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Sountrack of Our Spirit
Galeet Dardashti
For many of us, Jewish sacred music evokes deeply personal and powerful memories of family, community, and often of those no longer with us. For this reason, many greet deviations from our own experience with Jewish sonic ritual with ire. Yet while some may be nostalgic for a specific music soundscape, Jewish musical practice—never static—constantly…
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Sountrack of Our Spirit Jonah Rank
Jewish studies teacher Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan New York City Age: 28 Nominated by: Timna Burston Song: “Yedid Nefesh,” Jonah Rank What I think is unique about Jonah’s approach to Jewish music is his commitment to quality and innovation. He reaches out to others through his music, and creates new and exciting melodies and…
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Sountrack of Our Spirit David F. Tilman
I believe with all my heart and soul in the power of the Jewish Musical Experience to teach Jewish beliefs, Jewish values, and Jewish loyalties. The most influential teacher in my formative years in Albany, New York, was my Cantor, Dr. Avraham(Herbert)Feder, now a resident of Jerusalem. When Cantor Feder led dovening, the Sh’hinah, G-d’s…
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Sountrack of Our Spirit Aryeh Hurwitz
Cantor/Web developer Chabad Lubavitch Media Center Brooklyn Age:26 Nominated by: Himself Song: “Vehu Rachum,” Yossele Rosenblatt Jewish music is made up of various different genres, styles and modes. But what makes Jewish music so unique is that, from top to bottom, it is soulful. You experience an event through song. It’s the equivalent to praying,…
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Sountrack of Our Spirit Marshall Voit
Cantorial soloist Temple Emanu-El San Diego Age: 27 Nominated by: Himself Song: “Common Ground,” Marshall Voit Wondering if it would be possible to harness the uniting powers of music to build bridges across denominational lines, I began making music with Unitarian Universalist communities. As it turns out, U.U.s love Jewish music. In June I had…
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Sountrack of Our Spirit David Propis
Cantor Congregation Shaarey Zedek Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Age: 56 Nominated by: Larry Nemer Song: “L’Dor Vador,” Meir Finkelstein Jewish music is part of the fabric of my soul. It is my permanent connection to my father and forefathers. Jewish music is home. Growing up in a musical family, to me music was like family glue….
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Sountrack of Our Spirit Elliot Rosenbaum
Cantor Temple Beth Sholom Lake Havasu City, Arizona Age: 67 Nominated by: Himself Song: “Hashkiveynu,” Elliot Rosenbaum Jewish music — in a synagogue context — should be accessible even to the “Hebraically challenged” to encourage and inspire the congregation to participate in community prayer. — Elliot Rosenbaum INFLUENCES: Classical and popular music, The Beatles.
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Sountrack of Our Spirit Galit Dadoun-Cohen
Cantor Temple B’nai Or Morristown, New Jersey Age: 42 Nominated by: Herself Song: “Prayer for Peace,” Cantor Jonathan Comisar “If only our mouths were as full of song as the sea, and our tongues joyful as its waves.” Like much of our ancient Scriptures, this verse may be as ancient as the eighth century, most…
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Sountrack of Our Spirit Noah Aronson
Composer, New York City Age: 31 Nominated by: Cantor Joshua Breitzer Song: “Adonai S’fatai,” Noah Aronson I used to think I knew what Jewish music was. It held a very specific place in my heart — mostly in the form of nostalgia and collective memory. But since it has become my life’s work, I now…
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Who is Behind Canary Mission Website Targeting Pro-BDS Activists?
A shadowy website that posts dossiers on pro-Palestinian student activists has grown rapidly in recent months, while continuing to zealously guard the identity of its own staff and backers. Since a Forward report drew international attention to the Canary Mission this past May, the number of students and other pro-Palestinian activists on whom it has…
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Montreal’s ‘Jewish Schindler’ Rejects Accusations That He Is Doing More Harm Than Good
Despite mounting questions about his credibility and criticism that he may be supporting terrorism, a Canadian businessman says he is more determined than ever to continue his controversial quest to buy the freedom of Yazidi and Christian women and girls enslaved by the brutal terrorist group, Islamic State. In a September 1 interview with the…
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