wise” I’m pretty well covered so I’d like some time to actually enjoy it but time is hard to gift-wrap (unless it’s in watch or clock form, but that’s not really the gift of time per se’). Come to think of it, if I had the time, I’d hang with my family way more, right now they think I’m a Shabbos guest that comes every week. So back to question 1, what would I like for Chanukah? Answer—some music that I always wanted to hear, but for safety’s sake (as in the trend of the Jewish music world to play it safe musically) probably never will. Though dreaming is always nice What do I mean by music we’ll never hear?

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For starters, what about if someone realized that those guys like Yaron Gershovsky, Rick Cutler, Steve Bill, Jim Hynes, etc are more than just great readers, they’re great performers and arrangers in their own right. So why not an album called something like “The Guys in The Band”, where each Jewish music regular gets to pick a song to arrange, rearrange, or derange to his liking and musical taste—no holds barred. Bet that would make for some refreshing listening and some innovative musical thinking. Yes, I know Yaron Gershovsky has a number of solo projects, but fact us you haven’t heard him or the other folks I mentioned really stretch their creative legs (not to mention arms and ﬁngers) so why not a project like this that would enable them to? Gershovsky and Cutler have both released solo projects (jazz/ fusion oriented), so they know what to do, why not let them loose to do it?

that Déjà vu’ away in the process. And if you think these guys don’t have the ability to add a dimension to the songs we know and love, track down a copy of Shloime Dachs’ Hamalach as performed by guitar legend (and Jewish session great for most of the 90’s) Carmine D’Amico. All its takes is a listen to learn.

time the audience was so enamored by them, they just wanted MORE.

Now before you start thinking I was drinking the olive oil not burning it, relax, fact is I actually heard this idea executed to perfection not once but TWICE, at the hotel formerly known as the Homowack.

The second time was a sequel show featuring the aforementioned Carmine Damico and Yossi Piamenta,--with the same result. The 400+ guests didn’t have to be musicians to know they were in the presence of great musicianship. And unlike bad wedding bands that become an audio “glop” of “Can you top this?” Carmine and Yossi’s playing harmonized each other and sounded like a well rehearsed act that had been together for years (this despite the fact the two had one rehearsal and one “talk through”).

First time was over the ﬁrst Pesach it was under the management of the Betesh and Seigmeister families. The act was a “duet” featuring Yossi Piamenta and Avraham Rosenblum. Now anyone over 50 seeing that bill would head for the hills out of reﬂex, after all, while both are amazing performers, both are also known to on occasion “crank it up” a bit. Though that night they showed what makes them performers…not just mere players, as here’s what happened; they got introduced, the lights on the stage dim, and Yossi & Avraham walked out holding ACOUSTIC guitars and begin with an “unplugged” Yiddish folk tune. And as good as you think they are

Moral of the story? I don’t know. All I do know is that it proves (to my addled mind anyway) that there is a market for a bit less conventional takes on the conventional. And given the preponderance of guitarists that are in the business known as Jewish music, producing an album with interesting pairings would be easy both to produce—and more important to listen to. Aside from greats like Yossi, Rosenblum, Steve Bill and

Ok, assuming I haven’t rufﬂed your feathers and you’re still with me, here’s another thought inspired by the aforementioned guitarist… Thanks to virtuosos like Piamenta, Avraham Rosenblum, Singolda (listen to Yeedle’s “Guitar Soul-O” if you have any doubts), the electric guitar is to today’s Jewish music what the clarinet was to the Jewish music we al remember.

on “electrics” their performance on acoustic (Yossi plays a mean 12 string) was nothing short of awe inspiring. Needless to say that all those guests who were heading for the hills (or a strong pair of ear muffs) stopped in their tracks to take in this show. PS: Yes their more “signature” stylings were a part of the show as well, but by that

Yossi Piamenta

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

In the spirit of Chanukah—which is about things lasting a long time, HASC’s about to hit 21. (Years that is, not the goal of playing kvitlach). While we’ve been fortunate to have live recordings of every year’s milestone moments, fact is Sheya Mendlowtiz & Ding the producers who brought us these shows, had to pick and choose the best performances for the CDs.

