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February 13, 2012
Binyamin Rose: Back to the Bunker: How a life-risking act by a Christian family during the Holocaust saved a family and built a thriving community a world away
Menachem Wecker: Business Schools Teach Real Estate Despite Troubled Housing Market
February 10, 2012
Lisa M. Krieger: Man with defibrillator demands access to his own heart's information
David G. Savage: Why activists may not be in a hurry to have High Court rule on alternative marriage
February 9, 2012
Laura McMullen: 10 Least Expensive Public Schools for Out-of-State Students
Kimberly Palmer: How to actually enjoy -- relaxing, financially -- your vacation
February 8, 2012
Warren Richey: Why momentous Prop. 8 ruling might not satisfy gay-rights groups
Menachem Wecker: Though Controversial, LL.M.'s Can Lead to Specialized Legal Jobs
The Kosher Gourmet byDana Velden: Going to the bother of making soup? You know it better be good. This CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP certainly is! And it's a cinch to make, too (Includes techinques and serving secrets)
February 7, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: Caught off-guard? President's Super Bowl interview with Matt Lauer gives those who need a reason not to vote for him, a darn good one
Suzanne Bohan: Leaping lizards! Tiny reptiles advancing robot design
February 6, 2012
Jonathan Tobin: Iran Threatens Israel With Destruction, But the New York Times Doesn't Hear It
Jeffrey Fleishman: In newly democratic Egypt, tens of democracy activists jailed, to stand trial; their groups are 'threatening the stability of the homeland'
Julie Deardorff : Researchers say antioxidants may not be that effective and could do more harm than good
Mark Clayton: How did Anonymous hackers eavesdrop on FBI and Scotland Yard?
February 3, 2012
Edmund Sanders : Israeli official says Iran is creating missile that could reach East Coast of US
Victoria Kim: Immigrant-smuggling ring used black drivers to avoid racial profiling
February 2, 2012
Jim Carney: Wrong number call may have saved her life
Reza Kahlili : Ex-CIA spy in Iran's Revolutionary Guard: What Obama doesn't grasp about striking deals with Tehran
Tina Susman: For woodchuck rescuer, every day is Groundhog Day
February 1, 2012
Brian Bennett: US officials see increasing threat of domestic attack from Iran
Emily Brandon: How to Take Advantage of New 401(k) Fee Disclosures
January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
Paul Richter and Ramin Mostaghim: Misreading Teheran's limits -- deadly and economically devastating as they may be -- is a risk administration, Europe seem willing to take
Suzanne Bohan: Warning: Nap-deprived tots missing more than sleep, study finds
Meg Handley: Banks Revamping Rewards Programs to Woo Customers
January 27, 2012
Caroline B. Glick: Obama: Of course I intend to prevent a nuclear holocaust . . . in a few months
Yochonon Donn: In liberal New York City, fervently-Orthodox Jews may soon be getting a district to call their own
Jeannine Stein: An inflated ego and thinking you're 'all that' doesn't just make others sick of you, it can make you ill
Katy Hopkins: New budget rules may affect how much money you get for college
January 26, 2012
Ed Koch: To the New York Times, calling for the murder of Jews by those capable of having their incitement taken seriously isn't news
Jeannine Stein: Mental illness struck one in five U.S. adults in 2010: Report
January 25, 2012
Richard Simon: House passes two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials
Fred Weir: Putin: Multiethnic Russia cannot survive as a US-style 'melting pot'; must find its own way
Susan Johnston: 5 Sneaky Coupon Strategies Consumers Should Watch Out For
January 24, 2012
Carol Clark: The price of your soul: How your brain decides whether to 'sell out'
Caroline B. Glick: America lost most in 'Arab Spring'. Sadly, many voters still don't grasp the extent
Warren Richey: Drug criminal scores win in GPS ruling from conservative-leaning high court
Erika Bolstad: Black conservatives gather to talk about gaining strength
January 23, 2012
Melissa Dribben: Jewish voters to play a key role in Florida's Republican primary
Jordan Rau: In quest to grow, Catholic hospital system will announce this morning its break from church
Ali Safi: U.S. envoy gives Taliban terms for peace talks
January 19, 2012
January 18, 2012
January 17, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney Jr.: No-kidding red lines: U.S. response to an Iranian nuke may be bluster, but Israel's won't be
David G. Savage: They sued their principals after slandering them online --- now the cases are headed to the Supreme Court
David Francis: Where to Invest in 2012: With stocks expected to rebound, opportunity abounds for investors
January 13, 2012
Ben Lynfield: Israeli lawmakers move to annex Jewish Judea, one museum at a time
Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz: Thriving through touch: Gentle massage helps older people with low mobility improve in mind and body
January 12, 2012
Warren Richey: Landmark Supreme Court ruling a 'resounding win' for religious groups
Warren Richey: Supreme Court says no to new rule on eyewitness testimony
John Fauber : Statins found to raise diabetes risk in postmenopausal women
Katy Hopkins : Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree
The Kosher Gourmet by Joseph Erdos: This mushroom and barley soup has an intense -- almost nutty -- flavor that mixes robust with Middle East. It has creaminess without cream
January 11, 2012
Shari Roan: Millions of atrial fibrillation sufferers at risk for devastating, but preventable, stroke
Tom Hussain: Pakistan -- recipient of more than $21 billion in civilian and military aid -- speeds pursuit of Iranian pipeline, defying US
David G. Savage: High court signals it won't be loosening TV's 'indecency' rules
Stephen Ceasar: Oklahoma's Islamic law amendment can't go into effect, court rules
January 10, 2012
Reza Kahlili: From an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Karen Kaplan: Study: Nicotine replacement products ineffective when used in real-life situations
January 9, 2012
Michael Doyle: Put through legal hell over dream home, couple fought back hard --- all the way to Supreme Court
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Jewish World Review
Dec. 9, 2003
/14 Kislev, 5764
Get the ribbons, it's the Chanukah wrap-up!
