Jewish Music Review - The First all Jewish Music News Site

8th Day - All you got

2012-05-18T10:50:00.001-04:00

8th Day is back! with The follow up to their smash hit Chasing Prophecy featuring Ya’alili is almost here. Their upcoming album is titled All You Got and will feature brand new tracks

The album has song titles like Didan and Mazel Tov as well as such titles as The Money Room and “Bounce”.

Moshe Hecht to Perform at CitiFeild and Parade to Celebrate Israel with New Yorkers

2012-05-17T22:47:00.000-04:00

Just seven months after the release of his debut album "Heart is Alive," Chassidic singer-songwriter Moshe Hecht will be performing in two New York events celebrating the Holy Land.

When the New York Mets host "Celebrate Israel Night" on May 30th, Hecht and his band will be performing for scores of fans and Israel supporters in a pre-game jam. Then, on Sunday June 3rd, Hecht and his band will perform on the main float (hosted by event organizers JCRC - NY) at the Israeli Day Parade.

"I'm humbled," says Hecht about being chosen to perform at these large-scale New York events,"Not only do we get to perform at CitiField and on a float of all things, we get to help our city celebrate and support Israel by simply doing what we love."

To purchase tickets to the game, go to Mets.com/Israel.

To sit together with friends and fans of Moshe email tickets@moshehecht.com

Eytan - Shir Lama’alot (Single Release)

2012-05-17T22:42:00.000-04:00

Every so often a new name emerges onto the Jewish Music scene. Some hang around for a bit, while others make their way into a successful career.

There’s no doubt that Eytan will be amongst the latter.

In just a short time, Eytan has already attracted the attention of some of Jewish Music’s greatest personalities, and now with the release of his brand new single “Shir Lama’alot” he’s sure to make waves the world over. After his huge success on Israeli radio with his hit duet song with Gad Elbaz "The Truth", Eytan went back into the studio to start working on his debut album. The album doesn't yet have an official release date, but he brings us another taste of what to anticipate.

The composition is a ballad, and brings out the emotion & clarity in this young talented artists’ voice. Eytan brings to us in this song his sense of original style that has rarely been touched in Jewish Music.

VIN: World Premiere Preview of Lipa’s Leap of Faith

2012-05-11T12:30:00.000-04:00

Rockland County, NY - With the release of chasidic superstar/entertainer Lipa Schmeltzer’s new album just days away, Lipa is giving fans a small taste of what to expect when his new album, titled Leap of Faith, hits the stores in just over a week.

“This is just a short video preview,” Lipa told VIN News. “But I wanted to give people a chance to hear a little bit of what I am hoping will be an unbelievable album.”

Continuing to blaze new trails in the Jewish music business, Lipa is turning Leap of Faith not only into a collector’s item but also into a giant raffle ticket. Each copy of the CD will be personally autographed and hand numbered by Lipa. The numbers on the album will be used for a raffle to be held several

weeks after the album release, with two winners being chosen: one will win a guest appearance by Lipa at an upcoming simcha, while the other will receive one of Lipa’s trademark bekeshes, worn by the singer at several shows.

Lipa’s signature will appear not on the actual disc, which has yet to be printed, but on the accompanying booklet that will be in the CD case.

“I literally spend hours every night signing these albums,” Lipa told VIN News. “I wanted people to think ‘How did Lipa have time to do this?’ I want people to know that the amount of time it took me to sign these albums seems endless, but it still doesn’t come close to the amount of time it takes for an artist to produce an album.”

Lipa admitted that he has devoted a considerable amount of time every night, not in the recording studio, but in his home signing albums as a way of giving something back to his fans.
“I think my hand is about to fall off,” admitted Lipa. “But I wanted to show my appreciation to every single person who supports Jewish music and have an even more personal connection with my listeners.”

Lipa’s decision to personally autograph each album is just another innovative idea from the entertainer who is as well known for his out of the box thinking as he is for his colorful attire and ever changing glasses.

“Lipa always brings something unique to the table,” said Sruly Meyer, director of marketing and design at Aderet Music, distributor of the album. “People love to have something special from an artist that they can actually hold in their hands. What could be better than this?”

Matisyahu - Sunshine (NEW SONG)

2012-05-09T20:23:00.001-04:00

Matisyahu has announced the details of his fourth studio album Spark Seeker, which drops July 17 via his own label Fallen Sparks Records. Produced by Kool Kojak the album features 13 tracks recorded in Los Angeles, New York and Israel. You can check out the first single, “Sunshine,”

New FREE Single: Sruly Green - Odan Olam

2012-05-09T20:15:00.000-04:00

For the very first time, the new talented Chassidic singer Sruly Green is here to release his single “Adon Olam”.

