Notes from Cantor Avima

     I cannot conceive a seder without a lot of songs. When I scroll through my memories of seders past, as far back as my childhood all kinds of images appear in my mind's eye.  The seder table with all of its ritual objects and  place settings. We even had these great glasses collected from the Barton candy company which I still have to this day. Even though I have been a vegetarian from the age of 18, I can still conjure up the smell of the brisket and all the delicious food being cooked. But, it is probably the sounds of the seder that evoke the strongest memories. There was always a struggle between my father (a Rabbi who intoned rather than "sang") and the rest of us who constantly interrupted his changing by inserting every song we knew.  My mother would often be in the kitchen within earshot and would make her presence known by jumping into the dining room to sing with us. She loved the singing. 

      I suspect that these days, there is less emphasis on singing. I worry that many families are satisfied with singing Ma NIshtana and Dayeinu but that most of the other "songs" have fallen by the wayside in spite of all the resources at our fingertips. So, I thought I would suggest a challenge that your preparation this year not only include cleaning, shopping and cooking, but a commitment to learning a few songs to add to your seder. There are so many resources on youtube and even on the usual streaming services. Here is part one of  list of a few singable texts and youtube links to get you started. As well, did you know Rabbi Rudin recorded many seder songs on our own website? Use the following link and scroll all the way down below the Shabbat recordings. Seder Songs

     Meanwhile, here are some youtube links for the most common songs, many of these videos include subtitles. Just pick one or two to learn for this year's seder! Listen while you cook your matzah balls!  

       Kadesh Urchatz - Order of the Seder

       Kadesh Urchatz - with handmotions!

       Kiddush for Passover - Velvel Pasternak

       Ha Lachma Anya

       Avadim Hayinu sung by Debbie Friedman

       Avadim Hayinu with captions

       V'hee She'amda sing by Cantor Jack Chomsky

       Baruch Hamakom