Showing posts with label IDF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IDF. Show all posts

Sunday, January 19, 2025

As Hostages Are Released, Cantor Shai Abramson Sings "Bring Them Home"

Shai Abramson was born in Jerusalem, and was exposed early on to the world of cantorial music. As a young teen, he participated in the choir of the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem (under the baton of conductor Elli Jaffe) during the High Holiday season. He gradually acquired more musical expertise and experience, studying with the best teachers in Israel, including Maestro Jaffe, Cantor Moshe Stern, Cantor Naftali Herstik & Dr. Mordechai Sobol.

In 2008, Shai Abramson was appointed Chief Cantor of the Israel Defense Forces. Abramson serves as the representative cantor of the State of Israel, and participates in this capacity in formal state occasions and ceremonies. Abramson also accompanies various government representatives to ceremonies and events in Israel and abroad. He has performed as cantor and singer under the auspices of the Knesset, the IDF, the Ministry of Defense, and various other government ministries and agencies.

During the past few years, Abramson has presented his cantorial repertoire in numerous Jewish communities in the U.S., Canada, South America, Australia and Europe, with the intention of developing and strengthening ties with Jewish communities around the world, and intensifying connections with Israel and with the IDF.

This performance by Abramson was recorded at the 30th anniversary dinner of the Sage Nursing Home in London in July 2024.

Bring them home!

Friday, June 28, 2024

Welcoming Shabbat with Shir LaMaalot as Sung by Berry Sakharof and 400 IDF Combat Soldiers

Today we welcome another Shabbat with Shir LaMaalot, as sung by Berry Sakharof and 400 combat soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces. It was recorded earlier this month in Jerusalem at the National Library of Israel.

Berry Sakharof is an Israeli rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer who is popular and critically acclaimed. He is often referred to as "the prince" or "the prince of Israeli rock".

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

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Tuesday, March 26, 2024

An English Version of Hatikvah with Current IDF Footage from Israel

We have posted many versions of Hatikvah, Israel's national anthem over the years, but this is the first one in English, an exact translation of the Hebrew words.

The English words are shown over video images from the current war in Gaza in honor of the courageous men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Jews everywhere.

Am Yisrael Chai!

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Sunday, March 17, 2024

10 IDF Couples Get Married in Mass Wedding Ceremony in Savion, Israel

Last week in the Israeli town of Savyon, ten couples stood underneath their wedding canopies, which were lined up side by side on a large stage. 1,500 guests looked on as the brides and grooms took their vows in one of the largest joint marriage ceremonies to ever take place in Israel.

As Jennifer Hassan-Smith reported for i24 News,

The unique ceremony was organized by the Savyon Chabad Community as part of an initiative called "Marrying the Warrior." They are helping couples like these — whose previous wedding plans were derailed by the war — finally celebrate their unions. 

In all of these couples, either the groom or bride have been serving in the IDF reserves, and have had to reschedule their dream day several times before the organizers stepped in with the special offer. 

Such is the case of Moshe and his bride, who were supposed to get married on October 12.  While a mass ceremony is the opposite of their initial plans for an intimate wedding, they were grateful for the chance to celebrate their coming together as a family, and participate in a larger display of joy and solidarity amid the war.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2024

On Day 108 of Gaza Hostage Crisis, Shulem Lemmer Performs at Anshei Emuna in Delray Beach

We've become big fans of Shulem Lemmer after spending a Shabbat with him in Delray Beach a couple of years ago when he was the star of a concert at Anshei Emuna Congregation.

Shulem Lemmer is the most recent rising star of the Jewish musical tradition that has been intertwined in the life, faith, and culture of the Jewish people throughout their history. Whether it's prayers, psalms, or contemporary classics, this youthful Brooklyn tenor finds in music something rich and affirming, an endeavor that makes the soul soar and the spirit rise and speaks to the human condition. 

Shulem is as comfortable with Broadway and Hollywood tunes as he is with Chassidic music. As we continue to focus on the challenges that Israel faces in Gaza, let's apply the sentiments expressed in When You Believe -- a hope that all soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces accomplish their mission and bring the hostages home safely.

Shulem will be performing live in concert again at Anshei Emuna Congregation in Delray Beach, Florida tonight. We'll be there and if you're planning to be in South Florida in January, we'll see you there. 

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Yehoram Gaon and the IDF Choirs Sing "Lo Tenatzchu Oti" - You Won't Defeat Me

Yehoram Gaon has been an Israeli musical legend for more than half a century. In 1984 Naomi Shemer wrote a song, Lo Tenatzchu Oti, for a new album that he released that year. It has become very popular in Israel.