This amazing pop funky song was composed by Sruly himself

with music arrangements done by Chesky Breuer a new star in the music arrangement field.

the Recording, mix, and master was done by the one and only Ian Freitor at The Playground Studios.in staten island NY.

This single is something fresh and new to the Jewish music world!

Download it for FREE! listen and enjoy!

https://www.box.com/s/47abed9aefaaa9785c6d

A.K.A. PELLA V HAS ARRIVED!!!

2012-05-03T17:37:00.000-04:00

Well Fans! It’s FINALLY HERE! By this evening ALL STORES on the East Coast will have the new album A.K.A. Pella V. You want details? What more can we say that hasn’t already been said. They do their own version of the worldwide craze “Ya’alili” highlighting in hilarious and typical “cutting edge” A.K.A.Pella fashion some of the more well known and laugh out loud differences within the cultures of Ashkenaz and Sefard. It has been said that for this song alone it would be worth it to buy the CD… but there so much here to talk about it’s difficult to cram it all in to this tiny little paragraph. Five of the songs on this non stop, “somebody pinch me, I can’t believe this is acappella!” feature medleys (containing more than 1 song), each one with a unique chap or twist that tie all the song together. For example, for the TGIF Medley II,(all songs dedicated to different parts of Shabbos), A.K.A Pella uses 4 of the hottest songs out there today that will completely transfix you once you hear the first series of “drum” and insanely rhythmic “guitar” beats. This song sucks you in and is so positively catchy it is addicting and we guarantee you will be listening to the entire song (and especially the aishes chayil portion of the song) again and again and again and again. With each track arguably better than the next you will be hard pressed to choose a favorite. And to add to the craziness, they have done something unprecedented on a Jewish music CD… outtakes! As well some hilarious bonus material that didn’t quite make it onto the album but that they still included for you to enjoy. So run not walk to your nearest Judaica/Music store/Website and grab your copy today!

Shir Soul - "Salaam" (a cappella) Music Video

2012-05-03T09:49:00.000-04:00

A child of the New York suburbs, David Ross began to cultivate his musical talents at an early age. While a student at Ardsley High School, David was the lead singer and guitarist in the Saw Mill River Band, a rock group he formed with three childhood friends. The band went on to record an album, David’s first, and he was forever hooked on music.

Having reconnected with his Jewish roots as a teenager, David sought to incorporate the soul and passion of his musical youth into his Jewish faith. Nearly 10 years later, his first solo album, entitled “The Power To Be”, realized that goal. Originally featured on the all-star compilation album Voices for Israel, benefiting victims of terror, “The Power To Be” has since appeared on radio, in concert and on DVD.

A fusion of heart-pounding backbeats and driving rhythms with soulful vocals and evocative lyrics, David's music is an eclectic mix of rock, pop & soul. His powerful new sound captivates and energizes audiences, reaching deep into the Jewish soul.
The music is dynamic; the message is compelling.

Having inspired audiences all over the world, from major US cities like New York, Miami, Detroit, LA and Chicago, to international destinations and exotic locations such as London, Aruba, Melbourne, Cancun and Jerusalem, David decided to start Shir Soul orchestra & singers in 2005 in order to bring his sound and style to a wider audience.

After completing a rigorous audition and rehearsal process, David assembled the talent for Shir Soul orchestra & singers, and the group has been performing ever since.

Dov Katz and Sruly Meyer Return! The All New Jewish Music Show

2012-05-02T12:16:00.000-04:00

Dov Katz and Sruly Meyer return! It's The Jewish Music Show, With Dov and Sruly. The duo that brought you the Sameach Music Podcast are back with an all new show. This Jewish Music show will have the same fun back and forth Dov and Sruly first brought to the scene years ago. With breaking news, exclusive previews, artist interviews, contests, tons of great Jewish Music, and of course many discissions on Cholent.

Episode #1 will feature a world exclusive premiere of A.K.A. Pella 5's Ya'alili. This is one song you will have to hear for yourself, don't assume it's the same old Ya'alili. We also speak to C.D. Eichler, Mr. A.K.A. Pella who discusses some of the exciting things this CD has that you wouldn't expect to find on a CD. We play new songs from all the hot new a cappella albums including Ari Goldwag's A Cappella Soul, Y-Studs, Sfirish, Amein V'Amein Vocal, Yisroel Amar, Maccabeats, Yeshiva Boys Choir and a restored cantorial piece from Od Yosef Chai: Shabbos Collection. Be sure to listen for the contest where you could win one of two CD's, for more info check out TheJewishMusicShow.com

