Yossi Tyberg, Shlomie Gertner, Gershy Moskowitz, and Yossi Green Backstage after the show
PHOTOS BY BORUCH EZAGUI
Photos of Miami Motzie Shabbas Show
Yossi Tyberg, Shlomie Gertner, Gershy Moskowitz, and Yossi Green Backstage after the show
PHOTOS BY BORUCH EZAGUI
Chol Hamoed Pesach in Boro Park
Badchen and singer Yonasan Schwartz Shooting some Rockets on The Fourth Day of Chol HaMoed Pesach April 4 2010 at 18th Ave. by 54th St
Help Rubashkin
LAST DAY TO Help Rubashkin
Please try to do all three of the following things after you read more information about the case:
1. Please sign an online petition available at www.ThePetitionsite.com.
2. Please call the Justice Department’s Intergovernmental and Public Liaison Office 202-514-3465 and express your reservations and concerns and ask them to give your message to Attorney General Holder. They will be counting every phone call that comes in.
3. Please email or send a fax to the Department of Justice at oipl@usdoj.gov or 202 514 2504 and ask them to forward your email to Attorney General Eric Holder. Each and every email or fax that comes in will be counted and read. It is also very important that you blind copy pr@justiceforsholom.org and send copies of your faxed letters to 212-918-3468 and ask them to forward your email to Attorney General Holder. (It is also very important that you blind copy pr@justiceforsholom.org as we will be requesting that those who wrote well written emails forward their email directly to the US Attorney of Iowa.)
2 Acapella song to download from Ari Goldwag
Ari Goldwag is proud to present the following two tracks available for purchase. The first is a song from his first solo album (Lishuascha Kivinu), and it is the song Aleinu. Here, his son Moshe Dov is featured singing the song, and he performs the harmonies and background vocals. The second song is an A Capella version of the hit "Ogil" which was featured on the album Sheves Achim. Here, Shimon and Moshe Bell sing it once again, but with a musical backdrop that is only vocal. DOWNALOD SAMPLER OR BUY BELOW
AKA PELLA 4 IN STORES TODAY
AKA PELLA 4 IN STORES TODAY
CD EICHLER from AKA Pella contacted TheCoolJew After yom tov to tell us that AKA pella should hit store today or tomorrow. The Article below was printed in the Country Yossi magazine and was written by Shamshy Feller. DOWNLOAD FULL ARTICLE HERE
They’re back! A.K.A. Pella, the sensational singing group that makes waves just about everywhere, is back again this Sefira with a brand new, highly anticipated album called A.K.A. Pella Platinum.
We don’t need to remind you about this amazing group’s history, but in case you’ve been living under a rock, the incredible singing group burst onto the music scene 5 years ago with their revolutionary album Premium Blend (or affectionately known by their fans as “the coffee cup” album).
The group which has forever changed and evolved Jewish acappella has captivated listeners everywhere, and made a name for themselves with their creative, fun arrangements, stunningly intricate harmonies, and amazing ability to mimic the sound of musical instruments in a way you simply have to hear to believe. In fact, so good are their melodic interpretations that some have often commented that their versions are even better than the originals!
Following the release of Premium Blend, two more albums followed in quick succession and fans couldn’t gobble up albums fast enough. Their super catchy hit “Chaveirim” was the theme song for many a high school graduation video, and the pumping opening song “Eitz Chaim” was played at maximum volume at boys and girls camps all across the country this past summer.
After the success of A.K.A Pella 2 and A.K.A Pella’s last release, Adaptation, the group crossed over into singing with real music, and was busy nonstop in the studio being featured as vocalists on some of the past years’ most memorable productions, including Yossi Green’s blockbuster, The 8th Note, The Kol Noar Boys Choir, A Time’s Avodas Tzedaka featuring Shloime Kaufman and Friends, and Gershon Veroba’s Second Impressions. All the while, A.K.A. Pella had been hard at work on their brand new acappella album, which is set for release b”H right before Pesach.
For the past several weeks now, there’s been a quiet kind of hype building about the album among fans and music industry ‘people in the know’ now that Sefira time is fast approaching. Fans eagerly waiting for news of release of the new album have taken to A.K.A Pella’s guestbook on their website imploring them to come out with the new album already, while some have stayed updated on progress by means of A.K.A Pella’s Facebook Page. The group is notorious for keeping things very close to the vest and typically doesn’t release clips or details on a project usually until the last minute.
Well, County Yossi Readers, one week before its official release, I just received my advance copy of A.K.A Pella Platinum and folks, trust me when I tell you this: the new album from these guys is simply jaw dropping!