By Paul Wieder
Eight New Gift-Worthy Discs
http://www.jewishworldreview.com |
For those keeping track, this is the fifth annual installment of the Chanukah wrap-up feature. Is it a tradition yet?
RABBI JOE BLACK: SABBATICAL
This Albuquerque-based, guitar-slingin' man of the tallis-cloth sings originals and traditionals in a mix Jewish and American sounds. Taking some months off of his rabbinical duties hence the title to compose, he turns in one of his lightest-hearted sets, including "Valentine's Day is Not a Jewish Holiday" and the Baha Men parody "Who Led the Slaves Out?" He also covers Hammerstein's sardonic anti-bigotry tune "Carefully Taught" and the down-and-out chestnut "One Meatball." His originals are more heartfelt ruminations on childhood, family, and faith. Black is still a rabbi, after all. Still... a rabbi on the range?
MISHPACHA: CELEBRATES
Well, how about cantorials in the Carolinas? Two women singing and two men playing guitar became the musical family that is Mishpacha, after coming together to lead services in Raleigh, NC. In between a few Israeli favorites, they present many Chanukah traditionals in Hebrew, English, Yiddish and Ladino, plus newer songs by Debbie Friedman, Julie Silver, and eighteen. Especially fun is the Beatles satire… yes, the one about "Eight Days." The tone is light and airy, and the performances are by turns spirited and spiritual.
CANTORS: A FAITH IN SONG
Rarely does an album do so many things, and do them so well. This one introduces the listener to three of the finest tenors working in any genre today: Naftali Hertsik, Benzion Miller, and Alberto Mizrahi. And it provides a primer of the major vocal forms of Jewish music: prayer, folksong, and theater songs. And it covers Jewish music from America through Europe, into Russia and into Middle Eastern lands, in English, Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino languages. This
live performance was recorded in the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam with a full choir and orchestra. But the musicians never forget to the fulfill the "faith" part of the title along with the "song" element this is holy music, all of it.
RICHARD KAPLAN: LIFE OF THE WORLDS
Cantorials of a very different sort fill this second album by the engaging Richard Kaplan. You may recognize the names of some of these songs from your prayerbook, but through Kaplan, they revisit their exotic past. Eighteen tracks explore Jewish spirituality, from its most ancient musical sources. Extensive notes delve into the origins of Jewish mysticism and how it found expression in music. Anyone seeking a deeper meaning in Jewish faith or just some great globe-encompassing world music played on oud, tar, and kanun is invited on these "Journeys in Jewish Sacred Music," as the collection is subtitled.
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DAVID CHEVAN: THE DAYS OF AWE
Chevan is a great jazz bassist, one of the few to lead an ensemble. His band, Afro-Semitic Experience, contains both black and Jewish players and performs jazz-ifed liturgy in both traditions. Yes, this is a High Holidays set, but the Kfar Jewish Arts Center is bringing Chevan to Chicago for Martin Luther King Day, and this disc provides a fascinating introduction. His music starts in several traditions and ends up inside your soul. The new CD features the unlikely but effective combination of bass, hand drums, piano, lap steel guitar… and the trumpet of Frank London. It is a mostly meditative affair, with some swing and a little sparkle.
THEODORE BIKEL: TREASURY OF YIDDISH FOLK AND THEATER SONGS
This is a re-release of music from very early in Bikel's storied career, from 1958-1964. No, he doesn't do anything from "Fiddler on the Roof," but he covers a tremendous amount of ground here, celebrating everything from brides to bagels. Many of the classics are offered, including "Lomir Alle Zingen," "Der Rebbe Elimelech," and "Dona Dona," rendered with Bikel's famed warmth. Much of the music is klezmer, but the rest ranges from the fireside to the coffeehouse, testifying to the versatility of the Yiddish tongue. There is also a good mix of party-time and pathos.
PAUL ZIM: YIDDISH MIT KLEZMER
For those who like it all-freylachs-all-the-time, here is this latest from the music machine known as Paul Zim. He has recorded dozens of albums of everything from cantorials to children's songs. Zim's big, happy voice can fill a room. Here, he marries nostalgic Yiddish with today's best recording technology. If you are planning a holiday party, this disc will ensure a can't-sit-still experience it's musical confetti.
MEL WALDOKS: MESHUGGA BEACH PARTY
Want to warm up a Chanukah party, but feel the Beach Boys aren't quite the right boychicks? Pop in this slice of summer and heat it up in a hurry! The subtitle is "Sixteen Songs of the Chosen Surfers," and what's here is… Jewish surf music. Yes, you read that right: Jewish classics played Dick Dale-style. Start with an "Oh Hanukkah" that maybe should be called "Hawaii Five-Oh Hanukkah." By the way, his Halakahiki Productions, which released this disc, is not named for an Honolulu'd version of the word "halakhah," but is the Hawaiian word for "pineapple." Well, they are kosher…
From the sands of the Sinai to the sands of San Diego, the wanderings of the Jews are recorded in our music. And now technology has made it portable for even more journeys. Have a warm, musical Chanukah. As the Jewish surfers say, Shaloha!
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JWR contributor Paul Wieder is a public relations associate at the Jewish United Fund and a columnist for
JUF News. Contact the author or the magazine by either clicking here, or calling (312) 444-2853.
© 2003, Paul Wieder
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