The Yeshiva Boys Choir - "Amein" (A Cappella)

2012-05-01T17:46:00.000-04:00

"Amein"
The Yeshiva Boys Choir
Composed, Arranged, Produced & Background Vocals (including Vocal Bass & Vocal Drums) performed by: Eli Gerstner (EG Productions)
Video Directed, Filmed & Edited by: Mendy Leonorovitz (On Time Studios)
Additional Video Editing by: Ari Abramovitz
Choir Conducted & Choreography by: Yossi Newman
Vocals Recorded & Edited @ EG Studios NY/NJ by: Eli Gerstner & Yossi Newman
Mixed & Mastered @ Gater Music, inc. - Fairlawn, NJ by: Larry Gates

כל מי שעונה אמן בעולם הזה, זוכה ועונה אמן לעולם הבא. דברים רבה

Whoever answers Amen in this world, will merit to answer Amen in the world to come.

Deuteronomy Rabbah

Ari Goldwag - Hashem Loves You A Cappella Music Video

2012-05-01T17:17:00.002-04:00

Sticker graphic link: http://www.arigoldwag.com/HashemLovesYouSticker.jpg

Composition and lyrics by Ari Goldwag Vocals by Ari Goldwag and Sheves Chaverim

Produced by Aderet Music and AG Productions Filmed, Directed and Edited by Yirmiyahu Vann

The music in this and all the songs from the A Cappella soul album are made entirely from the voice and mouth

Order of solos:
Shlomo Lipman, Zev Sheff, Yair Frohlich, Ari Goldwag, Baruch Sheff
Additional background vocals: Yair Frohlich

Lyrics:

Sometimes you're feeling down,
Things haven't gone your way.
So you're looking all around
To find someone who'll save the day.
There's one Place you can turn,
He'll never turn you back.
When you look to Hashem
You're always back on track.

Chorus:
'Cause Hashem loves you,
You're His greatest pride.
Yes, Hashem loves you,
He's always by your side.
You can see it too,
All the good you have inside.
It's up to you,
All you need is to decide.

One thing you've got to know,
Is no matter what you do
No strings are attached
To the love Hashem will show to you.
Just got to hold on tight,
Put your trust in Him,
Keep your head held high,
Let your soul just start to sing.

Chorus

You'll walk a different walk,
With confidence in your stride,
When you think of Hashem's love
And you know you're always on His mind.
There's a light you've got to shine,
A job no one else can do,
Hashem's given you the tools,
Now the rest comes down to you.

Chorus

(Melody & Lyrics © 2012 Ari Goldwag)

Available Now: Od Yosef Chai: Shabbos Collection

2012-04-16T10:10:00.000-04:00

Aderet Music is proud to present "Od Yosef Chai Volume 6", the most recent treasure of those magnificent everlasting musical pieces sung by Yossele Rosenblatt, the king of all Cantors, featuring selections from the entire Shabbos. All songs were masterfully restored using cutting edge technology, without removing any of the original audio. Here we present you with a small taste of those selections, the renowned song "Rom Venisa"

A Jewish Star Winner Dovid Moskovits Adon Olam Music Video

2012-04-05T22:25:00.001-04:00

From the 2012 Winner of the Jewish Star International Music Competition comes a first musical release - the music video of his recent award-winning song. Filmed by Danny Finkelman, the film captures Dovid Moskovits on a journey - spiritual and practical - to meet the Sofer and receive his tefillin. The story follows Dovid from his house in Kew Garden Hills, NY through the streets of ethnic Williamsburg as he journeys to the Sofer's workshop. The shots of the Sofer, working diligently at his task tell the story of an ancient and mystical craft.

The moving film captures the spirit of a 12 year old boy on a quest to achieve manhood and prepare for his Bar Mitzvah. And the building intensity of the moment in his life - for which he is preparing. Dovid's intense performance draws the listener in with the heartfelt feeling of gratitude he expresses to the God of the Universe every step of the way - in his journey to the Sofer, in his journey to his Bar Mitzvah and in his journey through life.

Co-produced by Zvika Bornstein Music by Nochi Krohn Cinematography by Mauricio Arenas and Yosuke Hosoi Produced and Directed by Danny Finkelman

Ari Goldwag: A Cappela Soul Cover and Preview!

2012-04-05T13:19:00.000-04:00

Aderet is excited to announce a new CD featuring Ari Goldag, Sheves Achim, Sheves Chavreim and special guest Moshe Dov Goldwag. The new CD, "A Cappela Soul".