Now if you ask me (or even if not) ‘midst’ the 21 years of stuff that didn’t make the ﬁrst cut, there must like one CD’s worth of stuff that would’ve, could’ve, should’ve— even rehearsals etc…

Avraham Rosenblum

How do we ﬁnd out the winner? Easy, work it into some major concert event in 2008/2009—be a nice addition and trim a bit of

Lipa Schmentzer

Pick and choose means there were out takes and stuff that didn’t make it…21 YEARS WORTH!!!

How about an album called “Neck to Neck” which would feature

To make things even more interesting why not do a “Battle of the Guys in the Band’ where the aforementioned “America’s Best” pit their prowess against Israel’s session stars—Singolda, Vered, Gottfried, etc.—and let the listeners decide via an on line ballot.

December 2007

pairings of great guitarists performing, dueling, jamming with each other?

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others there’s a whole crop of talent like Ari Boriangu who is way more than the stellar simcha performer he is on Neshoma Orchestra band stands. Ari’s a force of nature (listen to his album if you want to know why) as are C Lanzboim of Soulfarm, Yanky Katina and others. In short there’s an album there waiting to get out, so why not let it? December 2007

Because from the public’s ravenous appetite for material like this (things like deleted scenes and behind the scenes are part and parcel of every DVD release) it would probably sell rather well and in the process, generate even more funds for the very worthy cause called “HASC”. Speaking of generating. Lipa Schmeltzer’s been generating some pretty amazing buzz (as in word of mouth, not the store by the same name that generated a mouthful of savings during the Knoitlach sale), anyway, thanks to ideas like Sheya Mendlowitz featuring him at HASC (Abi M’Leibt, etc) Lipa has “crossed Jewish Entertainment Magazine

over” into the “less chassidish” part of the Jewish music world and thanks to creative lyrics and excellent tunes has done it with a smooth aplomb. Imagine pairing him with another performer known for “sincere soul” and the lyrics to match, namely Lenny Solomon of “Shlock Rock” fame. Given the monster level of these two talents, far be it from me to suggest anything beyond a title as in “Lipa & Lenny”, but a collaboration between the two would undoubtedly yield some wonderfully entertaining results (as would a recording of the recording sessions, for that matter). FYI: Please remember this month’s article is a “wish list” I have no inside “scoop” on any of these projects being in any pipeline except my brain, but you tell me if you don’t ﬁnd them interesting! Gershon Veroba

treat us to some classic “Yeshivish” material. If those of you who heard his collaboration with Eli Gertner on the last two to three cuts of his Variations album are anything like the people I know, chances are you were left wanting more. Especially after hearing him perform Fried’s classic “Didobey” on Neshoma Orchestras wedding album. He tears into those tunes with a raw passion that’s nothing short of amazing. And while all his projects like his most recent one “Reach Out” continue to very noticeably “move the needle” in a most positive direction (he was too busy with concert prep to comment on this idea), the fact is the side of home that we’ve never been lucky enough to see, is a side of him that’s well worth seeing…not to mention hearing. Gershon’s past response was always that “that musical garden already had enough growing on”, but take it from

of thanks. If it yields nada, then hey, we’re back to where we were, standing at the listening station at our favorite Jewish music retailer wondering why it all sounds like one long album… Stay tuned next month for “What Happened?” a Rewind retrospective on albums that never went anywhere. Until then keep anyone but me.

listening…to

Y.S. Haber, strongly dislikes anyone that disagrees with him, unless that person is immediate family, a close friend, a casual acquaintance or anyone with a vowel in their names. If you are really bored he can be reached via TECHODIA@GMAIL.COM. Be sure to catch the REWIND RADIO HOUR, every Wednesday evening from 10-11 PM at 108.1 FM WYME., please tune in as he

Speaking of interesting—how much more interesting can one get after a concept called “Lipa & Lenny” ?--here’s something else that hit me whilst in traffic (I find staring that the license plate on front of me for 45 minutes its a great thought stimulator) best place to think. Anyway so a few years ago a well known secular singer unearthed some old tracks her father had recorded in the 50’s or 60’s and electronically “removed “ his voice from parts and added hers to other parts to create an album that gave the impression she was singing with her father. The end product was flawless; it was hard to believe the two weren’t together in the studio making father & daughter musical history. Well, why not use the same technology (which has only improved with time) to create an album featuring Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach being accompanied by a cross section of singers who have been performing his material? They could be harmonizing Shlomo or singing duets, whatever. The project could be called “Shlomo, and…” Considering we’ve been “treated” to everything from “Techno Carlebach” to “Clezmer Carlebach” (my spelling not theirs) to a Carlebach Wedding to everything short of a “Carlebach on Ice” Skating Show, this project could gain a following. Plus any singer with the guts to sing “side by side” with the master would get a couple of gold stars with the public, for sure. And while on the subject of treats, when will someone get Gershon Veroba to Page 56