Now Yehoram Gaon has produced a new video of this song, joining with the choirs of the Israel Defense Forces to make a forceful statement that Israel will not be defeated.

As Phil Schneider wrote Tuesday in Israel Unwired,

One of the enjoyable aspects of this song is that the attitude is not one of arrogance, but one of unity. If there is one secret aspect to Israel’s success thus far in the War in Gaza, it is the unity that is so pervasive at this moment in history. Because of the enormity of the horrible tragedy of the massacre on October 7th, Israelis instinctively banded together to fight back.

The song is in Hebrew with English subtitles. The English words appear below the video.

Am Yisrael Chai!

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You won't defeat me.
 From my window I can see a street like an over flowing river and people on their way to work.
And young children going to school with their satchels on their backs.
And in their hands they hold some blossoming myrtle branches. 
Suddenly it becomes clear, And I say to myself: No, No, No, You won't beat me. 
I will not be defeated so fast. No, No, No, You won't beat me. I will not be defeated so fast. 
From my window I can see A plane taking off, a plane flying, Hiding in the distant clouds. 
I hear a machine in the right tune that rolls around outside and in the markets.
 Suddenly it becomes clear, And I say to myself: No, No, No, You won't beat me. 
I will not be defeated so fast. No, No, No, You won't beat me. I will not be defeated so fast. 
In my window are spring and autumn. A rainy day and a scorching day. 
Light and darkness, soloist and choir. It’s all mixed up and confused. 
Songs of Lamentations, Songs of Hallel. And sometimes it’s one giant mess. 
Suddenly it becomes clear, And I say to myself: No, No, No, You won't beat me. 
I will not be defeated so fast. No, No, No, You won't beat me. I will not be defeated so fast.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Welcoming Shabbat with Eshet Chayil Sung by IDF Chief Cantor Shai Abramson to Soldiers' Wives

Eishet Chayil (A Woman of Valor) is a hymn which is sung Friday night in many homes after singing Shalom Aleichem and before saying the Kiddush.

 Traditionally, a husband sings the song to his wife, extolling her virtues, and expressing thanks for all that his wife has done for him and their family.

With so many reservists away from home and on the battlefield, IDF Chief Cantor Shai Abramson led a group of soldiers performing a musical rendition of Eishet Chayil to their wives.

Shabbat shalom!

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Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Cantor Azi Schwartz Sings Naomi Shemer's Yom Kippur War Song "Lu Yehi" as Prayer for Today's IDF Soldiers

Lu Yehi was written and composed by Naomi Shemer during the Yom Kippur War (1973), and has since become one of the symbols of the war.

Before the war, Naomi Shemer decided to write Hebrew words for the Beatles' song “Let It Be”. She did not like the translation of the song's name to "Shihyeh" which could be understood as “Whatever,” and thought that it should be given the name "Lu Yehi".

Her version is not a translation of the Beatles song but a hopeful prayer for a quick end to the war and for the safety of IDF soldiers ("This is the end of the summer, the end of the road, let them come back.")

Mordechai Shevitz, Naomi Shemer’s second husband and poet in his own right, who had just returned from reserve military service, declared: "I will not let you waste this song on the tune of strangers, this is about a Jewish war and you must write a Jewish melody.” This statement rang true for Naomi and accordingly she changed the tune to fit the Hebrew words.

In this video recorded on October 20 at the Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City, Cantor Azi Schwartz sang Naomi Shemer's song in a Kabbalat Shabbat service that included remarks by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Pastor Kaji Dousa.

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Tuesday, November 7, 2023

From a Child to a Soldier: IDF Chief Cantor Sings Prayer for New Soldiers Joining the Israel Defense Forces

The soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces were children a few short years ago and now these brave boys and girls are defending the state of Israel.

In November 2021 Shai Abramson, Chief Cantor of the IDF sang a prayer written by the Tzohar rabbinical organization, composed by Sol Zim, with musical arrangement, conducting and production by Ofir Sobol. The video shows the new soldiers boarding buses to their IDF bases.

Here are the lyrics, in English and Hebrew:

Master of All Worlds, the King to whom peace belongs, On this day on which we escort our child to serve the Jewish People and All Who Dwell In Israel through army service, we throw before You our pleas that You will spread Your canopy of peace upon him/ her and upon all soldiers of the IDF. 

