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MBD COMES TO THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE
MBD COMES TO THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE
Interview with Big Bird
A nice interview with the star of Sesame Street, Big Bird, who talks about not being able to fly...
Video 2 in Full Article
OHEL Benefit Concert Review
2nd Review of Ohel Concert
Last night, the lucky 1,000 people in the audience at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall experienced an evening of true originality and inspiration. Never before in the history of the Jewish concert stage has there been such a seamless synthesis of music, film, story, dramatic staging, humor, and a memorable message. Continue Reading in Full article
Featuring performances by Lipa Shmeltzer, Ohad, and Abie Rotenberg, the concert was produced by A Dove and Kol Rom Multimedia, and was the collaboration of talented professionals utilizing collective experience in the fields of music, theater, video and film production, and original scripting and lyrics. Musical director Shai Bachaer led the musicians of the Shloime Dachs orchestra. Norman Gildin of OHEL was the executive producer.
With huge stars like Lipa, Abie, and Ohad, you might expect a solid, loud concert with all the effects. Instead it was a very intimate evening with these talented individuals using their songs to inspire us in these troubling times. Alice Tully Hall is not a huge concert venue, but last night it was a place where everyone could see the stage and the performers sang like they were there just for you.
The integrated film, produced and directed by Chananya (CJ) Kramer of Kol Rom Multimedia, was shot on location in multiple states as well as in Israel.
Upon entering the landmark theater – the audience knew immediately they were in for something special. Production designer and concert director Bernie Dove created a raised multi-leveled platform stage, which was an impressive, internally lit construction allowing the orchestra to be featured on stage throughout the show with singers performing on the platforms all around and above them. A custom built backdrop encased the three video screens.
As opposed to standard concerts, nothing about the evening was random. Every song, scene and segment was coordinated to propel the story, and the singers’ performances were intrinsic to that framework.
The show began with “Open Your Heart”, an original theme song composed by concert producer Avram Zamist with lyrics by script and screenplay writer Malka Leah Josephs. The song featured Abie Rotenberg on video, packing his car and singing about going to New York for the Ohel concert. We then cut to Ohad in Israel, singing in Hebrew and English about his excitement for traveling to Manhattan to perform, and suddenly, Ohad and Abie each appeared on stage live to finish out the song. Back on the video screen, Lipa is seen choosing his brightest bekeshe as he sings about this show that’s “all new, it’s a chiddush…hope they understand my Yiddish!” and then he too appeared on the stage’s highest platform, overcoat on and multicolored costumes in tow. He then descended into the audience to pull out “Bernie Kaufman” (played by actor Dan Brody), who becomes the central character of the evening.
Now on stage, Bernie tells the audience that it all started the day he was sent on a business trip to Israel by his boss: Elly Kleinman of Americare. (A major sponsor of the event). The audience’s attention then shifts from the stage up to the large video screens where we see Bernie navigating a very stressful workday. In this first segment of the film, we learn that Bernie is struggling to balance work with family responsibilities, and that he has a special needs son with whom he has trouble connecting. Fielding numerous tasks and a surprise visit from the boss, Bernie gets a call from his son but gets distracted, winds up leaving him on hold, and never finishes the conversation. Bernie’s over-eager assistant suggests that he “take up some Tai Chi,” and advises his overworked boss to “Stop- don’t think about it, ‘cuz tomorrow is a brand new day.” In an attempt to drown out his assistant’s too-cheerful admonitions, Bernie slowly turns up the volume on the Nachum Segal radio show wherein the audience hears the voice of - and then sees Nachum Segal himself in his studio, “broadcasting” his introduction to that very same hit song. In seamless transition, the music is then picked up by Ohad - now singing “Stop!” in full spotlight on the stage.
And so the night continued, shifting from musical number to film and back again with the live Bernie character appearing on stage at various intervals to interact directly with the singers. At no point was there a song that did not fit smoothly into the framework of the show. As Bernie meets more characters along his journey to Israel - and toward his own new and improved self, the videos segue directly into more musical numbers or medleys on the stage, each time in a new and suprising way.