Lenny Solomon me, Volvo for years said they wouldn’t enter the SUV category because of the safety issues of SUV’s. Then they gave into market demand and came out with the XC-90, which according to the folks at Allstate leasing in Brooklyn is a winner. Moral of the story, the public sometimes has a clue and people who make their livings because of the public should respond.

needs the huge ratings to get a raise so he can buy new rotating wheel rims for his 82 Chrysler minivan/pickup prototype.

So if this month’s “Ranticle” (Rant+ Article) yields fruit on any of the aforementioned fronts, drop me a line December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

By Margie Pensak Year-round the Star-K hotline receives a number of inquiries about fruits and nuts. As Tu B’Shevat approaches, it receives an increasing number. Some of the more commonly asked questions are: Do dried fruits need a hechsher (kosher certification)? Are all canned fruits kosher? Does frozen fruit need to be certified? Can you eat nuts without a hechsher? Let’s learn about the processing methods of various types of fruits and nuts, so we can understand why they may or may not need kosher supervision. We hope you find the fruits of Star-K’s Kashrus Administrators’ labor helpful, and your Tu B’Shevat celebration is enhanced!

et’s begin with dried fruits. The processing, or dehydration, of the fruit is a key factor in determining if dried fruits are kosher. Sun drying and tunnel drying are the two most popular methods used to remove enough moisture from the fruit, to retard the growth of bacteria and mold while retaining the fruit’s great taste and nutrients. Sun drying avoids many of the kashrus issues that are perhaps problematic in other methods, such as oven and tunnel drying. For example, it is not uncommon for oven dried fruit to use oils or release agents which require kosher certification; and, the fruit flavored wash water used to give apricots a unique taste in tunnel drying, may not be kosher. Although most fruits, once dried, require no additional processing aids or sweeteners, others do. Potassium sorbate is added to prunes and sultana raisins, and pineapple, mango, and papaya from Thailand are sweetened with sugars and flavors. At times, the dried fruit undergoes further processing known as glace, when the dried fruit is cooked in sugar and then dried to a honey glaze. Italian glace orange peels, for example, utilize a process whereby liquid sugar – glucose – is infused into the fruit to give it a bright sheen and longevity. Red cherries may be naturally colored with carmine, a lustrous natural red color derived from crushed cochineal beetles, which are not kosher. Another method of shining fruit is to coat it directly with glucose. In one date company in Tunisia, the glucose was mixed with glycerin, a product that can be derived from an animal, vegetable or synthetic source, thereby requiring strict kosher certification. Today, some apricot producers in Turkey are flavoring whole apricots with apricot or peach flavorings that would require kosher certification. Banana chips from the Philippines are another popular dried fruit. After drying, they are fried in vegetable oil and are flavored with flavorings. These products obviously require more rigorous supervision. It is interesting to note that in the Philippines oil refineries only refine coconut or seed oils, minimizing the concerns about non-kosher Page 57

