Notes from Cantor Avima

One of the reasons I have been enjoying writing this series of blog articles is that I learning more about some of my favorite Israeli singers and song writers. I have always loved Chava Alberstein. She is truly one of the "Greats" who has been around for decades. She was born in Poland (1946) and immigrated to Israel with her parents when she was four years old in 1950. She started her musical career in 1964 and has released over 60 albums in Hebrew, English and notably Yiddish. I am not sure I can think of another Israeli artist who has focused as much on Yiddish songs. Here she is singing the well known song, Dona, Dona. Her Yiddish enunciation is so clear that you can make out words even with very little knowledge of Yiddish.   Dona, Dona Chava Alberstein

I learned as I wrote this that Chava Alberstein collaborated with The Klezmatics on an album released in 1998. She is considered to be one of Israel's greatest folk singers, but started composing her own songs in 1980. I found this wonderful video on YouTube where she performs in Berlin with The Klezmatics and Peter Yarrow! Alle Brider/Where Have All the Flowers Gone/Mi Haish Chava, The Klezmatics and Peter Yarrow

Americans may recognize Chava's voice in the song "Machar/Tomorrow" written by Naomi Shemer. Machar/Tomorrow              I wrote a bit about the song "Lu Yehi" by Naomi Shemer in a previous article, but it was Chava Alberstein's performance you might know the best. The video link includes an interesting note about the second stanza and a good translation of the lyrics. Lu Yehi Chava Alberstein. 

Chava Alberstein did not shy away from all kinds of social issues, feminism, equality and notably advocating for Arab-Israeli unity. Her very controversial song "Had Gadya" , written in 1989 when the Israeli army was in Lebanon, was banned from Israeli radio until pressure from the public prevailed. It is now a standard song that is played in the weeks leading up to Passover. It opens with the traditional words of the song Had Gadya which is a song about the cycle  oppressors being vanquished by stronger powers. It culminates with "The Holy One Blessed Be He (GOD)" as the supreme power. Chava turned this song into a reflection about oppressors and the oppressed and she finally asks: "Ma Nishtana? /What has changed"? She answers, "I have changed". It is a haunting song Here is the song with English translation: Had Gadya Chava Alberstein

Chava also recorded several childrens songs. According to Josh Hartuv of The Times of Israel, she was "one of Israel's first pop stars to record multiple albums for children."  You might recognize this one: L'dod Moshe She did have two children, a daughter, Meira born in 1972 and a son, Uri born in 1977. 

One of the songs I revisited when preparing to write this article, is a haunting song, called "Shir Tishrei". The lyrics are by the poet Rachel Shapira and the melody by Dany Amihud. It describes the  the harbingers of the Fall and the mood in the days leading to Rosh Hashanah. Here is the translation and  a link to Chava Alberstein singing the song. I am haunted by the last few words: "Come home quickly", those words seem to be infused with new meaning this year as we get closer to the one year anniversary of 10/7 and our longing for the return of the hostages. 

The sky is changing before the eyes of the farmers. The neighbors are getting ready for the Days of Awe. Somebody is thinking of you and writing down your deeds. Come home quickly with the cool wind.

Mandarins ripen in their orchards in their time. The teachers cough and go to bed early. I've already seen a wagtail bird, maybe I just imagined it, another heatwave ended yesterday, summer vacation just ended. 

"What will happen and what will pass" ask the reporters, as along highway 2 the seasquills stand straight. In the evening newspapers, what does the headline say? Come home quickly with the cool wind. Come home quickly. 

 A Song for Tishrei / Chava Alberstein