Sunday, September 15, 2024

Yossi Desser - Havdalah Kumzits - Hosted by GrillFather

There is a chassidic custom to throw towels at a Chosson while he makes his first Havdalah after the wedding. I’ve had many opportunities to sing alongside the Chosson at his first Havdalah followed by a Motzah Shabbos Kumzits. This Music Video captures that special moment.

Produced & Mixed: Gershon Freishtat at GF Music Studio
Vocals & Acoustic Guitar: Yossi Desser
Piano: Gershon Freishtat
Bass: Alon Hillel
Percussion: Golan Kulesh
Flute: Avrumy Bosch

Video Credits:
Filmed & Edited: Shmuly Lichtman
Second Camera: Gavi Productions

Video Location & Hosted by: The Grillfather (aka Motty Samat)

Musicians On Cast:
Acoustic Guitar & Vocals: Yossi Desser
Chosson & Electric Guitar: Yumi Sebbag
Percussion: Yossi Berger
Flute: Hershy Friedman

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Shevach: Yegia Kapecha sung by Asher & Yosef Schick

Available on all streaming platforms:

Welcome to Shevach, a label born from the heart of the Schick family, dedicated to sharing the beauty of Yiddeshe Niggunim with the world. 'Shevach' means praise, but it is also an acronym for 'Sheva Benei Chana,' a testament to our family's legacy.

For years, we've been creating warm and harmonious music, full of heart and soul, passing it down through generations and sharing it privately with our community. Now, we're thrilled to make our music available to the public, so everyone can enjoy the spirit and joy that it brings.

Our mother, a pillar of faith and courage, has been the inspiration behind our music. Her dedication to Torah, family, and community is a shining example to us all. A musical genius in her own right, she's composed and arranged countless pieces, including the beloved 'Rachel's Plays.' Her humility and kindness have touched thousands, and we're honored to dedicate 'Music of the Soul' to her.

Shevach is more than just a label – it's a celebration of praise, family, and tradition. We hope you enjoy the songs and medleys we've curated over the years, and may they bring joy and inspiration to your life.

From the composer:
"As I wrote the tune, these words flowed from my mouth, inspired by the thought of generations built from just a single beautiful couple. It's a reminder that the courage to work hard and build can have a profound impact on generations to come, in all areas of life. We do our part, and G-d opens the floodgates of goodness.

I think of my grandmother, at 90 years old, standing alone yet so proud of the life she lived and the fruits she's reaping, even in this world, of the generations she's built through faith and courage in post-war America.

The poignant words from Perek 128 in Tehilim contain powerful blessings for the Yoray Shomayim: 'He should reap the fruits of his labors, his yegiyah in Torah; His wife should be fruitful and bear him many children, and he should live to see many doros of descendants.' This Perek is sung under the Chupah at German Chasunahs because of the beauty and significance of its manifold brachos for the new Chasan and Kallah.

May we merit to see the fruits of our labor, and may our efforts be blessed with prosperity and growth, just like the generations that have come before us.

Ultimately, we will all emerge from the darkness, and our little acts of kindness will bear fruit when the Geula Shelaima arrives, uniting all the generations in Yerushalayim Habenuya. Then, we will see the full beauty of our collective efforts, and the infinite goodness that has been bestowed upon us."

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for granting me the ability to be a shliach, to bring His holy niggunim into this world. I hope to be able to follow in the ways of Dovid Hamelech, who said about himself, "ואני תפילה" ("And I am prayer").

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Aunt Rivky for generously sponsoring this song.

Special thanks to Asher, my dear brother, for his outstanding performance. His sweet voice is a joy to listen to, and his encouragement has been invaluable in inspiring me to share my niggunim with the world. His involvement from start to finish has been instrumental in bringing this project to life.

I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to the incredibly talented Nochum Levitan, an exceptional producer, arranger, and musical genius in his own right! His expertise and artistry have elevated this song to new heights.

And lastly, I would like to thank the talented team at I & Me Media - your expertise and dedication are second to none!

I am also forever grateful to my Eishes Chayil for her unwavering courage and support, which has meant the world to me throughout. - Yosef

Friday, September 13, 2024

Nigunei Nefesh - L.O.V.E. Presentation

Rabbi Yaakov Klein imparts uplifting messages with his song Baalei Teshuva, about the essence of what it means to return to Hashem, in Chodesh Elul, and always.

"I Asked Orthodox Jews Who They're Voting For..."

Young asipiring youtuber Nate Friedman interviews orthodox Jews on who they are voting for in the upcoming US elections.

Thursday, September 12, 2024

TYH Presents: Min Hameitzar | Steinmetz & Meisels

This Pasuk “Min HaMetzar” reminds us then even when we feel stuck in a small place, we should ask Hashem to deliver big things for us.