Q. Are all dried fruits permissible to eat, without a hechsher? A. Dried fruits are fine without a hechsher as long as it is only fruit, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and sulphur dioxide. However, banana and apple chips need a hechsher. Banana chips are fried in oil and are flavored, and chemicals are used to retard browning. Q. What are some examples of dried fruits that do not need a hechsher? A. Dates (pitted and unpitted), figs, dried sour grapes, prunes (if they are plain, even with Lutein added), dried orange peels (that are not in liquid), and raisins (without oil). Q. Do freeze dried fruits require a hechsher? A. Yes. Q. Are all canned and jarred fruit kosher, even without a hechsher? A. All canned and jarred fruit is kosher (without a hechsher), if it only contains fruit, water, sugar, corn syrup, and no natural flavorings, even if it was produced in China. If the label states ‘natural juices’ or ‘natural sweeteners’ it is not acceptable because it could contain grape, (unless they are identified as pear or peach juices). Cherries—dark and sweet—pitted, in water, sugar, corn syrup, with no added flavors, even if they are from China; fruit cocktail (but you must remove cherries); and pineapple, even with betacarotene, are all permissible without a hechsher, as well. Q. Is fresh fruit, which was cut up by the supermarket, permissible? A. It can be eaten if you first cut off a sliver from where it was cut. Q. Are there any fruits which require extra checking? A. Strawberries need to be washed with a fruit wash or detergent, and topped before eating. Q. Is all frozen fruit permissible, without a hechsher? A. Yes, even if it was processed in China, as long as there are no other ingredients besides the fruit, water, sugar, citric acid, ascorbic acid, and corn syrup. Q. Which nuts are permissible to eat, without a hechsher? A. Raw or dry roasted nuts, whether crushed, sliced, slivered, blanched, or ground, (even with additives BHA , DBHQ, or salt) do not need a hechsher. Examples of raw or dry roasted nuts, include: almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine, pistachio, soybeans, and peanuts (in or out of their shells). If nuts are roasted in oil, or oil is added to the nuts, they need a hechsher. Salted nuts, manufactured without oil, are permissible, unless gelatin is listed as an ingredient. Blanched nuts (which are dipped in boiling water), without oil, do not need a hechsher. Pistachio nuts which are dry roasted are permissible, even if they are colored red.

December 2007

oil. Nevertheless, kosher certified banana chip plants are monitored regularly. Raisins are probably the most globally marketed fruit on the market. They are not only grown in California, but in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Greece, Turkey, and South Africa, as well. They often come into this country in boxes marked “raisins”. What is not apparent to the naked eye is that it is very common for raisin producers to coat the fruit with a minute amount of oil to keep the raisins from being sticky. Some companies use vegetable oil such as soy or cottonseed; others may use specially formulated oils. Besides potential production problems, there are additional challenges in processing kosher dried fruit. As all fruits, they are subject to the halachic pitfalls of insect infestation, toloyim. Politics play an important role in the kosher certification of these fruits, as well. Importers, located in countries with widespread political unrest, are finding it increasingly difficult to convince kosher certifying agencies to allow their mashgichim to risk their lives by visiting these unstable areas. From Fruit to Nuts…. Raw nuts pose no kashrus concerns, barring possible insect infestation (especially if they are not from North America). As with fruit, the potential kashrus problems arise in the processing of nuts. Most nuts, actually, are roasted to deactivate their enzymes that would hasten their spoilage. Oil roasted nuts are fried in oil, which may or may not be derived from a kosher source. Although oils are generally not used in the processing of dry roasted nuts, since they are heated in an oven or by forced air, it is the gelatin, cheese, and other flavorings which may be added to these nuts that would pose a kashrus concern. Nuts which utilize dairy ingredients in their processing (such as buttered pecans), pose kashrus concerns with regard to the dairy status of both the nuts and the processing equipment. Honey-roasted nuts, which often use lactose as a binding sugar, would also pose these kashrus concerns. Jewish Entertainment Magazine

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December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

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December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

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December 2007

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Jewish Entertainment Magazine

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December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

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December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine

Shloime Gertner

Ohad!

Ohad!, Yossi Green & Shloime Gertner,

Ohel Concert: A Cause For Celebration

Ohad Moskowitz and Shloime Gertner joined star composer Yossi Green “In the Round” at Manchester, England’s Royal Exchange Theatre. With the artists being surrounded on all sides by the audience, the stage was set for an incredible night as ﬁrst Shloime and then Ohad thrilled the crowd with awe-inspiring performances of songs from their albums. The ﬁrst-half ended on a tremendous high with the audience showing their immense enjoyment through joining in with the singing and the dancing that encircled the stars on stage.

hloime Gertner with the crowd

Following the interval and welcomed by a cacophony of applause, Yossi took centrestage at the piano and spoke about what the songs meant to him and how each song came to be composed. Shloime and Ohad joined Yossi to tell their stories through Yossi’s compositions; showing how they made his music their own. Produced by the worldrenowned Yossi Tyberg and with the Gershon Freishtat band, “Stars of Green” lived up to his billing of an evening of music, story-telling and achdus amongst Klal Yisroel.

