Still I Believe

for all my life

I have been told

that there's a man who has been chosen for a role

he doesn't move 

until the day 

when he'll be beckoned from the shadows where he waits

it cannot be

ill never see

what is the first of any promise made to me

not just a dream

or fantasy

but it's a truth that will become reality

still i believe

still i believe

still i believe

that we are absolutely closer than before

still i believe 

still i believe

that moshiach is now standing by that door

still i believe

im not afraid

to say the words

cuz ani ma'amin means that I still have my faith

it's not a choice

to let it go

its when belief is gone that one can never know

I know ill see

Serenity

We're in the final days when everything's been done

So now I pray

That all these tears

Will wash away when he will finally arrive   

still i believe

still i believe

still i believe

that we are absolutely closer than before

still i believe

still i believe

that moshiach is now standing by that door

still i believe

For all my life

no matter what

no matter what

i'll keep the dream alive and burning in my heart

No matter what

no matter what 

there's not a chance I'll give it up, i'll give up

cuz i believe

still i believe

still i believe

still i believe

that we are absolutely closer than before  

still i believe

still i believe

that moshiach is now standing by that door

still i believe

Get It Here

Women's Spa Night in North Carolina!

I've been making up for lost time. We hit the road again last week and headed south for a ten hour drive. Although it was a big trip, was I secretly thrilled to pack my rugged cowboy boots and get my twang on? Totally.

In one of my songs, I sing the words "Last weekend I found time to get my nails done...". This week I actually sang in a nail salon, out in North Carolina. I was greeted with true southern hospitality by the wonderful Shlucha Hindy Plotkin who pretty much single handedly pulled together a beautiful pampering night for the sweet women in her community. Albeit, most of the women were from out of town and totally not 'Southern' we connected. It was a special night y'all (even though it turns out we were in North Carolina not South...).

Back to (Back) Singing!

As a frum singer, my work is seasonal. Detract the obvious 3 weeks and Sefirah, include the quiet June-August summer months when people are away, add the 2 big holiday months, Tishrei and Pesach,  and throw in a pregnancy or 3, and you're left with only a few dates that work all around. That said, I am thrilled and grateful to Hashem when I have concerts booked back to back, like I had the last few weeks. 

First was the Bais Shmuel Melava Malka in the home of Chavi Lebovic, a salad chef and hostess with the mostess. Chani gave a great presentation about preparing gorgeous and delicious salads and even though she commented to me that she was "uncomfortable speaking" she did a great job. (I told her not to worry cuz I am "uncomfortable cooking"). It was a cozy night, the kind that leaves you warm and tingly like a nice glass of white wine (see left of picture, there was plenty to go around...).

Chani prepared al of these salads and set up this table. Amazing. I couldn't manage that without breaking a serious sweat. Or at all.

Next was off to Miami for the Nshei Chabad Chof Bet Shvat gathering.

What was especially unusual about this series of concerts was the diversity of the audiences. From the gals in my Shul to my hometown in Miami Beach, the next gig was in front of my childhood, literally. There was my first grade teacher Mrs Bogerod, my elementary school principal Mrs Mermelli, my lovely and adorable aunt Goldie Tenenhaus who brought my favorite great aunt Tanteh Blanka (!!!) plus bunch of old friends from my Florida days. We sang and danced in the gorgeous home of my friend Peri who lives mamash ON the water, I kid you not. I learned a thing or two from the panel of speakers that included Aunt Goldie and old friend Tzippy Lehr. I am always extra thrilled and humbled when I can pick up a spark of inspiration and humor from the wise women who speak at such gatherings. It was a powerful, special night!

 

The next stop was the gorgeous West Palm Beach where Hindel Levitin (nee Deitch) lives with her 4 little daughters. On Shlichus, she hosted a magnificent program for the women in her community that included a silent auction, desert buffet and inspiring video about great women through the ages.
We had a grand ol' time and although it was hard to see through the spotlight I could hear the laughter and feel the tears. I also managed to grab 2 of the adorable glasses Hindel had printed with my name and a picture of a guitar! Best take-away EVER

 

The 4th stop of my musical tour, was the glorious Bas Mitzvah of Yakira Rosen. I'll let the pictures do the speaking. (Let's put it this way, I hope one day to have the beautiful family the Rosens do. It was awe-inspiring. Yakira is a very lucky girl to say the least.)

Last but not least was a Kumzits with the girls in Chaya Eidel Seminary in Hallendale. Sigh, to be a teenager again...

And no that is not a little sem girl. It's my Yaffa trying to glean some attention while I try to keep a straight face...Regards from Florida. (Look closely, it's a pretty funny picture...)

A "Chazaka" in Monroe.

Three times I've sung for the women of Woodridge, Monroe now. First time (I can't find the pictures this minute, probably on a hard drive, certainly in a photo book somewhere), second time and now again this summer. I told them straight up that it's officially a "chazaka" and I am stuck with them forever and ever. Luckily they didn't seem too concerned about that which is good, cuz I love them all too. Some pictures and a little video.

Rockin' The Boat!

I haven't been updating the blog, pretty busy with some other projects (one that may or may not be a 100 page photo book of my 2011-2012) but the last few concerts have been too good not to share. This week was a the ATime Fundraiser on the Cornucopia Princess. The ship was taken out to sea (ok, ok to RIVER) to host 250 women from all corners of Monroe, Williamsburg and Boro Park. It was a gorgeous night on the water and while the women were seltzered and dined, I had a change to take a mini vacation on the top deck of the boat. It was glorious! Too bad bedtime for my little 'uns falls right bout the same time as sunset every night. 

The fundraiser was hosted by a fabulous group of women who while I do bedtime, are arranging Gemilus Chasadim for countless grateful Jewish women going through infertility. One woman shared her story, and the the letter she wrote to her premie baby, that had all of us in tears before the main course was even served. All I can think was "Mi K'Amcha Yisroel" who care for one another like we do!  Then there was a comedienne that jumped in to get everyone back in the mood and then I took over and got the ladies singing and dancing. I don't think I can adequately describe what it feels like to sing to so many elegant ladies (think pearls and scarves) so upclose and personally. There was not much space for a "stage" but the Chasidishe crowd is always super warm and excited and I feel right at home with them. It was a great time and before I knew it we were docked and it was all over. I got a few blurry pics of on my ipad I can share but otherwise, you really had to be there to experience the magic of the night. 

 We moved a lot of cds to say the least...

After debarking there was a line to get cds. I was inside but a friend emailed me this awesome picture.

Last night I got an invitation to sing in Monroe next week. What can I say, these women know how to have a good time;-). A great way to wrap up a peaceful New York summer. (I have mentioned once or twice how obsessed I am with summer in Brooklyn right?). I leave you with a video clip and a picture of me a "sister and a favorite friend".