We recite this passuk before blowing the shofar because the shofar’s cry represents our innermost self—the purest part of us that yearns to connect and return to Hashem. Like the shofar, this voice sometimes emerges from a narrow, place, and we ask Hashem to allow it to resonate in a broad, open space, symbolizing clarity and expansiveness of mind.

When words fall short, the shofar becomes our voice, expressing what we cannot put into words—the deep desire to draw close and return to our Source.

TYH Nation Presents

Min Hameitzar - מן המצר
Motty Steinmetz מוטי שטיינמץ | Dovy Meisels דובי מייזעלס

Shir Vashevach Composed by the Blumkowitz Brothers
Produced and Arranged by Mendy Portnoy
Mixed & Mastered by Yaron Safer
Special thanks to Ruvi Banet

Shir V’shevach Boys Choir Arranged & Conducted By: Chaim Meir Fligman
Children’s Choir Recorded At: Master Studios Airmont NY

Artwork Design: Yakov Josephy

Video Credits:
Produced by: Rivkin Media & Mendy Portnoy
Filmed and directed by Shlomo Chaim RIvkin

Producer: Chaya Faistman
Photographer: Itzik Belinsky
Editing and coloring: Shlomo Chaim RIvkin
Location: The Arches

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

IDF Soldiers Families Struggle With Basics Nationwide


Women of Valor, Who Can Find Them?

Their husbands r"l fell in battle in battle defending Israel. Now they struggle with basic needs for their children. How will they survive without? _We know who they are. We know where they are. We know what they need._

Can we leave them alone with their children to fend for themselves?

An official campaign has been launched to support the families of our brave soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect what is most precious to us all. We have boots on the ground working with the utmost sensitivity by the families side. We research what is lacking, aquire and distribute what basics are needed most, and even procure special items that each family specifically requests based upon their unique situations. For some that is a bar or bas mitzvah celebration, for others it is a fan or air conditioner, a handyman to fix up a broken door or a leak, provide missing household items, or even a musical instrument for that special child.

Your donation today assures that these Women of Valor can lead a house with some normalcy and stability, without the scourge of poverty and debt troubling their already heavy hearts hearts. Your help will ensure their children get any additional help they need, learn healthy hobbies from after school programs (chugim), and can keep their heads high. Perhaps most importantly, your participation will let these almanos, mothers of new yesomim know they are not forgotten, they are not alone, and that they are duly acknowledged as the true Women of Valor they are. 

It's what their husbands HYD would have wanted most.

Let us join together, as Am Yisroel, the _Am Kadosh_ . We must not let these families collapse. They gave everything.

Please donate generously. 

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

IDF: Tunnel Where Hostages Were Killed by Hamas

The IDF released new footage of the tunnel where the six hostages were executed by Hamas terrorists on Tuesday evening.

IDF Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari entered the tunnel, "20 meters below, where the hostages were murdered."

Hagari noted that the tunnel shaft "was in a children's room," with pictures of Disney characters such as Snow White and Mickey Mouse on the walls. He stated that there was a "hidden floor" used by the Hams terrorists to conceal the tunnel shaft. "All they needed to do was break the floor and then go out through the children's room, outside to the street, and go back into the tunnel. This is how Hamas built this tunnel."

He climbed down the 20-meter-deep tunnel shaft. The tunnel at the bottom was "so low, you can't stand up straight in it," the IDF Spokesman said. 120 meters in, the tunnel ended at an iron dome, which was where the hostages were held and murdered.

"We know that between 2-6 terrorists were here with the hostages," Hagari said. "We are gathering all the stuff here for forensics, for intelligence."

Magazines for AK-47 assault rifles were found in the tunnel, as were Qurans.

"There were women here in the tunnel," Hagari said, pointing out a large bloodstain on the ground. "This is their blood."

He continued, "This is the blood of Hersh, Eden, Carmel, Ori, Almog, and Alex. They were heroes, and they were here in this tunnel. [Whether] for weeks or days, we will find out. But they were here in this tunnel in horrific conditions, where there is no air to breathe, where you cannot stand. And they survived, but they were murdered by terrorists."

Hagari said, "We are examining the materials and following every lead to track down the terrorists responsible for this heinous murder."

"There are still hostages," he noted, "101. Some of them are still alive, in the same conditions, in tunnels like this in Gaza. And we need to do everything we can, in all means, to bring them back home alive."

"Why murder innocent people?" he asked. "Women, young men. They were all in the music festival, and Carmel was at her home in the kibbutz. Why murder them in a tunnel after they survived eleven months in horrific conditions?"

"We will keep on doing everything we can, everything to bring back home all the hostages," Hagari vowed.

The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters said in a statement in response to the footage, "Tonight's footage from the "Tunnel of Horrors" is shocking. It reveals the horrific conditions endured by Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alex Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, Ori Danino, and Eden Yerushalmi - for 11 months. They were confined in narrow 1.5 meters tall tunnels, deep underground, deprived of air, sanitary conditions and subjected to constant mental and physical abuse before their brutal execution."