There is truly so much to describe about this album that I’m having a hard time cramming it into this article. Let’s start with the songs! A.K.A Pella always likes to have a theme for their albums and this album is no different. 14 tracks in all, the album is a collection of the biggest hits to have come out in Jewish music recently, all done with A.K.A Pella’s signature, inimitable style. They’re all here: Lipa’s insatiable hit ‘Hentelech,’ Baruch Levine’s instant classic ‘V’zakeini,’ Yossi Green’s now legendary ‘Anavim,’ ‘Vhoo Kayli,’ Eitan Katz’s mega hit ‘Lmancha,’ and the biggest hit of the year and everyone’s favorite, ‘Vhee Sheamda.’
You simply have to hear for yourself what A.K.A. Pella does with these songs. It’s simply astonishing. The voices, textures, and level of sheer sophistication will leave you wondering how it’s possible for acappella music to sound this good. Rich harmonies, incredible beats, their amazing blend of voices and technical effects and wizardry come together like magic to create an acappella experience like no other.
How does it compare to the previous A.K.A. Pella albums? Without question, unequivocally, this is the best one yet. For fans of A.K.A Pella’s music mimicking ability, you will certainly not be disappointed. Although they have set the bar very high, they very clearly have surpassed themselves with this release. On the song ‘Anavim’ for example, the song features some harmonies created to sound like an entire musical symphony and will leave you with the impression that you were just listening to a 70-piece orchestra! On another song, ‘Yufyafisa,’ there is a guitar solo done completely by voice that will leave you utterly and completely convinced that you might have just heard Avi Singolda himself!
All that being said, A.K.A. Pella fans will also be interested to know that the group has actually done something new for them, and that is singing some of the more slow, somber, ballady-type songs in a more choral style WITHOUT trying to sound like instruments. ‘Vhee Sheamda’ is a perfect example of the kind of approach A.K.A. Pella took to this type of song, and the result is extraordinary. The harmonies are simply gorgeous and the impeccable blend of voices weaving such a silky tapestry makes you want to listen to this one over and over again.
But truth be told, I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet… the guest appearances! Should I keep you in suspense or do you want me to tell you already? Well alright, it’s only fair. In a spectacular showcase of talent, Dovid Gabay, Yossi Green, Shalsheles Jr., Beri Weber, Shloime Kaufman, and Kol Ish all join forces with A.K.A .Pella and turn in fantastic guest performances on the album. Dovid Gabay rocks the house with a rollicking rendition of MBD’s ‘B’inyan Hasimcha,’ while A.K.A Pella’s version of ‘Hentelech’ featuring Beri Weber will surely be on repeat in your car stereo and getting lots of air play on your IPod.
My personal highlight above all the highlights of this album is the track which features Shalsheles Jr., called ‘Yufyafisa.’ This is an amazing song, which was originally done by Shalsheles and was featured on their last album, Shalsheles 4. The whole arrangement and having the Shalsheles Jr. kids collaborate with A.K.A. Pella was a very novel idea – and the result is simply incredible. It will likely be one of the biggest hits of the album, and the song will leave you humming along to its catchy arrangement and melody in very short order.
All in all, A.K.A. Pella Platinum is a must have for fans of music and acappella alike. It is so good, in fact, that it can be enjoyed year-round. Look for it to hit stores right before Pesach!
Orthodox Family Involved In Serious NY State Thruway Accident
VIN News: Rochester, NY - A major accident in upstate NY on the NY state thruway sent more than 17 people to area hospitals, the accident occurred eastbound between Exits 43 and 42 near Manchester shortly after 5 o'clock this morning.
Sgt. Robert Simon with the State Police in Syracuse said about 5 a.m. a dump truck hit the County Road 7 overpass and lost its load, causing two vans carrying adults and children to hit the debris causing injuries.
Mercy Flight also took one person to Strong Memorial Hospital.
According to Sgt. Jesse Temple with the State Trooper Thruway said, That part of the Thruway will remain closed while DOT officials inspect the bridge and make sure it is safe for traffic to travel under it.
According to VIN News sources the Two families involved are Orthodox families from Lakewood NJ, and Brooklyn Flatbush NY who were on there way back from Toronto. some of the kids are said to be in serious condition.
