ChanaleSings

Crown Heights Concert Video Recap

2012-02-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

Love how this,

becomes this:

2012-01-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

Interviews with Interesting Jews: Chanale

By Amy Deutsch at 11:02 am

A mom, a rock star, and an Orthodox Jew.

Chanale Fellig is a mom of two, and a Jewish rock star. But a very specific kind of Jewish rock star. Chanale is Orthodox, and follows a law called kol isha, prohibiting men from hearing women sing. We’ll let her tell you more about that in her own words below.

But even though she only plays for 50% of the population, she has a huge following. She’s just come out with her fifth CD and her first music video, called Taking Over My Heart. We’re kind of fascinated by her and we bet you will be, too.

1. What inspired you to get into music?

Growing up with six girls, we spent a lot of time singing and dancing in our kitchen to all kinds of Jewish music. Back in the eighties, practically all the Jewish music was by male soloists or boys choirs. Then Ruti Navon, a superstar from Israel, became a Ba’alat Teshuva (converted to Orthodox Judaism) and began performing for all-female venues. The first time I saw her perform, I was absolutely amazed. I remember being mesmerized by the glamor, the passion and the confidence she had. And it was all in the realm of modesty! She wore a great big curly wig, sang with enthusiasm and made all these women so excited and happy. All of 10 years old, and I wanted in.

2. Why perform just for women and girls? Can you explain kol isha to our readers and why it’s meaningful to you?

In my opinion, singing for an audience of only women is the greatest experience a female singer can have. Women connect faster, emote deeper, and enjoy more thoroughly when they are in a room filled with only women. As a songwriter I write songs specifically with my female fans in mind so I can perform them completely focused on each and every woman and girl in the room. I don’t consider kol isha a restriction, but rather a privilege. My songs (“Perfect By Design”, “My Business”, “Her Home”) have always been custom-designed for women and I love this niche in Jewish music.

3. How did having kids change your music?

Having children has cracked my heart wide open and I am sure my fans will notice that in my latest album. My kids have taught me that life is precious and that motherhood is an all-encompassing experience that I cannot separate from my music. I sing from my heart, and my heart is filled to the brink with love for my children. So that’s what you’re gonna get from me right now.

4. Clearly you love your kids, but are there any annoying habits they’ve recently acquired that drive you nuts?

In the last few weeks, their new shtick is running out of bed, (holding hands), giggling like maniacs, like two partners in crime. I think they believe I will be less angry if they come out together, a united front, and although I can’t get enough of their cute faces, I honestly would like them to get into bed and STAY THERE!

5. On a purely superficial level, what are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing a sheitel (wig)? Are there no bad hair days?

As a girl my hair was always long and curly and had to be revived every morning or stuffed into a ponytail. My curly wig rests comfortably on a stand, and is not subjected to all the “dirty work” parenting consists of. (Really? Do I have to expand?) Most days, a wig is the answer to my prayers, instantly glamorizing my denim-skirts-and-hoodies look. As the official face of Milano wigs, I am working with them on customizing something super special for on-stage, when I need all the help I can get transforming from Mom to Star. So in my world, sheitels are a lifesaver.

6. Are you your daughters’ favorite singer? Or have they fallen to the way of Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber?

My daughters are definitely fans of their mom’s music but I can’t say they haven’t been exposed to a little Taylor Swift on the side. I AM guilty of telling them she is Jewish, though…

Kveller.com offers a Jewish twist on parenting, everything a Jewish family could need for raising Jewish children--including crafts, recipes, activities, Hebrew and Jewish names for babies...and advice from Mayim Bialik.

A Monsey Moment Take Two

2012-01-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

Dearest Chanale!

I am responding to your performance at A.S.H.A.R. onSunday night.I was moved by your music! Not only by your stunning voice and musical talent,but what I saw in your personality was very inspiring!I felt in your energy a lot of integration and spirituality!I would like to request please your free download song, thatyou offered there.I also want to comment on your blogs in your web; I likedthem! Very intelligent!

Chanale-

Your concert was great! It was my first time seeing you inperson AND singing so last night was a great night for me. Thank you so much!Your songs were great as always and thanks a lot for autographing my program

Chanale,

Your singing is very energizing and effective. No one elsecan get meto dance at a concert like that!

Chanale,

Hi I was at your concert yesterday in Monsey. You truly are an

inspiration to young girls your songs boost self confidence and loveof yidishkeit! I would love the download for apple ipod you mentioned yesterday! Where can I buy your CDs I would love to get for my nieces!