Songs such as Abie's classic Hamalach Hagoel, Ohad's soaring Boee Kallah, and Lipa's popular Hentelach to name a few, each not only fit into the story- but clearly enhanced and elevated the powerful message within the story. An idealistic yeshiva student sharing a taxi ride with Bernie inspired a Torah themed medly from Abie (accompanied by the young but very talented Dovid Dachs) and Lipa; A comic scene with an Israeli hotel check-in clerk who tries to convince Bernie of the merits of giving joy to a bride and groom getting married that night left the audience in stiches and segued into the upbeat wedding themed “Binyan Adai Ad” by Lipa; and a poignant scene in the airport coffe shop shared with a Holocaust survivor led directly into a pre-intermission Emuna themed medly by all three performers. At that point, without exception, every one of the “hentelach” in the audience was raised in time to the music as the crowd, engulfed in colorful lighting, enthusiastically responded to the beat and the uplifting message of belief.
And if it wasn't enough for this select audience to be treated to an integrated evening of professional quality film, live orchestra and top singers, they also enjoyed a number of surprising cameo performances including Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Rabbi Paysach Krohn.
In an artistic highlight of the evening, Bernie is seen on stage, his back to the audience in a dreamy trance-like state while swirling lights engulf him. Emerging slowly from a hidden space deep within the platforms of the stage set, Lipa begins his stirring song: “Chalom Chalamti”. With the help of a violinist (the talented Jonathan Keren), Lipa encircles Bernie until the song comes to a close and it is time for Bernie to “Wake Up”! This song becomes an opportunity for Bernie to wake-up to the fact that his life needs some re-prioritizing. Bernie wonders how he can find the time to do all the different things demanded of him, and Abie reminds him that “there is a time for everything… Lakol Zman Vo’es”.
In a final dramatic scene at the hotel, Bernie meets an old friend, Baruch, who he hasn’t seen since Yeshiva days. The friend opens up to him about his own special needs son who has been helped by Ohel and is having a bar mitzvah the next day at the Kotel. Bernie is moved as his story because it hits home. He says he wishes he could be more like Baruch, but then takes Baruch’s message to heart: “You don’t need to be more like me, Bernie, You need to be more like you.”
Lipa then performed his well known “Poshiter Yid”, but this time he sang it with all new original lyrics that emphasized the themes of Bernie’s journey. As the film is re-capped with clips of each character on screen, the song reminded the audience of the messages of Torah from the Yeshiva student, Tefillah from Rabbi Krohn, Emunah from The old man, and reaching your own true potential as a “Poshiter Yid”. Lipa ended this dramatic number with a message to Bernie that he is ready to rise to the challenge of becoming his better self.
The evening’s finale was a perfect blend of music and story. With the opening stirring sounds of Lipa’s “Hashiveinu”, we see Bernie on film at the Kotel at night, crying out to Hashem in prayer and he tells his young son that “things will be different from now on. I’m making some changes. I love you.” We then see Bernie joining his old friend Baruch at Baruch’s son’s bar mitzvah. There, he is reunited with the old man and the yeshiva student. As the music reached its crescendo, all of the characters were seen dancing together at the Kotel in unity and simcha.
Abie took the stage to sing “Shema Koleinu” while beautiful images of each of the characters in Yerushalayim were seen on the screens above. The professionally filmed footage brought the characters to life –literally - as one by one as the actors from the film were revealed in spots live on the stage ending with Bernie himself.
In commemoration of his fifteenth yartzheit, all of the cast and singers joined together in a tribute to the great Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, Z”l, by singing “Am Yisroel Chai”, and the show ended with a final chorus of the original theme song “Open Your Heart, Let the Music Inspire”.
As the credits rolled, funny outtakes from the film were shown on the side screens giving insight into the magnitude of the creating of such a production. In response to the audience, still clapping and not leaving, the singers came back on stage for one final curtain call/chorus of the night’s theme.
Thank you OHEL – you have taken Jewish concerts to new heights with a night of truly unique and meaningful quality entertainment!
Birthday Party with Ohad
This past Tuesday night David Fadida held a birthday party for Avrumi Shtauber of HI TECH2000 in borough park Ohad Moshkowitz was also there.