Grant them the energy, agility, and joy to fulfill the commandment, “the help of Israel from the hands of enemies,” and give them courage, insight, and strength. Protect them from all danger or peril, injury or obstacle, and return them to their homes and families safe and whole, in body and in spirit, and through them may the verse be fulfilled: “It is G-d who girds me with valor, who makes my path perfect”. And may it be manifest through our son/daughter and through all of the IDF: ”G-d will protect you from all evil, He will protect your being; G-d will protect your comings and goings from now through eternity”. Amen.

רִבּוֹן כָּל הָעוֹלָמִים, מֶלֶךְ שֶׁהַשָּׁלוֹם שֶׁלּוֹ בְּיוֹם זֶה שֶׁאָנוּ מְלַוִּים אֶת בָּנֵינוּ ובנותינו לְשָׁרֵת אֶת עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל ומדינת יִשְׂרָאֵל ביבשה, באוויר ובים, אָנוּ מַפִּילִים תְּחִנָּתֵנוּ לְפָנֶיךָ, שֶׁתִּפְרֹשׁ סֻכַּת שְׁלוֹמְךָ עֲלֵיהֶם וְעַל כָּל חַיָּלֵי צְבָא הַהֲגָנָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל וְכוֹחוֹת הַבִּטָּחוֹן. תֵּן בָּהֶם כֹּחַ, זְרִיזוּת וְשִׂמְחָה, לְקַיֵּם מִצְּוַת "עֶזְרַת יִשְׂרָאֵל מִיָּד צַר", וְתֵן בָּהֶם אֹמֶץ, תְּבוּנָה וּגְבוּרָה. שְׁמֹר אוֹתָם מִכָּל צָרָה וְצוּקָה, פֶּגַע אוֹ מִכְשׁוֹל, וְהַחֲזִירָם לְבֵיתָם וּלְמִשְׁפַּחְתָּם שְׁלֵמִים בְּגוּפָם, בְּרוּחָם וּבְנַפְשָׁם, וִיקֻיַּם בָּהֶם מִקְרָא שֶׁכָּתוּב "הָאֵל הַמְאַזְּרֵנִי חָיִל וַיִּתֵּן תָּמִים דַּרְכִּי". וְקַיֵּם בָּהֶם וּבְכָל חַיָּלֵי צְבָא הַהֲגָנָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת הַפָּסוּק "יְיָ יִשְׁמָרְךָ מִכָּל רָע יִשְׁמֹר אֶת נַפְשֶׁךָ, יְיָ יִשְׁמָר צֵאתְךָ וּבוֹאֶךָ מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם" אָמֵן. סֶלָה

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Sunday, November 5, 2023

Melbourne, Australia Jewish Community Sings in Solidarity with Israel

Jewish communities around the world are uniting in song to express their solidarity with Israel. In this video the Jewish community of Melbourne, Australia, sings Acheinu, Ani Maamin, Oseh Shalom, and Hatikvah in a Havdalah service at a large synagogue.

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Monday, October 30, 2023

Amen - A Heartfelt Tribute by Spotlight Choir of Ariel - Dedicated to the Heroes of Israel

The modern City of Ariel drew its name from one of the names of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. As with its sister city, Jerusalem, the ancient and modern historic continuum is plain to see. The City of Ariel is built alongside the ruins of an ancient Israelite city that dates back more than 3,000 years.

In this video, the local Ariel choir, Spotlight, delivers a powerful rendition of the song Amen with open hearts and sincere prayers. In these challenging times, this performance is dedicated to to the brave members of the IDF, emergency first responders, resilient nation, steadfast residents, and supportive friends. Together, through faith and unity, may we find happiness, growth, and strength once again.

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Friday, October 27, 2023

Welcoming Shabbat with Israeli Soldiers Singing Shalom Aleichem

Shabbat is Shabbat, whether you're in the comfort of your home or somewhere in Israel wearing an IDF uniform. 

Today we're welcoming Shabbat with two Israeli soldiers somewhere in Israel, wearing their army uniforms and camouflage headgear, holding a guitar and an Uzi.

We join them in singing Shalom Aleichem and offer prayers for their success in their mission and safe return to their homes.

Shabbat shalom!

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Thursday, October 26, 2023

Israel Opera Soloists Sing "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables" in Support of Israeli Captives

The song Bring Him Home from Les Miserables has attained special significance as the world hopes for the release of the hostages being held in Gaza.

We have seen and posted versions of this song in recent days. Today we're sharing a version that was posted yesterday by the Israel Opera.

The song, in English and Hebrew, is performed by Israeli Opera soloists Anat Czarny (mezzo soprano) & Oded Reich (baritone).

May all the captives be released speedily and return home safely.