Over the last few years, Ari Goldwag has released a number of A Capella singles which have garnered much interest during the sefirah season. Now, he is set to release a very special A Capella album featuring thirteen songs, ten of which have never before been released in the A capella format. The album includes a number of big hits from the albums Sheves Achim and Sheves Chaverim, as well as songs from Ari’s own albums. Both Sheves Chaverim and Sheves Achim will appear on the album, as well as special appearances by Goldwag’s son, Moshe Dov.

Three brand new songs will be featured on this album, two of which are specially for the album; one of them is from Ari’s upcoming album, which is scheduled for release at the end of the summer. The new a cappela CD will be available through Aderet Music

Baryo "Or Halevono" new Music Video

2012-04-03T08:32:00.000-04:00

Baryo lights up the moon with a new Music video

between show to show & wedding to wedding the young singer Baryo chakshur found time just a few hours to Be photographed for a new & interesting clip of one of his greater hits from the album Or Hlevono" - that was selected one of the greatest hits of the past year" .out of the album put out last summer The clip was filmed in several places in jerusalem And during some Scene's Of the prayer of "קידוש לבנה" Were directed as its the topic of the song , that As aforesaid became a big hit . the song is composed of words from the prayer with a verse that the Sages of Israel used to relate to the Virtue of the "לבנה" to the days of the "משיח" .

thus Baryo closes the cycle with his premier album the was a great Success World wide with Thousands of copies sold on cd's & i tunes .
Now baryo is moving forward & Currently working on more projects With new names in the jewish music industry .

the clip was produced by : from israel who has already produced (A few Successful Hasidic clip's (lapidos,piamenta,& more that were published recently

Video

Brand New A Cappela Group! Y-Studs

2012-03-28T23:25:00.001-04:00

The A Capella season is upon us and Aderet music is honored to introduce the debut album from a group you will soon be hearing a lot about! The Y-Studs, are yet another group to come from Yeshiva University, and have performed at venues across the US for over 2 years. The Y-Studs are a diverse group hailing from various musical backgrounds. Together, their individual sounds mesh to form rich harmonies and a luscious sound. Their upcoming debut album “Take me Home” is set to be released on April 2nd, 2012 through Aderet Music, and will be available online to download through MostlyMusic.com.

In honor of the upcoming release, the Y-Studs are offering you a FREE download of the song “Bilvavi” which will be featured on the CD. All you have to do is enter your name and email address to receive the FREE track. Like the Y-Studs on Facebook for more updates.

PESACH MATZOH & MORE: Yerachmiel Begun & MIAMI Boys Choir & UNCLE MOISHY & BELLO

2012-03-26T18:19:00.000-04:00

PESACH MATZOH & MORE
Yerachmiel Begun & MIAMI Boys Choir & UNCLE MOISHY & BELLO
MONSEY
Monday, 1st Day Chol Hamoed, April 9th
The Atrium, Monsey, NY
401 W Route 59
SHOWTIMES: 1PM & 3PM
TICKET OUTLETS: Tuvia’s & Feldheim
For more information call: 845-499-6313
BROOKLYN
Tuesday, 2nd Day Chol Hamoed, April 10
Shulamith High School
1277 East 14th Street, Brooklyn
SHOWTIMES: 12:30pm, 2:30pm & 4:30pm
TICKET OUTLETS: Hi Tech200 & Eichlers of Flatbush
For more information call 718-490-5361
LAKEWOOD
Wednesday, 3rd Day of Chol Hamoed, April 11
Lake Terrace
1690 Oak Street Lakewood, NJ
SHOWTIMES: 1pm & 3pm
TICKET OUTLETS: Judaica Plaza & Torah Treasures
For more information call 848-480-5070
5 TOWNS
Thursday, 4th Day Chol Hamoed, April 12
TAG
44 Beach 6th Street
SHOWTIMES: 11am & 1pm

TICKET OUTLET: Judaica Plus
For more information call 718-854-6902

TICKET PRICES: $15, $20 & $28 VIP
Tickets Available At: JewishTickets.com

"A Jewish Star" Finale concert 2012 video

2012-03-25T19:22:00.002-04:00

Filmmaker Danny Finkelman got exclusive video of the Jewish Star Finale Show 2012. What did Choni Goldman's grandmother root for, which composer foresaw Dovid Moskovits' win, what irked Avrohom Fried and which finalist came with pills. The best moments of the most anticipated and talked about show of the year.