Hey Chana’le

Nice to see you tonight. You made my girls, and especially my youngest’s (year!!)I’m so happy I bought the new CD. Need something new to listen to in the car.Its been a full year of “I don’t need a license” Its really special how you take the time to make all thelittle nudniks happy. They all left on a high! Thanks again for a great evening.

Chanale-

You were so amazing tonight in Monsey by chabad! ijust love your cds! i bought the new one.. keep it up you've got a gift fromHashem

Last night was the annual "Women Uniting Through Song" concert in Monsey. I'm calling it annual because after experiencing a Monsey audience twice, I'll be making sure there is 'chazaka' only so this special night becomes one we can experience over and over again for years to come.

Here's how it all went down.

This is Esther Freeman. Talented and gorgeous, she was brilliant. If you can get your hands on her new single release, do so 'cuz she is making music that MOVES people. The tear-wrenching, gut-busting, soul-searchin' kinda stuff that only a truly gifted from G-d woman can write (and sing).

This is the Kol Isha Choir. What can I say? I'm a basket case for harmonies and they didn't hit an off-note. Pure vocal perfection. Their sweet voices filled the hall, corner to corner, and not a woman in the audience breathed until they were done. I kid you not. These gals got the crowd sitting silently like first graders on the first day of school (who have an awesome captivating teacher).

Then there was the gorgeous sparkly curtains that glowed like the brightest Chanukah Menorah in town and Esther sparkled her way through a gorgeous set of 4 powerful ballads.

These are some of the cuties in the audience. The girl in the middle? I sang at her Bas Mitzvah not long ago. Hi Rosie.

By the time I got onstage, the audience had warmed up (literally too, it was frigid in New York last night and it took some time until the heat kicked in) and were ready to absolutely live in the moment.

Malky sat in the front row and sang every word to every song. I kid you not. See Malky in purple argyle sweater.

See Malky onstage. She sang amazingly. I almost surrendered the mike to this natural tenor.

The girls agreed. It was hysterical. Maybe fifty adorable girls, red-faced, and smiley, jumping up and down like little jack in the boxes in front of the stage. I wanted to scoop them all up in a bear hug. We were totally on the same page. Until I realized some of their mothers went to school with me....

My grandfather's sister Morah Blanka. In the flesh. At my concert. My life is complete.

I leave you with my #1 fan Tzurty. I know she is for real cuz she had me sign her guitar. With a permanent marker. Now that is love.

Next Motzei Shabbos is the Russian N'shei Event where me and my choir club will be performing. It is in Crown Heights, Lubavitcher Yeshiva at about 8pm. I will update the details later this week if you would like to attend. I am going to miss these girls when we're done.

We'll get you some video from this concert soon. Til then, have a great week.

While I'm On Blog-cation

2012-01-10T07:04:00.000-08:00

My New Blog

Don't Come-dance?

Bungalow Fun-Raiser

A Little Warmth In The Storm

There Was A Sweet Girl Who Had A Bas Mitzvah

Flying High With A Little Birdie in Cincinnati

A Monsey Moment

Taking Over My Heart-Available Everywhere

Album Review

Pink Uggs and Autumn Blues

What We're Watching

Cumin Seed Roasted Cauliflower With Yogurt

Can You Have Your Cookies And Eat Them Too?

Back On The Not-So-Busy-Schedule

Why I Don't Have A Cleaning Lady

Sweaters Fit For A Princess

Behind The Music-Vatispalel Chana

Cool Days and Warm Nights

There's Nothing I Can't Do, Almost

Behind The Music-A Mother's Hope

Music and Motherhood Musings

Little Pitchers Big Mouths

Motherhood Musings

How Beautiful Our Weekends

Living in High Definition

Something Outta Nothing

Stories Under The Mitzvah Tree

From The Archives-Beijing China

Make Each Day Special

Sunday Funday

That Is Hashem-Free Download

Do You See It Like I See It?

Flea Marker Treasures

To New Friends and Long Lost Sisters

Weekend in Miami With N'shei Chabad

Happy Chanukah

Home Sweet Home

Behind The Story-No Matter Where You Roam

Happy New Year and Good Shabbos

Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End

2012-01-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

When I turned 30, I wanted a big birthday party and invited a bunch of my friends over to celebrate. Iplanned it out to the t and looked forward to that night even riding out thesurprised comments I got about throwing my own party. I was impressed with myself that I wanted to culminate my twenties in such a mature way, surrounded by loved ones. This is what I wanted; tohave all my closest friends in one room celebrating the experienceswe had shared; all the big and small contributions they had made thus far to my life. It was a beautiful party. Iwas flattered and pleased at the affection I received not to mention the great gifts, the declarations of love and the blessings for the future. As the night went on I took it allin and stored it away in my ‘happy memories’ box, checked “thirtieth birthday party” off my listand never looked back.