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Thursday, October 19, 2023

Two-Year-Old Child Leads IDF Soldiers in Reciting Sh'ma and Part of Haggadah

In times of sadness and anger, it's comforting and inspirational to see examples of the Jewish community uniting in solidarity.

Such a moment took place this week at the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem when a two-year-old child from Chabad stood on a chair in the presence of a group of IDF soldiers and led them in reciting the Sh'ma and an excerpt from the Passover Haggadah.

In this video clip you can see the child leading and the soldiers responding to the Sh'ma and to the first sentence from this paragraph in the Haggadah:

בְּכָל-דּוֹר וָדוֹר חַיָּב אָדָם לִרְאוֹת אֶת-עַצְמוֹ כְּאִלּוּ הוּא יָצָא מִמִּצְרַיִם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: וְהִגַּדְתָּ לְבִנְךָ בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא לֵאמֹר, בַּעֲבוּר זֶה עָשָׂה יקוק לִי בְּצֵאתִי מִמִּצְרַיִם. לֹא אֶת-אֲבוֹתֵינוּ בִּלְבָד גָּאַל הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא, אֶלָּא אַף אוֹתָנוּ גָּאַל עִמָּהֶם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: וְאוֹתָנוּ הוֹצִיא מִשָּׁם, לְמַעַן הָבִיא אוֹתָנוּ, לָתֶת לָנוּ אֶת-הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נִשָׁבַּע לַאֲבֹתֵינוּ 
 
In each and every generation, a person is obligated to see himself as if he left Egypt, as it is stated (Exodus 13:8); "For the sake of this, did the Lord do [this] for me in my going out of Egypt." Not only our ancestors did the Holy One, blessed be He, redeem, but rather also us [together] with them did he redeem, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 6:23); "And He took us out from there, in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He swore unto our fathers."
 
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Tuesday, October 10, 2023

A Song for the Safe Return of IDF Soldiers: Shulem Lemmer Sings "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables

We've become big fans of Shulem Lemmer after spending a Shabbat with him in Delray Beach a couple of years ago when he was the star of a concert at Anshei Emuna Congregation.

Shulem Lemmer is the most recent rising star of the Jewish musical tradition that has been intertwined in the life, faith, and culture of the Jewish people throughout their history. Whether it's prayers, psalms, or contemporary classics, this youthful Brooklyn tenor finds in music something rich and affirming, an endeavor that makes the soul soar and the spirit rise and speaks to the human condition. 

Shulem is as comfortable with Broadway show tunes as he is with Chassidic music. As we continue to focus on the challenges that Israel faces in Gaza, let's apply the sentiments expressed in Bring Him Home from Les Miserables -- a hope that all soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces accomplish their mission and return home safely.

Shulem will be performing live in concert again at Anshei Emuna Congregation in Delray Beach, Florida on Tuesday night, January 23, 2004. We'll be there and if you're planning to be in South Florida in January, we'll see you there. 

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Tisha B'Av Starts Tonight - A Time for Reflection on the Destruction of the Holy Temples

There is no day during the year when we can't find an opportunity to laugh, chuckle, guffaw, grin, or maybe just crack a smile.  Without humor, the world would be a much grimmer place.  Even during the High Holy Days and on fast days, most of us find a moment to share an anecdote or witty comment with friends.  

Tonight and tomorrow are no exception, but the overall mood of the elongated day is much more sorrowful than any other.  The reason, of course, is that tonight we begin the observance of Tisha B'Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, which lasts until Tuesday night.

Tisha B’Av is a fast day that commemorates the destruction of the two Temples. It also happens to be the day that many other calamities have befallen the Jewish people, some of which are listed below:

  • 587 BCE (3338)- The First Temple is destroyed by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar. The Jews are sent into what later became known as the Babylonian Exile.
  • 70 CE (3830)- The Second Temple is destroyed by the Romans, led by Titus.
  • 135 CE (3895) - The Romans defeat Bar Kochba's last fortress, Betar, and destroy his army. Bar Kochba himself is killed along with more than 100,000 other Jews. The Roman Emperor Hadrian turns Jerusalem into a Roman city.
  • 1290 (5050) - King Edward I of England signs an edict expelling all Jews from England.
  • 1492 (5252) - The Alhambra Decree takes effect, expelling the Jews from Spain and from all Spanish territories.
  • 1914 (5674) - World War I begins when Germany declares war on Russia, setting the stage for World War II and the Holocaust.
  • 1940 (5700) - Himmler presents his plan for the "Final Solution" to the Jewish problem to the Nazi Party.
  • 1942 (5702) - Nazis begin deporting Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto. 
On Tisha B'Av, Jews gather in darkened synagogues to read Eicha (The Book of Lamentations) and reflect on the tragedies that befell our people through the millennia.
 