Benny Friedman and Ami Eller: V'Zakeini
Benny Friedman and Ami Eller singing Boruch Levine's V'Zakeini at a Farbrengen/CD Release party, October 31, 2009. Next time can we please ask the kid to sing a different song? Love the ending!
Shua Kessin Teaser for the Live Kumzitz Webcast
This Motzoei Shabbos,Nov 7th 2009,ozer babad Matzav.com will be presenting its Second Annual Live Music Webcast Featuring Shua Kessin in honor of the yahrtzeit of R Shlomo Carlebach zl, whose music has touched the souls of countless people. This event follows the first-ever live Jewish music webcast last year, produced by Matzav.com, which drew thousands of viewers.
Hamalach Hagoel by Abie Rottenberg and Mordechai Ben David sung at the HASC 7 concert
This song was sung at the HASC 7 concert. a very touching and moving piece. enjoy. comments welcome.
Mayoral Candidate Joey Lombard is Awesome
Mayoral Candidate Joey Lombard is Awesome on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Piano stairs - TheFunTheory.com - Rolighetsteorin.se
We believe that the easiest way to change people's behaviour for the better is by making it fun to do. We call it The fun theory. Do you have an idea that uses fun to change behaviour? Enter now for the chance to win €2500. http://www.thefuntheory.com
Israel Navy Intercepts Iranian Weapons en route to Hezbollah, 4 Nov 2009
Another Video In Full Article
This footage shows some of the weapons found on the Karin A. The Karin A vessel, loaded with weapons in Iran, bound for the Gaza Strip, sailed in the direction of Egypt with the intention of unloading its cargo in Egypt. Small fishing boats were meant to pick up the cargo and deliver it to the Gaza Strip. The ship, loaded with rockets, anti-tank rockets, and light arms, was seized on January 3rd, 2002 by Israeli Naval Commandos. There was 50 tons of weaponry on board the ship, which included 12 mile range Katyusha rockets, anti tank missiles, explosives and guns.
Lo Yisa Goy sung by the Miami Boys Choir at HASC 7 concert
A clip, and in my opinion one of the finest moments, of HASC 7. The song followed a story in which an American and Austrian soldier met during World War 1. After some time together it emerged that despite them being enemies, they were both jewish. The American then proceeds to bring the Austrian to America (Der golden lant) [The golden land]
Is this the start of a joke? Two Rabbis walk into a bar...
He’brew, a beer touting itself as ‘the chosen beer’, featured two Rabbis walking into a bar. Rabbi Yosef Langer of Chabad of San Francisco appears in the commercial. Rabbi Langer has appeared in TheCoolJew.com's shluchim show interviews which can be heard here.
Shloime Taussig with Neginah Orchestra
Shloime Taussig with Neginah Orchestra at a Wedding in Boro Park, for the first few seconds you will see Abish Brodt helping him out !
9-Year Old Lipa schmeltzer Singing by a Wedding
This has got to be Lipa's first performance ever. And look already how many onlooker fans he had. A glimpse of what was to come.
President Obama Half-brother
A half-brother of U.S. president Barrack Obama made a rare appearance in southern China, his home for the past seven years, to launch a novel drawing on his painful childhood under an abusive father. Mark Okoth Obama Ndesandjo -- who had the same, late, father as the U.S. President -- has kept a low public profile since reports surfaced last year that he was living and working in the southern Chinese capitalist and manufacturing haven of Shenzhen.
Benny Friedman In Boro Park Tuesday Night
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Benny Friedman showed up in Boro Park Tuesday night to do promote his new CD "Tamu Reu". While their he meet some of Boro Park's most famous including the flying Rabbi & Heshy Lowy. Check out Benny's new album which is in stores now.
VIDEO FOOTAGE FROM THE OHEL CONCERT
Lipa Schmeltzer Hentalach Tatte in Himel
10 MORE VIDEOS FROM OHEL IN FULL ARTICLE
Let The Music Inspire
Torah Tziva Lanu Moshe
Lipa Schmeltzer air guitar
Lipa Schmeltzer Wake Up
Avraham Zeev Hamalach Hagoel
Lipa Schmeltzer Binyan Adey Ad
Lipa Schmeltzer, Ohad, Abie Rotenberg- Hashiveynu
Lipa Schmeltzer, Ohad, Abie Rotenberg- Od Avinu Chai
Lipa Schmeltzer, Ohad, Abie Rotenberg- Let the music inspire
Lipa Schmeltzer, Ohad, Abie Rotenberg- Closing Dance
Women Taking off tefillin!!!???