Malibu Shluchim Kids Win Local Competition
As First Reported here on TheCoolJew local Malibu California newspaper, the Malibu Times, held a youth video competition entitled “Growing Up Malibu” in which contestants submitted short music videos explaining why Malibu is so great. Among the contestants were young Shluchim Dovid and Mendel Cunin who won 1st and 2nd place in the 9 to 13 age rank. VIDEOS CONTAIN MUSIC
Is Keeping Kosher Healthier?
Headline Health talks to the star of Circumcise Me Yisrael Campbell about the benefits of eating kosher foods
Harry Potter read at the White House
Author J.K. Rowling reads from her book "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" at the 2010 White House April 5, 2010.
NOTE ABOUT SEFRIA AND THECOOLJEW!
PLEASE NOTE : IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SEFIRA
During the duration of Sefira we will continue to post videos and audio files with music. ALL VIDEOS POSTED AFTER THIS POST which are music in nature will be noted so IN RED below the video. Please consult your rav and follow your minhagim for sefira as per content on this site. If you have any further question please email webmaster@TheCoolJew.com
During the duration of Sefira we will continue to post videos and audio files with music. ALL VIDEOS POSTED AFTER THIS POST which are music in nature will be noted so IN RED below the video. Please consult your rav and follow your minhagim for sefira as per content on this site. If you have any further question please email webmaster@TheCoolJew.com
Yaakov Mordechai Gerstner Backstage
Yaakov Mordechai backstage at the lipa, yaakov mordechai & eli gerstner concert @ shulamis in brooklyn. (lipa on stage in background)
Moshe Hecht & Band in the studio
Moshe Hecht is currently in Seattle, Wa where he is working on more songs for his debut album with seven-time Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated producer Steven Ray Allen. The following clip is from that.
Matzah Baking Erev Pesach in Boro Park
Chassidim Baking Matzas Erev Pesach 2010 in Boro Park Matzas must be baked within 18 minutes from the time water is added to the flour until the matzas are totally baked.
Weekly Address: Passover and Easter Words from Obama
Weekly Address: Passover and Easter Words from Obama
Review of Miami Boys Show
Miami Experience 2
Brooklyn College Whitman Hall
April 1, 2010 7:45 PM
Yoni Zigelboum, Shloime Gertner, the Miami Alumni,
and Yerachmiel Begun and the Miami Boys Choir
Also featuring the Shirainu Orchestra
By: Josh Block (www.joshsjm.com) FOR THECOOLJEW.co
Another Miami Experience goes down in history! On Thursday, April 1st, Chol Hamoed Succos 2010, the Miami Experience 2 took place at Brooklyn College. With nearly a packed house, this concert was one not to be missed. The concert was sponsored by Pomegranate (a Kosher Supermarket in Flat Bush) and featured Yerachmiel Begun and the Miami Boys Choir, Shloime Gertner, Yoni Zigelboum, and The Alumni. The concert also included the 7-member Shirainu Orchestra, which was a welcomed addition to this performance. The emcee was Yoely Karr.
“By 8 o’clock the lights were dimmed slightly and the audience was treated to a double feature from the night’s sponsor, Pomegranate. Both videos were reruns from MBD’s Kulam Ahuvim concert, the first titled “The Pester Rebbe Goes Shopping”, showing Yoely Leibowitz making the trek from nowheresville to Pomegranate. Shockingly enough, people actually sang along with the second video, which featured the bizarre yet catchy Pomegranate song that debuted at the Kulam Ahuvim concert.” (JMR)
The concert began 25 minutes late with the opening act of Yoni Zigelboum. This new up and coming star sang 2 songs including Avraham Fried’s Hesech Hadaas, from Yossi Green’s 8th Note and a medley of Miami songs. These songs were Sunshine (One By One – 1995), Nikadesh (Yerushalayim Can You Hear Our Voice – 2001). He mentioned that the recent passing of his Zaidy inspired him to sing the medley. The crowd enthusiastically enjoyed his performance.
Up next was one of London, England’s top Jewish singers, Shloime Gertner, performing in New York for the first time. Shloime sang 4 songs including the title track of his first album, Nisim. Next up was Hashomayim, off of Gertner’s second album, Say Asay. Continuing with the next track on Say Asay, Gertner sang Ashrei Mi. As a fan yelled out “Happy Birthday,” Gertner mentioned next that it was his wife’s birthday, and the day after was his. Because of this, he gave us a quick a capella sample of his version of Happy Birthday from the 13th track of Say Asay. He also added in a line of “Happy Pesach.” Gertner completed this part of his show with Kodesh, the 2nd track of Nisim. The crowd just couldn’t get enough of Gertner’s energetic voice.
