We currently find ourselves at a critical crossroads in Jewish history.  As we keep our ears and eyes on the news, Israel is foremost on our minds.   Every event in Israel is followed with curiosity and concern. We keep our friends and relatives in Israel in our daily tfilot. Through it all, we try to stay optimistic and hopeful. 

The full range of emotions that we are feeling during these trying times are captured beautifully on three recordings recently released by three popular Jewish music singers.

The first of the three, Avinu, was released not too long ago by Shloime Dachs. Dachs, who recently visited South Florida in concert, appropriately titled his album “Our Father,” capturing the theme that runs through this CD. Found throughout are pleas, requests, and tfilot asking our Father in Heaven to bring us to better times. As he states in the heart tugging “Forever” “Father dear, where are you? Can’t you see me? Just show your face…and say we’re going home.”  

Dachs’ music keeps getting better. Every ounce of energy that he puts into his recordings is evident in both his mellow tunes, where you can just picture him standing in the studio with lights dim and eyes closed, as well has his upbeat songs, where, as he exhibits during his concerts, he finds it hard to stand still.

The highlights of the album are the epic Im Eshkachech and the emotionally charged Asher Bara.  You have to hand it to Shloime Dachs.   He has come a long way since entering the Jewish music scene. He has most definitely established himself as an artist who can entertain, excite, and energize first time listeners and ardent fans alike. I believe we will see many more great recordings from this kind-hearted, hard-working Chassidic start.

Gershon Veroba is not stranger to South Florida. He has performed to large crowds who have enjoyed his original songs as well as his specialty, the Jewish versions of American pop tunes. Veroba perfected the formula with a 3-CD series known as “Variations.” Now he ventures into a similar project, this time all Gershon Veroba, entitled Impressions.  The most amazing part about the project is the accuracy and attention paid to each song, each sound, and each note.   Veroba, without making an attempt to parody the songs, captures the rhythm and essence of the original. His voice is so versatile that you will often forget you are not listening to the original.  

The messages of the songs are powerful and thought provoking. Veroba, too, emphasizes through song the importance of the Land and People of Israel. His songs remind us how fragile we are and that our hope and future are directly linked to our past, our Land, and each other.   Some of the highlights of the CD are his Jewish rendition of the now ubiquitous (thanks to Shreck) “I’m a Believer” (now a song about someone who finds his place in yeshiva), Chicago’s Saturday in the Park (now Shabbos Day in the Park), and his plea for us to get to Israel on Neil Diamond’s The Next Flight.

A special treat awaits Chassidic music listeners at the end as Impressions features three songs composed by Chevra producer Eli Gerstner.   All in all, a fine album for all those Jewish music lovers looking for a new and refreshing twist.

The third album reviewed this month is Sandy Shmuely’s latest, entitled “Al Tira.” Similar to Dachs’ and Veroba’s CD’s, the theme of faith and hope that there will be a positive resolution to the current situation in Israel permeates throughout. The title of the album, Have No Fear, reminds that we must have faith.   So much so that the CD’s first song is a rocker that reminds us that we must be joyful always and go on with our lives and celebrations.

A highlight of the album is a lullaby from Sandy Shmuely to our youngsters reminding them that the situation may be dark now, but that we must have hope for the future.

Sandy has it. He hits so many styles with perfection and grace. One listen to “Al Tira” will prove to any listener that that Shmuely’s unique appeal is that he can equally speak (or sing) to the Chassidic music lover and the Israeli music listener alike. He exhibits so much sincerity in his music that he can transcend all barriers.