A second video can be found in the full article...
Ohel Concert Review
THECOOLJEW.com OHEL CONCERT REVIEW
TheCoolJew.com spoke with Lipa after the Ohel Concert and he told us that in his mind this years Ohel show was something that was never done in this nature of shows before; combining a theatrical piece and a musical drama!
The show was completely sold out even with the extremely expensive ticket prices of $75 and most well over $100. Music for the show was done by the Shlomie Dach's orchestra who if you did not hear released a CD right before shavous this past year. On that album we hear the voice of Shlomie Dachs son which is real a child soloist prodigy. He took the stage during the evening and his voice echoed beautifully through the hall! Look for him on the the recent Shlomie Dachs orchestra album or in his upcoming shalshles Junior 2 album.
The whole show started with a video promoting Ohel. Before most of the songs were sung through the night a videos was played to introduce the singer. In a way it was very similar to the Big Event which also had videos of this sort. The noticeable difference between these videos is that pretty much all the event videos had the artist in them where these were more to promote ohel. It seemed to be one big story that was divided into many different parts and each video was a continuation of it. Some people we spoke with said it was kind of all as they usually go to and concert for the music for the music and found the videos a bit disturbing, while others expressed it was great added entertainment. They were very original clips usually relating to the upcoming song about to be sung. For example one of the clips had two people talking how life and the economy are so hard and which led into Lipa singing his famous Poshiter Yid in English which was something very original. Those of you who were by his big event concert last year remember how he arrived on stage singing this song almost showing a climax in his career. Now this song was put to English words and used for this show. As is pretty typical for Lipa, almost every song was with a different costume. Has anybody ever checked if its the same one by all concerts or if a new wardrobe is bought special? Lipa sang a good few of his songs including Biyoin oda od, v'haczerane, wake up, cholom chulamti, and of course finishing his appearance with the one and only Hentalach which had the crowd going wild as always!
Something very interesting was the fact that one of the pre-song videos included a former star from the Television show Law And order, who is Jewish and felt it worthy to help the Ohel Cause. Its very nice to see outside faces take that extra step! Ohad sung a few songs which was followed by the intro video for Abie Rottenberg which dealt with the kids of Ohel. Abie came out and did some very nice songs particularly one about children which was obliviously very fitting for the evening.
Finally the show ended with a special tribute to Reb Shlomo Carelbach on the week of his yertzeit. All three singers joined together in some great song "am yisrael chai" to remember a name that contributed so much to the Jewish music scene. Check out the second photo above to which is Lipa, Ohad, and Abie all join together. All in all it was a great show.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE FANS OF THECOOLJEW WHO HELPED MAKE THIS ARTICLE
The show was completely sold out even with the extremely expensive ticket prices of $75 and most well over $100. Music for the show was done by the Shlomie Dach's orchestra who if you did not hear released a CD right before shavous this past year. On that album we hear the voice of Shlomie Dachs son which is real a child soloist prodigy. He took the stage during the evening and his voice echoed beautifully through the hall! Look for him on the the recent Shlomie Dachs orchestra album or in his upcoming shalshles Junior 2 album.
The whole show started with a video promoting Ohel. Before most of the songs were sung through the night a videos was played to introduce the singer. In a way it was very similar to the Big Event which also had videos of this sort. The noticeable difference between these videos is that pretty much all the event videos had the artist in them where these were more to promote ohel. It seemed to be one big story that was divided into many different parts and each video was a continuation of it. Some people we spoke with said it was kind of all as they usually go to and concert for the music for the music and found the videos a bit disturbing, while others expressed it was great added entertainment. They were very original clips usually relating to the upcoming song about to be sung. For example one of the clips had two people talking how life and the economy are so hard and which led into Lipa singing his famous Poshiter Yid in English which was something very original. Those of you who were by his big event concert last year remember how he arrived on stage singing this song almost showing a climax in his career. Now this song was put to English words and used for this show. As is pretty typical for Lipa, almost every song was with a different costume. Has anybody ever checked if its the same one by all concerts or if a new wardrobe is bought special? Lipa sang a good few of his songs including Biyoin oda od, v'haczerane, wake up, cholom chulamti, and of course finishing his appearance with the one and only Hentalach which had the crowd going wild as always!