Finally it was time for the main attraction, the Miami Experience. Before I go into a rundown of the repertoire, I’d like to share with you some observations on the current choir. Many of the boys are young and new to the choir. The choir has many sets of brothers. These include the Abramowitz’s, Ayal’s, Jacobson’s, and Herskowitz’s. It was a delight to see all of the new faces, and we can look forward to their voices strengthening the sound of the choir.
The choir was made up of Rachamim Asis, Akiva Jacobs, Yehuda Ayal, Sol Ayal, Yehuda Gorkin, Jeremy Herskowitz, Binyamin Ravina Abramowitz, Chia Abramowitz, Chaim A., Dovid B., Mordechai Weisman, Akiva Jacobson, David Shanadoff, Albert Ayal, David Herskowitz, Dovid Kranzer, Menachem Mendel Gordon, Aron Shaul Kahn, Yair Kenig, Sruly Ruben, Moshe Yaakov Braun, Akiva Abramowitz, and Naftali Jacobson.
Next was a new song from the next regular album coming out next year between Succos and Pesach, Hatov. Soloists included Moshe Yaakov Braun, Yair Kenig, Sol Ayal, Binyamin Ravina Abramowitz, Yehuda Gorkin, David Herskowitz, Mordechai B. (not sure of last name), and David Shanadoff (not sure of last name). This song has an absolutely beautiful melody! Ayom V’norah followed. It’s obvious that the boys are comfortable with this song, which is off of the choir’s most recent release, Miami Yovo.
It was about 9:15 when a short intermission was announced. During this time, I noticed that Lipa Schmeltzer was in the audience. I had the chance to meet him and found that he has a very warm personality. Others in the audience included producer Avi Newmark and composer Elimelech Blumstein.
The concert resumed 15 minutes later with the Alumni. The Alumni, made up of Eli Sinnreich, Tzvi Friedman, and Menachem Klein, sang a medley followed by a new song, Avarcha, at the piano from Tehillim. The medley was made up of It’s Min Hashamayim (1993) and Klal Yisroel Together (1985). This trio is very comfortable on stage and has performed at many a Miami concert.
Shloime Gertner returned to the stage singing Say Asay followed by Im Ein Ani Li, the 3rd track of Nisim.
The Miami Boys were up next. However, it was not the usual “boys on stage entrance.” Instead, the second half began with a multimedia production of Yovo performed by the boys while shopping at the evening’s sponsor, Pomegranate, for snacks during a rehearsal. This choice of opening was quite innovative and very well received by the audience.
As the presentation came to a close, the boys in Pomegranate attire returned to the stage singing Moshiach. This included the usual excitement and dance. Even Begun was wearing a Pomegranate jacket. This was followed by a Kiruv medley of 2 English songs. Yerachmiel also mentioned that a new English album, Ultimate Miami, would be coming out near Lag B’Omer. The first was I Want To Know (Miami Meets Toronto – 1978) sung as solos by David Herskowitz, Yair Kenig, Jeremy Herskowitz, Albert Ayal, Moshe Yaakov Braun, and Yehuda Gorkin. The second, One By One (1995), was done in solos by sets of brothers (Herskowitz’s, Abramowitz’s, Jacobson’s, and Ayal’s). Yerachmiel concluded this special section with introductions of these sets of brothers.
Next was another new song, Melech, off of the next upcoming album. Soloists in this song included David Herkowitz, Jeremy Herskowitz, and Binyamin Ravina Abramowitz.
Towards the end of the show, Yerachmiel (at the piano) called Shloime Gertner back out to sing a duet of the older version of M’heiroh (Yerushalayim Can You Hear Our Voice - 2001). Soon after, the boys came out to join in the medley, singing the newer version from Miami Yovo. During the medley, Yoshi Bender made a special appearance singing When (It’s Min Hashamayim – 1993). Gertner also sang Say Asay with Yerachmiel on the piano and the boys providing harmony. Next Yerachmiel suggested that they sing Miami’s version of the song from the track P’sach Libi (Torah Today – 1990). Yerachmiel continued, telling Shloime Gertner that they had waited years for him to come, and the boys began to sing We Need You (Shabbos Yerushalayim – 1989).
The choir continued with another English song, The Hand of Hashem, sung originally by Gershon Veroba (The First Annual Miami Experience – 1991). Now it was time for the introductions, which Yerachmiel mentioned were the hardest part of the show. Yoshi joined the boys to finish out the final song of the concert, Yovo. As is customary at a Miami concert, the crowd stood for the last song.
