AISH Song for Rosh Hashana

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The MACCABEATS are still unbeatable but AISH Jerusalem made a quite nice imitation:

Halacha: Downloading Music and Movies

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We all know the situation: The Internet provides us with free music and movies. Why then buy the latest pop songs when almost everything is available online ? And, how does the Halacha refer to someone copying music or movies ? Is this allowed ? 

According to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, copying music, movies, art, etc. is prohibited. We are not allowed copying other people’s creations because they loose money. (See Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim, Vol. 4 Siman 40:19). 

In addition to that, we are guilty of theft. Especially when it comes to copyright claims.

Music from CHILIK FRANK

The Chassid Yechiel Me'ir (Chilik) Frank. As far as I know, he comes from an old Breslover family.

Purim Music: "Mi she nichnas Adar"

Yedid Nefesh

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YEDID NEFESH, a song for Shabbat but why not begin this new week with this great Nigun shown in the video:

A Song by Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk

This song is credited as composed by the Tzadik Rabbi Reb Elimelech of Lizensk. It was passed down by his famed Talmud the Rabbi Naftul Tzvi of Ropshitz, who then passed it down to his son-in-law Rabbi Usher Shaya of Ropshitz, who passed it down to his son-in-law Rabbi Feivish of Brezhan, passed it to his son Rabbi Leibish of Brezahn, who passed it to his grandchildren and great grandchildren that survived the WWII to pass it on to us. A beautiful 'Heilige' nigun that tlak to the depth of your heart.

Chassidishe Tanz (Dance)

Bukharian Soul Music

Bukharian Jewry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukharan_Jews

Chanukkah Song

The Maccabeats on Chanukkah

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On Tuesday night, 20 December 2011, we are going to light the first Chanukkah candle this year. As a little preparation the Jewish boygroup MACCABEATS:

The Maccabeats Chanukkah song 5771 / 2010 

Chanukkah 5772 / 2011:

The latest Maccabeats song "Mircacle"

Bereshit (Genesis)

It's Schabbes Now

The Maccabeats: "Book of Good Life"

"BDS" or "Who is behind the boycott against Israel ?"

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The "Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions" (BDS) campaign was founded by Palestinians in 2005. BDS fights Israeli "occupation" and is asking the world to boycott the Jewish State. Everything in accordance with human rights and democracy. This is was BDS stresses but what are the true goals of the campaign ?

According to the Israeli daily HAARETZ from March 2011, several international artists have joined the BDS campaign and started boycotting Israel. Among others, Roger Waters from Pink Floyd who is actively supporting the Palestinian BDS. Furthermore, Elvis Costello cancelled his Israel tour. Other celebrities openly speak out in favour of Israel. So is the Italian writer Umberto Eco and Gene Simmons from the rockband KISS. Musicians like Elton John, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Madonna, Metallica, Paul McCartney or Leonard Cohen are willing to perform in Israel and many have already done so.

The video uncovers the true goals of "Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS): 

Link:

An open letter to Roger Waters (Pink Floyd), written by the Israeli journalist Ben - Dror Yemini

Lecha Dodi

Chabad boycotting Avraham Fried

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The American Lubavitcher singer Avraham Fried is giving a concert in Afula (northern Israel) on Tuesday, 23 August 2011.

To tell you the truth: I only read now that Avraham Fried is a Lubavitcher, as I am not interested in these modern stuff from him or Mordechai Ben David or any Reva Le'Sheva or whatever their names are. Sometimes Lipa is okay but he looks as if he has become arrogant. This is, at least, my impression.

But coming back to Avraham Fried and his concert:

The poster says that "separate seating" is only taking place for those who sit on the grass nearby. People standing in front of the stage will probably be mixed. Now different Chabad Rabbis are announcing a boycott regarding the Fried concert. See more HERE !

Just to remind Chabad:

I think it was in September or October 2007, when Chabad itself gave a concert in Rehov Hannah in Jerusalem. There was or still is a tradition that during Sukkot, the Chabad Center near Bar Ilan Street organizes a big concert including Rabbi's speeches and fireworks. 

Until 2007, no Mechitzah (gender separation) had been offered and on Sukkot 2007, other haredi groups asked for a boycott but, at the same time, announced a demonstration. Me and friend went. First to the Chabad event where we liked the fireworks. Then it got a bit boring and we switched over to the demonstration nearby.:-)

I have to say that this time, Chabad had arranged a gender separation due to the protests.

The demonstration was far more lively. Action with the police who tried to protect the Chabad event. About 100 demonstrators from all kinds of haredi backgrounds were around. Stealing the police chiefs hat and a Chassid being dumped into a border police jeep jumped out and tried to escape. Without much success. 

I am just mentioning the 2007 incident because it immediately came into my mind when I heard about the missing Mechitzah.

The MACCABEATS performing in Jerusalem

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This Mozzaei Shabbat (Saturday night), 30 July 2011, the famous Youtube MACCABEATS are giving a concert at Jerusalem’s Gerard Behar Center in Betzalel Street 11.

Why now during the three weeks before Tisha be’Av when it is forbidden to listen to music ? The mourning of the destruction of both Jerusalem Temples is reaching its peak on 9th Av.

The Maccabeats justify themselves by saying that they don’t play any music at their performances, as every single sound is produced by them.

"La Traviata" at the Opera in Tel Aviv

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I went to the “La Traviata” performance at the Tel Aviv Opera on Tuesday night. It was nice but opera performances are not my cup of tea. I rather prefer an interesting theatre play. 


The opera house was packed on Tuesday night. Mainly elderly people had shown up. There were some younger people as well and even a few Haredim and national religious Jews. However, the Ashkenazi posh Tel Aviv society enjoyed its majority.:-) 

A keyhole was integrated in the curtain. The keyhole was made as a mirror reflecting the spectators.

People leaving after the performance.

Photos: Miriam Woelke

Ka Echsof - Chassidut Karlin

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A Pi'ut from Rebbe Aharon the Great, the founder of Chassidut Karlin.

Breslover Nana Music

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The message of the Breslover Nanas in this video is: "Rak Lismoach kol Hazman veMechayech - Be happy all the time and smile !" Even if you are sad or depressed try to smile and be happy and eventually you may be happy.

The Nanas (Na Nach Nachma Nachman Me'Uman and followers of Rabbi Israel Odesser z"l) are a little neglected and seen as the hippies of the Breslov movement. The original Breslovers consider anyone from the outside and pretending to be a Breslover Chassid as not acceptable. However, the Nanas are around everywhere and still singing their Mantra "Na Nach Nachma Nachman Me'Uman".