Today, almost a full yearlater, in a complete epiphany, I realize that I entirely missed a perfect opportunitythat day and totally let it pass through my life like any other one; Iexperienced it, positively, but did not see it as a stepping stone to propelmyself into a higher level of maturity. I didn't use it as a growing experience that could be properly manifested duringthe next decade of my life. It was a birthday party that succeeded more on theparty end than on any other level. But that boat has sailed and I am not one tocry over spilt milk. So this year,after some real soul-searching, and intense introspection, I step up to thenext chapter in my life with confidence and enthusiasm. This year my birthdaybrings real change. I may have missed the chance to wrap up that era on themost symbolic date but never one to be especially calendar oriented, I can letthat go with the knowledge that the time is right when it is right. And it isright today.

I start the process simplyby opening my eyes and really seeing what I have in my life. I am not thefragile, insecure girl of my youth anymore. Marriage and motherhood hasraised me up and out of that selfish place and stripped me down to the mostpure and honest version of myself. And I can finally see ME when I look in the mirror. I seeclearly the mother, the wife, the sister, the daughter, and the friend that Itruly am. I see a woman who has been blessed generously by Hashem with a lovinghusband and healthy, beautiful children and countless golden opportunities tolead a enriching, fulfilling, and purposeful life.

It wasn’t an easy journeyfor me to get to where I am today. It was a bumpy road and I have experiencedmy share of pain and strife. But I got here. I got to where I wanted to go inthe first place and I will celebrate THAT tomorrow. I will celebrate my goodfortune and my magnificent life with real change that embraces the experiencesof my past and envelopes the hopes and dreams of my future. I will live a livewhere I am present and focused, confident and proud. I will make the most of this gift of life and use it touplift my loved ones into another stratosphere of love and commitment. And this will be the ‘big’ birthday thatreally counts in the long run.

Happy birthday to me.

I leave you with ten goldenrules to help you, and me, live a better life:

1.Live you life with purpose;don’t just do “whatever” or “whatever” might just be what you get.

2.Develop a compassionatespirit and a loving heart; you will feel better about yourself, and others willfeel better about you.

3.Be honest and guard yourintegrity no matter what the rest of the world is doing; they’re not the oneswho have to live with you-you are.

4.Believe in yourself andalways do what’s right; a clear conscience will keep you on the right path.

5.Be as good as your word anddon’t make promises you ‘re not going to keep.

6.Be fair to others,especially those less fortunate; there may come a time when you have to walk intheir shoes.

7.Keep a positive attitude andspeak encouraging words; you’ll hear them rise up in you when you need them,and others will remember them when they need lifting up.

8.Don’t take your natural talentsfor granted; use them to nourish your soul and to touch lives, and they will bemultiplied.

9.When you feel discouraged orunlucky, remember the times you’ve been fortunate, and that knowledge will helpbalance out your fears.

10.Remember that what you dotoday will show up tomorrow, so when you make important decisions, think abouttomorrow today.

I hope this leaves you in a happy place. The purpose of this blog has always been to put a little more positivity and light out into the world....

*****

Congratulationsto facebook commentor Miriam Leah Schwartz who won pearl baby bracelet fromwww.mysweetprincess.etsy.com. Please email me your contact info tochanale@hotmail.com.

*All comments are added up and numbered,then entered in a random number generator.

*****

I will be taking a breakfrom regular blogging so that I can begin working on my next album. If you areon facebook please friend me or like my “Chanale” page. If you are not on facebook,please ‘join this site’ so that you will know when I resume posting. Thank youfor reading and sharing this blog and for each and every one of your comments. If you haven't picked up a copy yet, "Taking Over My Heart" is in stores everywhere. Get it and let me know how it moves you.

One more thing. Would you give me a present for my birthday and share this again? Thank you.

Until we speak again I leave you with one of my favorite songs.

"For He can see a hidden part of me, into my essence at my core, and though I've asked for health and happiness, Hashem knows I need more..."

New Post-Happy New Year and Good Shabbos!