"Carmel, Hersh, Alex, Almog, Ori, and Eden suffered until their last breath. They begged to be released, pleaded for their lives. Fought for their lives until their death," the forum stated,

"There are 101 hostages still held in Gaza, enduring unimaginable suffering. Hungry, exhausted, tortured, they cling to a single hope: that we will continue fighting for their freedom. They trust us to bring them home," the statement continued.

"Every day in captivity is eternity. Every day that passes is a danger to their lives, hanging by a thread, at the mercy of terrorists capable of the worst crimes against humanity.

"Time is running out! That light, that hope, cannot die. A deal must be signed NOW!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​" the forum demanded.

Monday, September 09, 2024

Levaya of R' Yeshaya Yakov Portugal Z”l - Skulener Rebbe

Born in Bucharest during a time of great turmoil, Rav Yeshaya Yaakov was a living emblem of resilience and strength. He was the eldest son of Harav Yisrael Avraham Portugal zt”l, and the grandson of Harav Eliezer Zusia Portugal zt”l, both of whom were pillars of the Skulen dynasty.

From a young age, Rav Yeshaya Yaakov exhibited a deep hasmada in Torah and avodas Hashem, a path he would follow with unwavering dedication throughout his life. His early years were marked by the challenges of living under Communist rule, where he witnessed his father and grandfather risking their lives to preserve Yiddishkeit in Romania. This early exposure to sheroism undoubtedly shaped the Rebbe’s own approach to leadership, as he would later inspire and uplift Jews from all walks of life with the same courage and dedication.

After relocating to the United States, the Rebbe continued the work of his illustrious father and grandfather, establishing himself in Boro Park, where he became a magnet for those seeking guidance and brachos. Night after night, a steady stream of chasidim and admirers would gather outside his home, waiting for hours for the opportunity to receive the Rebbe’s brachos and advice. His fatherly compassion and radiant smile were a source of comfort and strength to all who came to him.

His leadership extended well beyond Boro Park, as he also played a pivotal role in supporting the Chessed L’Avraham network of schools in Eretz Yisrael, continuing the work of his father in spreading Torah and chessed to all corners of the world.

The Rebbe was also known for his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness several years ago, an event he often spoke about and publicly thanked Hashem for.

The Rebbe is survived by his brothers, the Skulener Rebbes of Williamsburg, Monsey, Lakewood and Yerushalayim, who carry on the work of the Skulen dynasty, and by his many chasidim who will continue to walk in the path he set out for them.

The Levaya took place at 12:00PM at the Skulener Beis HaMedrish in Boro Park followed by the Kevura at the Viznitzer Beis Hachaim in Monsey.

Touching Chuppah Featuring Lipa Schmeltzer

Eli Levin "Esah Einai" (Shalsheles)

"Esah Einai" origianly recorded by Shalsheles.

Eli Levin turns 40! To commemorate his 40th birthday Eli is releasing a new collection of cover songs under the album name ‘Chaim Sheli’. The album, produced by Mordy Miller and mixed by Aryeh Kunstler, is a beautiful take on existing songs, some old and some more recent. The album was arranged in a way to give a feeling of a live performance, played by musicians that often work with Eli at his events

Sunday, September 08, 2024

Refuah 30 Years

Three Decades at the Top —

But The Future is in Your Hands

30 years is a long time.

A lot has changed since the days of paper maps, cassettes and no cellphones.

But one thing hasn’t changed.

In the mid-1990s, a devoted Mrs. Landau pioneered a new field of chesed, stepping up to provide guidance, referrals and support for Cholei Yisroel under the ‘Refuah Helpline’ banner.

Armed with nothing but a telephone and fierce determination, she set out — and succeeded — to positively transform the experience of patients and families by pairing them with the best and most prompt care available in the world of medicine.

Today, it is hard to imagine a world without Refuah Helpline, with hundreds of Yidden calling in daily for assistance big or small. Every single caller receives world-class guidance and support, with the group’s dozens of case workers taking over each case and standing beside the patient until the ordeal is safely behind them BEZ”H.

In the three decades since its founding, Refuah Helpline’s one constant has been a singular focus to achieve the results that every patient in need deserves. Even when hope appeared minimal or doctors predicted the worst, the team put their heads down and kept their eyes up in pursuit of the ultimate result — a refuah shleimah!

From referrals to research, advocating to expediting, and transfers to transplants this has been and is the only objective of these world-class efforts — with remarkable effect, which many thousands can attest to.

But the proud past and present cannot predict the future on its own. To ensure that Klal Yisroel can continue to rely on this life-saving service in the years to come will require the community to contribute the millions of dollars necessary to support the extensive operations across multiple office locations.

For thirty years, Refuah Helpline has been there for us. Let us be there for Refuah Helpline — and for each other — during this crucial hour.

In this zechus, we will ensure that our homes will be filled with health, wellness and abundant brachos.