Baryo lights up the moon with a new clip

2012-03-22T10:02:00.001-04:00

Baryo lights up the moon with a new clip between show to show & wedding to wedding the young singer Baryo chakshur found time just a few hours to Be photographed for a new & interesting clip of one of his greater hits from the album Or Hlevono" - that was selected one of the greatest hits of the past year" .out of the album put out last summer The clip was filmed in several places in jerusalem And during some Scene's Of the prayer of "קידוש לבנה" Were directed as its the topic of the song , that As aforesaid became a big hit . the song is composed of words from the prayer with a verse that the Sages of Israel used to relate to the Virtue of the "לבנה" to the days of the "משיח" . thus Baryo closes the cycle with his premier album the was a great Success World wide with Thousands of copies sold on cd's & i tunes . Now baryo is moving forward & Currently working on more projects With new names in the jewish music industry . the clip was produced by : from israel who has already produced (A few Successful Hasidic clip's (lapidos,piamenta,& more) that were published recently . the clip is at this moment in the editing rooms & is Planned To be released in the coming days

Goldman, Moskovitz, Win Jewish Star

2012-03-20T16:02:00.000-04:00

A sold out crowd filled Brooklyn College on Monday night for the live finals show of "A Jewish Star" international Jewish singing competition.

After much anticipation and strong performances on stage, Choni Goldman of Johannesburg, South Africa, was chosen as the Jewish Star 2012.

The feeling in the room was electric and fans watched with bated breath as the three finalists were chosen from the first round of performances - Moshe Biton of Teveryah, Choni Goldman of Johannesburg and Shimi Marcovich of Mexico.

In the final round of performances Choni Goldman was chosen as the Jewish Star winner by judges Avrohom Fried, Eli Gerstner,Yossi Green and Mendy Pellin.

Dovid Moskovitz of Flushing, NY, was chosen as the junior winner who wowed the judges and the crowd with an upbeat version of Adon Olam.

"I've been involved in music since I was 2 or 3," he recalled before the show. "I never took voice lessons, but I think I have what it takes to be the next Jewish Star. Music is in my soul."

Superstar Lipa Schmeltzer had the crowd on their feet with hits including "hentelach" and "abi m'lebt."

"This was not around when I was young," Lipa said. "It's so amazing that Jewish Star gives everyone who wants a chance."

Goldman was handed his prize - keys to a new car, by Eli Furstand Abe Greenbaum of Plaza Auto Leasing. He also wins a single produced by Eli Gerstner and will perform on the Chabad Telethon in Hollywood, California, this September.

The show ended with excited fans crowding the stage to congratulate Goldman and Moskovitz on their win.

"It was an amazing event," said one excited audience member. "Jewish Star is such a powerful and important medium for Jewish music worldwide."

A Jewish Star singing competiton is sponsored by:
Diamond Dynamics LLC, Kosher.com, Gourmetglatt.com, Joy of Kosher – Joyofkosher.com, Plaza Auto Leasing, Kosherica Cruises, Elite Sterling, Eichler’s Judaica, Milano Wigs, Aderet Music, Jewpon.com, VIP Israel, Tribul Merchant Services, Shabbat.com and COLlive.com.
Concert Chairman: Duddi Farkash of Farkash Financial and Rosinger & Associates

A Jewish Star Reality: Episode #3 - Rehearsals

2012-03-18T18:33:00.002-04:00

For tickets for the grand show on Monday, March 19 at Brooklyn College visit AJewishStar.com
To order by phone or group sales call: 718-677-1010

Monday, March 19th at Brooklyn College.

For tickets go to www.AJewishStar.com or click here: http://tinyurl.com/82dchjb

To Order by phone or group sales Please call: 718-677-1010

Produced and Directed by: Danny Finkelman

Assistant Director: Yosuke Hosoi

Camera:

Yosuke Hosoi

Edited by: Yosuke Hosoi

Sound: Artem Kulakov

A Jewish Star Executive Producers:

Yossi Soffer

Mica Soffer

Songs:

"Let us build" Cecelia Margules (New Sinai Sound)

"Ein K'elokainu" Shloime Gertner (Say Asay)

"Yisovivenu" Zalman Levy

"Boruch She'amar" Shloime Gertner (Say Asay)

"Chosson Domeh Lemelech" Lipa Schmeltzer (Meimka Dlipa: From the Depth of My Heart)

Six13: Good Shabbos - Music video

2012-03-18T10:31:00.003-04:00

Six13 is celebrating Shabbat with the debut of our fun, energetic new music video, "Good Shabbos", and we would be honored if you'd post it. We figured the world had enough Purim, Passover and Chanukah tunes and videos -- so why not one for the most important day of all?

We've borrowed some infectious grooves you're sure to recognize for our Shabbat anthem, and we hope it adds to your Shabbat excitement. Please enjoy, and Shabbat Shalom!

