Page 24 - Jewish News_may2021

24 May 2021 JEWISH INTEREST

Being grateful: “America the Beautiful/Oseh Shalom”
K’zohar Ha-Ivrit

and “This Land is Your Land” Zahav – Gold

By Arlene Stolnitz
ately, like many others, I have 1995, he formed the Jewish rock band justice in this land.” It is interesting to see the technol-
been thinking a lot about what Eighteen and co-founded Shulhouse Az ikh ver elter ogy used in each of the videos. The
Lis important to me. The pan- Rock, a song-leading workshop for Dos iz mayn kholem: performers have recorded their songs
demic has caused many of us to ex- Jewish high-school students. He per- Ikh vintsh far kinder separately, and then had them com-
amine our priorities more closely. For forms around the world serving in con- A velt mit sholem bined to create a finished product. It’s
some, material things have become gregations and camps in addition to A land fin lernen amazing technology in the time of
less important as BBYO and NIFTY conferences. A land fin mentchlekheyt the pandemic and another example of
we have become The recording of “America the Dos land is dayne dos iz mayn innovation arising out of a stressful
more reflective Beautiful” coupled with “Oseh Sha- (As I grow older time.
during this pro- lom” is a beautiful reminder of how This is my dream: “America the Beautiful/Oseh Sha-
longed period. precious the country we live in is, and I wish for children lom” and “This Land” can be found on
Personally, I have all with stunning images from around A world of peace YouTube.
come to appreci- the nation. The surprise during the A land for learning Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sara-
ate many things second part of the recording in hear- A land of humanity sota Jewish Chorale, is a member of
I have taken for ing “Oseh Shalom” sung to the tune This land is yours and this is mine.) the Jewish Congregation of Venice. A
granted. This has of “America the Beautiful.” As ex- In the video of “This Land” on retired educator from Rochester, New Dr. Rachel Dulin
Arlene Stolnitz led me to think pressed by Cantor Marci Vitkus of YouTube, be sure to notice the cool York, she has sung in choral groups
about why our forefathers came here. the Jewish Congregation of Venice: map of the United States with names of for over 25 years and also sings in
What motivated them to take that ar- “Brilliant!” states written in Yiddish. “Guide to the The Venice Chorale. Her interest in
duous journey, giving up family and Next, the song “This Land is Your U.S. for Jewish Immigrants,” the map the preservation of Jewish music of
friends, for a better way of life? Land” by Woody Guthrie is unlike the is available at the National Museum all kinds has led to this series of ar-
All of this has guided me to two protest song we remember from the of American Jewish History (NMAJH ticles on Jewish Folk Music in the
songs that I recently heard, each very past. This version is sung in Yiddish! Museum Store) website at judaicashop. Diaspora.
different, but each expressing a similar If you recall, Guthrie wrote his song in net for $14.95.
sentiment. the ’40s as a criticism of Irving Ber-
“America the Beautiful/Oseh Sha- lin’s “God Bless America.” Although
REWARDS
lom” is performed by two talented not Jewish himself, but with a Jewish Point your cell camera at this QR code Point your cell camera at this QR code REWARDS
musicians: Dan Nichols, vocalist and mother in-law, Guthrie often wrote UP TO
STOPPERS
guitarist, and Elana Arian, who is fea- songs on Jewish themes. STOPPERS UP TO
tured on vocals and violin. Daniel Kahn, punk-klezmer musi- $ 3000 $ 3000
Dan, who lives in Raleigh, North cian, has taken Guthrie’s ballad, which Pd by CSTF of Sarasota County sarasota crimestoppers.com sarasota crimestoppers.com
of Sarasota County
Pd by CSTF Pd by CSTF
Carolina, has had a legendary career often was thought of as radical, and put THAT LEAD TO AN ARREST THAT LEAD TO AN ARREST
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in the world of Jewish music, but a Jewish spin on the verse. His Yiddish 941-366-TIPS
what impressed me the most about version is written in “solidarity with
SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING!
SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING!
him was his desire to have a meaning- Indigenous, Black and immigrant voic- SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING!
ful connection with Jewish youth. In es calling for power, reparation and

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