So we won't post any jokes or hilarity today and tomorrow, but we'll share a couple of videos that are appropriate for the day.

Today's post is a video taken at the Kotel in Jerusalem in 2020, when Shai Abramson, Chief Cantor of the Israel Defense Forces sang the prayer Acheinu, accompanied by volunteers for Magen David Adom.
 
Acheinu kol beit yisrael, han'tunim b'tzara uvashivyah, haomdim bein bayam uvein bayabasha. Hamakom Y'racheim Aleihem v'yotziem mitzra lirvacha um'afaila l'orah umishiabud lig'ulah, hashta ba'agala uvizman kariv.V'nomar: Amen
אַחֵינוּ כָּל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, הַנְּתוּנִים בְּצָרָה וּבַשִּׁבְיָה, הָעוֹמְדִים בֵּין בַּיָּם וּבֵין בַּיַּבָּשָׁה, הַמָּקוֹם יְרַחֵם עֲלֵיהֶם, וְיוֹצִיאֵם מִצָּרָה לִרְוָחָה, וּמֵאֲפֵלָה לְאוֹרָה, וּמִשִּׁעְבּוּד לִגְאֻלָּה, הַשְׁתָּא בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב.

Translation:

As for our brothers,​ the whole house of Israel, who are given over to trouble or captvity​, whether they abide on the sea or on the dry land:

May the All-prese​nt have mercy upon them, and bring them forth from trouble to enlargeme​nt, from darkness to light, and from subjectio​n to redemptio​n, now speedily and at a near time; and let us say, Amen. 


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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Israel Defense Forces' Ultimate Mystery Donut Challenge for the Last Night of Hanukkah

Tonight we light the eighth and last Hanukkah candle. By now we've all had our fill of latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (filled donuts).

Israeli bakeries compete each year in creating the best and most elaborate sufganiyot. This year the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) sponsored an Ultimate Mystery Donut Challenge, enlisting pairs of soldiers to taste donuts with some very untraditional fillings. 

Mayonnaise, anyone? How about ketchup or wasabi? Watch the soldiers' reactions after taking a bite.

Enjoy, laugh, and start the diet tomorrow.

Chag Chanukah sameach!

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

How Does the IDF Celebrate Purim? By Break Dancing!


Purim is almost here, and IDF soldiers don't want to miss the celebration! 

As Jews all over the world celebrate this holiday by holding feasts, exchanging gifts and wearing costumes, soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces make sure to keep the holiday tradition in any way they can.

A couple of years ago, they made this video of putting the soul in soldier by doing a breakdance in honor of the holiday.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Funny Life in Israel: Episode 1 - With the Soldiers


We always say that Israel is a funny country. We wrote a book on the subject and created an hour-long comedy lecture with video clips to drive the point home.

Now we find that we have company in bringing the funny side of Israel to an audience that enjoys funny video clips about life in the Holy Land.

Jacob Barbasch, (Aika) Ignez Francesca Belgica and Dotan Jakoby created, wrote, and filmed a series of three short videos that show the funny side of being in Israel with this amusing guide to survival as a foreigner in the Holy Land. The videos are offbeat and show how cultures collide as they take an outsider's look at Israeli society.

The first video in the series takes a funny look at aspects of being a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces.

Enjoy!


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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Israel Defense Forces Choir Sings Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah - A Special Post for Ceasefire on Rosh Hodesh Elul


A few years ago the chorus of the Israel Defense Forces recorded a video performance of Leonard Cohen's signature song Hallelujah. Since we just came across it today we thought it would be an appropriate post on a few levels.

Yesterday and today we are celebrating the start of the Hebrew month of Elul, a day in which we say Hallel, ushering in a month of reflection, repentance, and prayers for forgiveness and mercy. It may be just a coincidence, but we noted that on Rosh Hodesh Elul a ceasefire without a time limit went into effect between Israel and Hamas. We only hope that this time it lasts.

During this coming month the song's composer, poet and singer Leonard Cohen will be celebrating his 80th birthday with the release of his 13th studio album, a collection of his latest songs called Popular Problems.

If you weren't a subscriber to Jewish Humor Central back in October 2009, the first month that we started blogging, you probably didn't see our post of Cohen singing to 50,000 people in the Ramat Gan Stadium in Israel, and it's something worth watching. As a bonus, he ended the concert by giving the crowd the Priestly Blessing, Birkat Kohanim. To see both videos, click here.

Enjoy!

(A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO IS NOT VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.)