A Jewish Star Episode 2 Meet the Judges

2012-03-14T19:39:00.000-04:00

While the first A Jewish Star reality clip introduced the semi finalists, this second clip gives an inside glimpse into the four judges, Avraham Fried, Eli Gerstner, Yossi Green and Mendy Pellin.

The Jewish Star live finals concert will take place Monday, March 19th at Brooklyn College.
Tickets are going fast, get yours now at www.AJewishStar.com or click here: http://tinyurl.com/82dchjb

To Order by phone or group sales Please call: 718-677-1010

Produced and Directed by: Danny Finkelman
Assistant Director: Yosuke Hosoi

All New Album From Yehuda Glantz Chai Vekayam Now Available!

2012-03-07T18:11:00.002-05:00

After a period of silence in which Yehuda Glantz composed and arranged, it’s time to hear new songs of his new release “Chai Vekayam” Songs in Hebrew and Spanish, as he knows and is known for many years.

Making music is an art, it’s not just hocus pocus, and when you’re a perfectionist like Yehuda, things are cooked slowly with a lot of thought and investment. Cuntless nights of hard work are invested in this album. Yehuda Glantz is the pioneer in incorporating the charango, the Bolivian native instrument, to the Jewish culture and fuses his music with melodies and autonomous instruments. Yehuda adopted the charango to express the psalms of King David and the prayers of the people of Israel to integrate music and South American rhythms with his own compositions.

The album:Chai VeKayam is a compilation of 14 tracks of new beautiful songs. This album is a fusion of Latin-pop, klezmer and world music.The flamenco style song about Jerusalem, “Jerusalem My Life”, is in English and Spanish.

“Yesh Li” is a light Jewish cumbia with a beautiful message of hope; a song that we produced in Spanish also for the Spanish market. “Shabat Shalom” is a happy song for Kabalat Shabbat. “Samachti”, “Lev Tahor” and “Gam Kielech” are all quiet songs with lyrics from psalms. “Pat Bamelach”, a salsa based on the famous Mishna and Yehudas original lyrics. “Azamra” was done with the participation of Yehudas son, Moshe, on the vocals. The instrumental songs on this album are “Yocheved” which was written with the inspiration of Yehudas daughter and “Jazz Metaktak”, a master piece of Klezmer-Latino-jazz compositions. The grand finale of the record is the famous song “Besame Mucho” in Hebrew with a Latin twist arrangement, and the happy “Chai Vekayam” a trance-organic song to bring joy and happiness to everyone in the world, wherever they are.

VIDEO: Get to know Your Jewish Star Finalists!

2012-03-06T19:38:00.000-05:00

8 Adult and 4 Juniors finalists of A Jewish Star Singing Competition – season 3 will compete live March 19 at Brooklyn College. Join Judges Avraham Fried, Yossi Green, Eli Gerstner and Mendy Pellin and Guest performer Lipa Schmeltzer for the most anticipated Jewish music event of the year.

Click here to purchase tickets

Adult Semi Finalists:

Ami Eller –A music fan from day one, fifteen year old Ami is no stranger to the stage or the recording studio, having performed live with some of Jewish music’s biggest stars including Benny Friedman, Baruch Levine and Srully Williger and has sung at weddings, dinners and Bar Mitzvahs. Ami was a star soloist in Kol Noar Boys Choir, has been a soloist on six other albums, including Shloime Gertner’s Say Asay, two AKA Pella albums, Shea Rubenstein’s Ohavti and Shua Kessin’s Lo L’hityaesh and has recorded vocals for two additional albums that have not yet been released. An avid piano player for more than half his life, Ami is teaching himself to play guitar and has composed several songs which he dedicated to the choson and kallah at his siblings’ and cousins’ weddings.

“Being a semi-finalist is amazing,” said Ami. “I have been to Brooklyn College for so many concerts. The idea that I will be singing on the same stage as the biggest names in Jewish music is awesome. While I may be the youngest adult contestant, music inspires people of all ages, from my one year old niece who wants to hear Ya’alili over and over again to my Zaidy, whose biggest pleasure is singing zemiros with his grandchildren. It is a direct path to our neshamos and our hearts and a way of bringing us closer to Hashem. More than anything, I want to thank the coordinators, producers and sponsors of A Jewish Star for giving me and my fellow contestants a chance to follow our dreams.”

Choni Goldman – One of eleven children, twenty eight year old Choni is the Cultural Officer at the Israeli Embassy in South Africa and serves as the Chazan at Chabad of Sandton in Johannesburg after doing a three and a half year stint as Choirmaster in the Pretoria Shul. He has been singing since childhood, both in Shul and in school choirs and sang with Mordechai Ben David at a concert in South Africa. Choni loves African harmonies, plays some percussion and confesses to being extremely adept at drumming on the table. Choni aspires to become a recording and performing artist.