Something very interesting was the fact that one of the pre-song videos included a former star from the Television show Law And order, who is Jewish and felt it worthy to help the Ohel Cause. Its very nice to see outside faces take that extra step! Ohad sung a few songs which was followed by the intro video for Abie Rottenberg which dealt with the kids of Ohel. Abie came out and did some very nice songs particularly one about children which was obliviously very fitting for the evening.
Finally the show ended with a special tribute to Reb Shlomo Carelbach on the week of his yertzeit. All three singers joined together in some great song "am yisrael chai" to remember a name that contributed so much to the Jewish music scene. Check out the second photo above to which is Lipa, Ohad, and Abie all join together. All in all it was a great show.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE FANS OF THECOOLJEW WHO HELPED MAKE THIS ARTICLE
An interview with Shlomo's Neshoma
To mark the significant day, VIN presents an exclusive, fascinating full-length video interview (click below) of Neshama Carlebach, R’ Shlomo’s daughter, by the Z Report’s Yossi Zweig. Neshama reveals for the first time of rare undiscovered music that is going to be released soon, and many surprises coming.
Full Story on VIN
Yossi Bayles and his Orchestra at Montreal SBH 5770
Simchat Beth Hashoevah 5770 / 2009 at Montreal Canada with Yossi Bayles and Avraham Fried.
Produced by Rabbi Raskin and Chabad CSL
Produced by Rabbi Raskin and Chabad CSL
Matisyahu -- One Day [Peace for Gaza]
Matisyahu - an American Hasidic Jewish reggae musician - perform "One Day" [Peace for Gaza].
Upshernish Song by Chesed A. Slomianski
Tehora's Birthday and Chesed Abraham's Upshernish
10/25/2009, Chesvran 7th, 5770
10/25/2009, Chesvran 7th, 5770
Halloween at the White House
The President and First Lady host trick-or-treating at a Halloween party for local schoolchildren, military families and White House staff. October 31, 2009.
Agent Emes 9 Trailer
Time is running out on Agent Emes. Uncle Evil has abducted Shpittsburgh’s renowned sofer, Rabbi Abrams, in an attempt to sabotage a new Torah scroll being written for Jewish children. But the damage he causes strikes deep in the heart of the Jewish soul, and kids everywhere, including Agent Emes, are in danger!
While Agent E deciphers the confusing situation, Rabbi Abram’s young daughter, Devorah and her friend Chani, get mixed up in the scheme, when they find themselves trapped in the basement of Uncle Evil’s dastardly mother, Ma Lo-Tov. This funny, exciting, and convoluted tale reaches its thrilling climax in the halls of Aveiros International’s famous tower, when… well you’ll just have to pick up your own copy to find out what happens. Leibel Cohen, the creator of the Agent Emes, has produced another heart-pounding thrill ride of a story, chock full of humor, excitement, and Torah values. “Sofer Situation” is not to be missed.
For more and updates please visit agent-emes.com
Effi Rosen – Tachlit Ra'ayon Purpose of Idea
Effi Rosen – Tachlit Ra'ayon Purpose of Idea
Effi Rosen, a singer with a ringing voice, considered a rising star in the world of Hassidic music, presents his debut album.
The disc Tachlit Ra'ayon is colourful and somewhat different from the usual Hassidic music. It is on the one hand laced with familiar hassidic motifs, but at the same time introduces and blends a wide variety of styles. "We didn't want to bore the listeners, so we broadened the style range of the album", says Menachem Safra, the producer responsible for the arrangements. It includes a number of rhythms not generally found in Hassidic music, such as samba, bossa nova, metal and others. The music was composed by Effi Rosen himself, as well as Menachem Safra, R' S.M., & Hanochi Polak, whilst Menachem Safra was in charge of arrangements.