JoshsJM.com Photos For TheCoolJew.com
Josh from JoshsJM.com s was at the Thursday night Miami show and sent some of his photos. More photos are on his website.
Happy Birthay Shlomie Gertner
ON BEHALF OF THECOOLJEW.com we would like to wish a Happy Birthday to Shlomie Gertner. Add you Birthday wishes in the comments below!
In Honor of his birthday we have posted a few moments of his birthday song
DOWNLOAD OR LISTEN
Jimmy Prank Calls Aunt Chippy
Jimmy Kimmel's April Fools prank he plays on Aunt Chippy where he prank calls her where she works!
PART 1
VIDEO MAY CONTAIN OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE
Part2
PART 1
VIDEO MAY CONTAIN OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE
Part2
דבר תורה-שבת חול המועד פסח
As there is no real פרשת השבוע this שבת, I thought it was appropriate to say something on the special קריאה that we do have, namely, שיר השירים. Simply because I like the song that is set to these words, I wanted to discuss in particular the פסוק of "כשושנה בין החוחים...בין הבנות". רש"י on the פסוק says that just like roses are punctured by the thorns that grow on their stems, yet they remain standing complete in form and bright in color, so too כלל ישראל is constantly being tempted and persuaded by the other nations to follow them in their זנות and to worship other gods. Nonetheless, we remain steadfast in our beliefs and in our אמונה and stay faithful to the רבונו של עולם.
The ספורנו on this פסוק points out something interesting. He says that just as a rose can only grow stronger and better amongst the thorns, so too "רעיתי" (a.k.a. כלל ישראל) only comes back harder and with a stronger resolve when it is put through the trials and tribulations of being amongst the nations of the world.
Throughout history, this has been the case, from the days of the שופטים where there was a cycle of עבירות, צער, הצלה ע"י שופט, ותשובה, to our current day and age, in the aftermath of the Holocaust, where there has been an influx of שמירת המצוות ולימוד התורה like our nation has never seen before, we do our best when we are put to the test. Sometimes we ח"ו forget the specialness we received at הר סיני and begin to follow the leads of the other "בנות", but at the end of the day, ה' reminds us who we really are, and we cling back on to him more tightly than ever before with even stronger אמונה.
In this way שיר השירים is very appropriate for זמן חירותינו. Although כלל ישראל suffered greatly in מצרים, ה' constantly guarded and protected His nation and eventually brought them out ביד רמה ובזרוע נטויה, bringing them to הר סיני and making them His for all eternity.
Right now we are being tested even further by the current so-called President of the United States, who wants to stop ארץ ישראל from protecting itself against the terrors of the surrounding nations, a very literal take on “כשושנה בין החוחים”. However, we know the רבונו של עולם is forever watching His people and His land, and we will אי"ה come out of this terrible צער stronger than we ever were.
May we be זוכה to not need to be tested any further, and be able to bask in the זיו השכינה with the coming of משיח במהירה בימינו אמן!
Have a wonderful שבת חול המועד and an inspiring and meaningful second day(s) of יום טוב.
חג כשר ושמח!
מרדכי שמחה טיפנברון
Birchas Kohanim by the Kosel - Chol HaMoed Pesach 5770
Birchas Kohanim by the Kosel during Chol HaMoed Pesach 5770 (Yitzchok Russek / Kuvien Images)
Plane Crash Caught on Tape
A small plane performing aerobatics has crashed at an air show in Brazil, killing the pilot
Why is kosher for passover matzah so hard to find?
Why is kosher for passover matzah so hard to find?
First Aid 101
Ask Dr. Manny Show: Common injuries send 40 million Americans to the ER every year. Learn some simple first aid skills to deal with cuts, concussions, burns and broken bones
Birkat Kohanim Passover 5770 | Priestly Blessing
Priestly Blessing at the Kotel (Western Wall) on the second day of Hol Hamoed of Passover. April 1st 2010, Old City of Jerusalem, Israel
American Second Seder in Eretz Yisroel - Pesach 5770
YWN Israel joins the Auerbach family from Baltimore and the Millunchick family from Chicago as they hold their second seder in Eretz Yisroel during Pesach 5770 (Yitzchok Russek / Kuvien Images)
SUPER JEW!!!
In a world where non kosher food poisons the earth, there is one man who can eliminate all of it entirely. The world's greatest jewish super hero, SUPER JEW!!!
Mordechai Ben David - Kanes Vekorev Pizureinu in 1988
Mordechai Ben David - Kanes Vekorev Pizureinu in 1988
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