Extremely happy to have made it to the semi finals, Choni is aiming to win this year’s competition with a great performance and after flying in from South Africa, he hopes he is over his jetlag on the night of the concert. He has a deep passion for Judaism, the Jewish people, Israel, the Grand Rabbi and is a keen tennis player who enjoys dmc’s and invites his fans to friend him on Facebook.

“Get my autograph before the concert,” advises Choni with a smile.

Dovi Minkowicz - Thirty three year old businessman Dovi Minkowicz is a father of five who loves to practice the cantorial art fused with a taste of modern Jewish music, blending the best of both worlds. In addition to having davened at Shuls all across the globe, Dovi has appeared with both Avraham Fried and Mordechai Ben David and plays the piano as well.

Dovi admits to being surprised that the judges selected his more chazanish voice over the more classical pop voices of some of the other contestants. He hopes to further impress the crowd and the judges with the same quality that they recognized in his audition video.

“I am super excited about the Jewish Star concert,” confessed Dovi. “It is surely going to be different and electrifying. Good Jewish music isn’t a myth, it is very real. Everyone was curious why Yossi Green was so hung up on singers connecting with their songs. The truth is, he is completely correct. Feeling, understand and expressing the song, with or without lyrics, is the magic of music.”

Moshe Biton – Born to immigrant Moroccan parents, thirty one year old Moshe was raised in a new immigrant section of Tiberias called Shikun Dalet and learned to sing in Shul, as singing is an integral part of prayer for Moroccan Jews. The father of two children, ages five and three, Moshe works as a Mashgiach in a Chinese Kosher restaurant and loves to sing Jewish Oriental tunes and religious poems, but has also sung at weddings, Sheva Brachos and the Yahrtzeits of tzaddikum like the Yom Hilula of the Baba Sali.

“Tiberias a small development town, with not too much contact with the outside world, but my friends say I have a good voice,” said Moshe. “My father in law suggested I try the Jewish Star and Baruch Hashem, I am in. I pray that someone takes an interest in me but most importantly, I hope my singing brings Jews closer to their Father in Heaven and awaken their souls. I know it sounds silly, but that’s what I want to accomplish. Finally, always remember: All Jews are Jewish Stars.”

Pinchas Tsinman– A twenty seven year old resident of Pinsk, Pinchas Tsinman works for the local community, as a teacher in both the Jewish school and kollel, runs the Pinsk Beit Chabad and is the father of an eight month old baby boy named Avrom Michoel. Pinchas went to music school as a child where he studied both flute and guitar and played in the school band at various concerts dedicated to Jewish holidays. While Pinchas had already composing his own music for quite some time, it wasn’t until he went to yeshiva that his music began to take on a new dimension, reflecting his newfound love for Yiddishkeit. Pinchas hopes that his music will invigorate people who think that Judaism is boring and dated and hopes to record albums in order to be able to reach an even larger audience.

Pinchas admits that he never expected to be chosen as a semi-finalist because of the language barrier.

“I thought that my style wouldn’t be a fit for this project and that people would not be able to value my song because of the Russian words,” said Pinchas, who submitted a translation of his lyrics with his video submission. “I am trying to translate parts of my song into English but I hope that when words come from my heart they will reach the hearts of others and everybody will understand my message. I want to thank A Jewish Star for all their help and hope that my music will bring every Jew closer to yiddishkeit, which will reveal Moshiach in our world, soon in our days.”

Shimi Markovich – An importer of medical supplies who devotes his nights to learning, twenty four year old Shimi is the father of a baby boy named Aby. He has been singing since he was a child and has performed in school choirs and at weddings. Shimi has his own music studio and plays piano, guitar and drums.

“I would love to be able to share my music with the world and succeed in the Jewish music business,” said Shimi. “I think A Jewish Star is a great opportunity for people to be able to show their talent to the world and let them decide if they would like to hear more from you in the future. I want to thank everyone who voted for me and I hope to do my best at the upcoming Jewish Star concert.”

Shmueli Schwartz - A twenty seven year old social worker for the Jewish Home of the Aging in Los Angeles, Shmueli is currently enrolled in the Yeshiva University semicha program. Married for just two month to his wife Raquel, Shmueli has in his own words, “twenty kids on the way.”

Shmueli comes from a family of singers and was trained by his own father at the Shabbos table. He composes his own music on the piano and has been singing in community choirs and at chupahs for years. Shmueli hopes to bring people closer to Hashem with his compositions and his Jewish Star submission was an original song written both as a hesped to the Fogel family who was murdered in Itamar last year and as a way to help both Jews and non-Jews experience the tragedy on an emotional level.