2011-12-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

So that's a wrap as far as Chanukah goes.

We had to use tea lights after the donut making that ended with an oil spill

But the adventures in music and motherhood continue into the new year....Imaginations run wild.

Fun remains a priority.

And we prepare for the long winter in our best knits.

Next month brings a birthday (mine), a concert, a choir club performance, and "We Are The World" sung by some talented elementary school kids. It'll all be right here. Til then hope to see you soon.

*****

Don't forget to join this site and leave a comment on Monday's post for a chance to win one of Dini's bracelets. Hadassa loves hers. She was totally showing it off this morning.

*****

My brother-in-law was drafted to the Israeli army this week. He posted a picture of himself on facebook in his new uniform. When I first heard about it I reacted like every other American. "Are you serious? Like is he' going to fight???". The answer is no, because he will be in the "Shachar Kachol" unit (Air Force) and not on the front lines of war anytime soon, please G-d. I called my mother-in-law to ask her how she feels about it. Her immediate response was "I am proud! It's 'Ga'avah Leumit' (national pride) to have a child in the army." I personally was a little taken aback when I saw a picture of him dressed like a solider. But when you love a country through and through I guess you see it all a little differently. My father-in-law and all of my husband's uncles were soldiers themselves back in the day and she simply feels like this is part of her commitment to life in Eretz Yisroel. "We're scared, and we daven, but it is a zchus to send a son out to protect our country" she said. "One of Gavriel's friends went to the army at eighteen and I remember his mother crying" she said. "I davened for him then. All the mothers are praying for their sons. We are proud but we pray." she concluded. Maybe it's not such a bad thing, I think. My mother-in-law's Tefilos are powerful and the entire country of Israel is lucky to have them, that's for sure.

Happy New Years everyone. See you on the other side:-)

Behind The Story-No Matter Where You Roam + Giveaway

2011-12-26T17:56:00.000-08:00

* 'Join the Site' and leave a comment to be included in Giveaway Monday

The feedback on this post and this post motivated me to prepare another "Behind The Music" post tonight. We had a busy week filled with Chanukah parties and vacation time well spent but we'll get to that a little later. Right now, take a walk with me down memory lane to seven years ago, the Kinus Ha'Shluchos Melavah Malkah in Crown Heights. (This story has a nice Chanukah connection by the way so it's really perfect for right now) .

I vaguely remember the phone call I got with the invitation to come sing. Instead, all I can remember is the mix of fear, anxiety and full fledged panic I felt in the days leading up to the convention. A bonafide performer at this point, I had enough material, experience and courage to perform in front of such a large crowd. The problem was that I had not fully embraced my complete potential as a singer, and was seriously lacking in the 'speaking' department. The songs were beautiful, I knew. They moved people like they moved me. But I had trouble with the whole 'show business' aspect of my career and I believed that introducing the songs with bravado would create a distance between me and my audience. I know now, the complete opposite is true.

I will tell you that the most difficult part of being a singer, is having to sing when people in the audience are talking. And it's not because my voice is being drowned out by chatter, or that I feel uncomfortable baring my soul to a distracted few, but mostly because of the disappointment I feel for the song itself that is slowly losing its chance to make a proper presentation. A true music lover knows that a good song is all of its components. The lyrics, the melody, the music, the introduction, the middle and the ending, all play an active role in creating an emotional, visceral experience that is usually all of four minutes long! So when the introduction is missed and the first verses ignored, the entire song is compromised. A good singer becomes the song they sing and this can be a very devastating experience.

The secret is in the introduction of the song. The right introduction will rope in the audience and have them eager to hear the song that you speak of, the song so full of meaning and enlightenment, it can change their life. They just don't know it yet.

At the Kinus Ha'Shluchos I truly experienced the power I held in my hands for the first time.

The time slot I had been allotted allowed me three songs and one was called "No Matter Where You Roam" from the "The Crown of Creation" album. I had rewritten the words to an old camp 'alma matter' and never once investigated the story behind the song. Now tell me, would you want to hear a song from a singer who had no idea who and what she was singing about? I did some investigating and a few phone calls later I was hearing the real story behind the song.

I've shared this many-a-times since that night but the real short version goes something like this (as recounted by Mrs. Deren, Shlucha in Stamford Ct.)