CEO of Americare Companies Elly Kleinman, Bill de Blasio, Elly Kleinman & Shloime Dachs, Chazan Simcha Levenstein, Dovid & Shloime Dachs, Yosef Schick

s The Lights Shine on Broadway for OHEL’s Children 1,600 enthusiastic concert attendees joined together to recognize OHEL as well as enjoy an evening of elegance and music on Monday evening, November 12th at the New York Marriott Marquis. A general Broadway strike placed the concert in jeopardy. In what truly bears testimony to a united effort where good has triumphed, community leaders, union ofﬁcials, and theatre management found common ground and worked out an agreement that enabled the Third Annual OHEL Bais Ezra Beneﬁt Concert to proceed. The evening began with the completion and siyum of the Bais Ezra Sefer Torah. This Torah will accompany individuals with disabilities on Shabbatonim to various communities throughout the tri-state area, as well as becoming part of OHEL’s camp. This celebratory occasion set the tone for the evening, entitled “A Cause For Celebration”. An outstanding line-up of performers highlighted the show, including Yaakov Shwekey, Shlomo Simcha, Shloime Dachs, Chazan Yechezkel Klang, Shalsheles Junior, a

special presentation by Mordechai Ben David, and special guest performer Chazan Simcha Levenstein. Besides many favorites, new compositions were presented at the concert as well. During the evening, OHEL took a moment to recognize and say a special thank you to Councilman Bill de Blasio who had worked tirelessly to prevent the strike from impacting the OHEL Beneﬁt concert. Moishe Hellman, President of OHEL, remarked that “The children and families of OHEl are profoundly grateful for the enormous effort made by all parties concerned, with special appreciation to Councilman de Blasio, James J. Claffey Jr. – President of Local One, and the Board of the Nederlander Organization and its Vice President Jim Boise.” OHEL was also proud to have Congressman Anthony Weiner at the event. Congressman Weiner addressed the audience, expressing appreciation to all those in attendance for their support of OHEL and the wonderful work it does to help those most vulnerable and in need. OHEL thanks the sponsor of this inspiring evening, Elly and Brochie Kleinman and the Americare Companies, as well as

benefactors, Florence and Michael Edelstein, Pinny and Judi Shapiro, David Hoffman and the Dallas Jewish Community, J&R Music World, Meridian Capital Funding IDT, the Jewish Press, and North Fork Bank, as well as many more friends. A free CD sponsored by IDT featuring top hits of the performers was distributed to all concertgoers. Sponsors of the evening enjoyed a pre-concert dinner. Proceeds from the concert are earmarked for the thousands of children and families that OHEL Bais Ezra serves. OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services was established in 1969 to provide homes and families for abandoned, neglected, abused and disabled Jewish children. OHEL’s seven core services, which encompass all of its 26 programs, are housing, foster care, outpatient counseling, athome services, school-based programs, abuse services, and camps. For more information on OHEL and any of its services, please call 718-851-6300 or visit HYPERLINK “http:// www.ohelfamily.org” www.ohelfamily.org.

Chevra in Chicago on Motzei Shabbos November 17th

Eli Gerstner & The Chevrah

Chazan Yechezkel Klang, Yaakov Shwekey, Chazan Simcha Levenstein, Shloime Dachs, Shalsheles Junior, Shlomo Simcha

Ohad! with the crowd

Ohad!, Shloime Gertner & Yossi Green

Excitement was in the air as the extraordinarily popular Chevra, recently performed to a full house in Chicago on Motzei Shabbos November 17th. The concert, to beneﬁt Ida Crown Jewish Academy (ICJA), was held at Northeastern Illinois University. The Chevra—accompanied by the Nefesh Orchestra conducted by Eli Gerstner himself—included hit songs “Lecha”, “Chizku”, and “Ye’hei” in the evening’s repertoire; they brought the already enthusiastic crowd to their feet with a rousing rendition of their Kel Mistater, and generated even more excitement when they invited audience members to join them on stage for the “Carlbach Medley.” Eli delighted the crowd when he made a surprise special guest appearance to sing Abie Rotenberg’s moving “Neshomola” with the Chevra. The energized fans gave the Chevra a wonderful reception with their Ruach, and the event raised over $50,000 for the ICJA scholarship fund, making an already special night even more memorable for everyone involved. There was no doubt that this concert was an all-around success.

The Chevra Page 71

December 2007

Jewish Entertainment Magazine