“I appreciate becoming a semi-finalist,” said Shmueli. “I hope it can help my music career and I want to give concerts both locally and internationally. I think there is a lot of talent being displayed at the Jewish Star concert and that regardless of who wins or loses, it is an experience in and of itself.”

Yehoshua Solomon– A Jewish music teacher at Brooklyn’s Yeshiva Derech HaTorah and a counselor and musical director at Chaim Day Camp, thirty five year old Yehoshua hopes to bring simcha to as many Yidden as possible as both a singer and a keyboardist. Yehoshua performed as a member of the Pirchei Boys Choir in A Time for Music 2 and as a member of the Miami Voice Symphony at Miami Experience IV and V and would love to release a single or an album one day.

Despite his many years experience, Yehoshua confessed to being both nervous and excited about the upcoming Jewish Star finale and expressed gratitude to his audio and video producers as well as Hashem Yisborach for helping him get to the semi final round and giving the public a chance to see him as a lead singer instead of just an instrumentalist.

“Looking at the videos I see there is some really good talent and even if I don’t win I will get great exposure. I always dreamed of singing onstage as a youngster, but never had a solo performance like this in front of a large audience. I believe my mother, a’h, would be very proud of me and I’m sure she’s smiling down from Shomayim, shepping nachas.”

Junior Semi Finalists

Dovid Markovits – A resident of Kew Garden Hills, Queens, Dovid was born in Jerusalem in 1999 and is twelve years old. The oldest of three children, Dovid has a nine year old sister named Esther Leah and a six year old brother named Chezky.

Dovid attends Yeshivah Ketana of Queens and has been a singer since he was three years old, performing at family gatherings and weddings. At the age of six Dovid joined the Chazak Boys Choir conducted by Ofi Nat and spent summers honing his singing skills, earning a chance to sing a duet with Avraham Fried at one of the Chazak summer concerts. More recently he has recorded and performed with Yitzy Bald and the New York Boys Choir. Under Yitzy's mentorship, Dovid has learned musical arrangement and has greatly expanded his vocal skills. In addition to his love for music, Dovid is busy preparing for his Bar Mitzvah which will take place on Shabbos Nachamu 2012, where he plans to lein Parshas V'eschanan.

Dovid recently started learning how to play the piano and guitar and looks forward to developing his skills on those instruments as he continues to expand his musical talent.

Dovid is grateful to the producers of the Jewish Star competition for this opportunity. He has had a great experience thus far and looks forward to being a part of an amazing concert on March 19^th.

Mendel Piekarski– A sixth grader at Yeshiva Oholei Torah and the oldest of three children, twelve year old Mendel already has a long musical resume. He sang with Temimim and Sparks Boys Choirs, produced his own album (which is not available for sale), performed at the Tzivos Hashem BAM Theater in 2011 and Tzivos Hashem Dinner at the New York Hilton in 2012, is featured in an upcoming music video and is the voice orator for Jewish Education Media’s Living Torah museum, doing the weekly childrens’ narration. Mendel, who took drums as a youngster and plays piano by ear, aspires to maximize his talent as a young star and child prodigy and perhaps return to the Jewish music one day as an adult.

Mendel is very excited both to be a finalist and to have the opportunity to work alongside with his fellow competitors. He looks forward to connecting with the audience at the Jewish Star finale and hopes to be able to touch the hearts of everyone at the concert.

Mendy Antelis – Fourteen year old Mendy is a student at Jewish Education Center (JEC) in Elizabeth, New Jersey and is the seventh of nine children. A member of an extremely musical family, he has performed at family events as well as at Queens College. Mendy hopes to release a debut album and continue to work on and improve all aspects of his musical endeavors.

“I’m honored and excited to be one of the semi finalists and I can’t wait to meet the other contestants and judges,” said Mendy. “I look forward to performing and rocking the house at the Jewish Star concert and am thankful for the opportunity to be part of this competition. Thanks to all those who have supported me thus far. I can’t wait for perform in front of all of you!”

Shlomo Skolnik – A former member of Yeshiva Boys Choir who sang on the HASC stage and performed with Shlomo Schwed, fifteen year old Shlomo has seven brothers and one sister. Shlomo is a ninth grader at Yeshiva of Far Rockaway who loves sports and hopes to one day release an enjoyable album that will appeal to Jewish music lovers.

“It is really amazing to have been chosen as a Jewish Star semi-finalist because it must mean I have some talent,” said Shlomo.

As for the upcoming Jewish Star finale, Shlomo had only two words.

“Can’t wait!!”