The disc Tachlit Ra'ayon is colourful and somewhat different from the usual Hassidic music. It is on the one hand laced with familiar hassidic motifs, but at the same time introduces and blends a wide variety of styles. "We didn't want to bore the listeners, so we broadened the style range of the album", says Menachem Safra, the producer responsible for the arrangements. It includes a number of rhythms not generally found in Hassidic music, such as samba, bossa nova, metal and others. The music was composed by Effi Rosen himself, as well as Menachem Safra, R' S.M., & Hanochi Polak, whilst Menachem Safra was in charge of arrangements.
The entire album was recorded at the artist's house, in a state-of-the-art, purpose built studio. The idea was to allow the singer to develop the music freely without limits. Those working with Rosen were hand-picked in order to produce a high quality product. Rosen rises well to the challenge, a fact which raises the expectations for future albums. Produced and distributed by Greentech, Israel's leading Hassidic Music company.
Have You Been Remembering to Say Mashiv Haruch in Davening?
Have You Been Remembering to Say Mashiv Haruch in Davening?
Berry Weber Sings "Der Vaiber" at a Wedding
Berry Weber Sings "Der Vaiber" at a Wedding In Boro Park Composed and Lyrice by Lipa Shmeltzer
Flute: Tzvi Goldring
SUKKOT WITH MIKE BLOOMBERG
Mike stopped by a few families celebrations during the Jewish holiday Sukkot. Check out the highlights.
Kol Menachem Interview - Rabbi Chaim Miller with TheCoolJew
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Kol Menachem Interview - Rabbi Chaim Miller with TheCoolJew
Rabbi Chaim Miller, founder of Kol Menachem granted an exclusive interview with TheCoolJew.com to discuss his new book on the 13 principals of faith. Introduced earlier this month, the book is the second volume in the series on the Thirteen Principles of Faith. The series of lessons in the new volume has been hailed as “groundbreaking” by critics, and provides one with scholarly insight into the principles and foundation of Judaism, which until now have not been addressed in English in such an extensive manner.
Benny's Album Release Party
Dozens of the Jewish music industry attended Motzoei Shabbos Benny Friedman's album launch kumsitz party in Crown Heights, hosted by COLlive.com. FULL ARTICLE ON COLLIVE
Michoel Pruzansky sings "Anovim" with Mo Kiss
Michoel "Pruz" Pruzansky- Vocals, Mo Kiss- Guitar/ Back up Vocals, Yankey Goldenthal- Keyboard/Backup Vocals Avi Bernstein-Drums Ron Bertolet-Saxophone Gary Guzio-Trumpet, Violin- Jeremy
The New Dance to Avrham Fried's Bishanim
Caution: Has Women Dancing
Avrham Fried's Bishanim Like You Never Saw Before
Wal-Mart: Caskets, Urns Added to Inventory
The world's largest retailer now wants to save customers money even as they're headed to the grave.
Lipa is Super Busy...
Lipa has been extremely busy over the past few weeks with many simchas and recordings. The above photo was taken this past week at a practice for the OHEL concert which is this Monday night in Manhattan. Below is another album of what lipa has been up to...Lipa at a wedding of Zalmy Hillel - Montreal Canada, and Rosie (bas R' Yossi) Duchman - in Miami, Florida Florida
Photography By: Moshie Lozenik & Yankee Junik.
Photography By: Moshie Lozenik & Yankee Junik.
Al Jazeera seems upset at bloomberg running
Bloomberg who has been very tough on terror for some reason is not being favored by some....
Enough that Al Jazeera felt it necessary to do a full report on it.
Michael Bloomberg, New York's mayor, has convinced the city council to let him run for a third term, despite term limits that should make him ineligible.His campaign has been dogged by protesters calling on him to respect the legal term limits, but opinion polls still show Bloomberg, listed by Forbes Magazine as the eighth richest man in the US in 2008, comfortably ahead of his little-known rival. Al Jazeera's Kristen Saloomey reports on the controversy.
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