In the college town of Amherst Massachusetts, a secular student became a regular Shabbos guest at the on- campus Shluchim. Over time he developed a close relationship with the Shliach and returned to his Jewish roots, becoming fully observant and eventually a Rabbi and Shliach in his own right. The song was written by a Yeshiva student who had witnessed this transformation while spending the summer at the Chabad House. Inspired by this student's journey he wrote the song "No Matter Where You Roam" which I, thirty years later, rewrote and extended. (Very short version of a very long story, but this is a blog not a book).

"I would tell you the name of this student cum Shliach but his wife will be attending the conference" Mrs. Deren concluded.

Powerful stuff huh? I had almost sung a song inspired by the husband of one of the women in the room and had come to close to not knowing it. I shared this exact story and has the entire crowd up on their feet clapping hard and loud. It didn't come easy, I memorized the introductions word for word but today it comes naturally, b'h and I am thankful to the circumstances and people that helped me get get past this obstacle in my career.

The original song:
In a small college town/There was a young man feeling down/His future was uncertain/"Oh, what will become of me?"/A Chabad house is nearby/The young man gives a try/"Maybe direction there I can find/And have peace of mind."/He discusses yiddishkeit/All through the night/But he cries, "I don't belong/I am too far gone."/The Shliach says, "Not true,/Hegam shechoto yisrael hu/No matter where you roam/you can always come back home".

My version you can get here.

But the story doesn't end here. This story helped write another one. Or maybe this story just has two chapters. Either way here is the second part.

When I was first married and living in Israel, I was invited to sing for a Chanukah party in Tel Aviv. I had to be persuaded because singing to an all Hebrew speaking crowd really limited my song selection.

With Shlucha in Tel Aviv Mindi Schmerling

I reluctantly agreed and proceeded to sing every last Hebrew song I ever knew. The women enjoyed, singing a long and I was pretty impressed with my versatility. After an hour, I wrapped up the kumzitz with the song "No Matter Where You Roam". There was not much reaction from the Israelis but in any case I gave it my all.

The next day Mindi's mother Hindy Gorlitsky called and with much excitement thanked me for entertaining. She then told me that there had been a new face at the party, a young Australian traveler who had stopped in randomly to the Rechov Shenkin Chabad House hoping to find a place to hear Menorah lighting that night. She had slipped into the room just as I was singing "No Matter Where You Roam" and cried the whole song through. She didn't promise to return but "you never know" were Hindy's exact words. Clearly, the song has a life of it's own and unbeknownst to me it had quite possibly changed a life.

And it was THIS story that inspired one of my most popular songs "Run Run Run Away" which if you've heard it, you know has a short throwback to the song "No Matter Where You Roam". Epic as my friend Tzurty always says. Or maybe just another Chanukah miracle. Either way, a song written over thirty years ago, touches so many people for years to come. Cuz a good song is more than just a song. So the next time you sit before a singer who has a song to sing, let it be heard because you never know. Maybe it it was written for you.

*****

We have been having a wonderful Chanukah week. Shabbos brought our favorite friends as guests who in turn brought these gorgeous flowers I have been enjoying since.

The kids are home from school. Enter ipad.

We attended our Shul's annual children's Chanukah party and outdoor candle lighting event. We may or may not have been the first people there. It's a long day until 2:30 when you're all of two and four years old.

Love how they shift from foot to foot while they wait for the light.

Busted. We so were the first ones there.

My sister Shulamis and my niece Layla.

I love a good face paint and Hadassa knew exactly what she wanted for herself. She waited on line, considered her options and then pointed out what she chose. Now just for the record, when we were kids we had the one, the only "Mama Clown" at all our birthday parties. Mama Clown is the BEST face painter ever. She actually wrote a BOOK about face painting so when I tell you Penina is awesome, I know what I'm talking about.

She didn't disappoint.

Yaffa didn't have her face painted. She had other things on her agenda.

It was a blast. Friends, family, face paint, a hilarious magician and donuts galore. What more does a Chanukah party need?

Today we spent outdoors, breaking out the winter boots and bracing the chill. The kids loved it but this Florida girl resigned after an hour.

So we headed home for an afternoon indoors that involved a recipe for spelt donuts and one little Chanukah related accident that forced me to wash the floors a few days early. Nisht geferlach.

A little olive oil is good for a wood floor I say. And totally worth it for these babies. (That taste better than they look, promise). All in all it, like every Chanukah before it, it was a meaningful, miraculous (that no one got hurt in the aftermath of this accident) time.

*****

Congratulations to commentor Nechama who won the Rebbetzin Tap Videos and Marvelous Middos Machine. Please email me your contact info to chanale@hotmail.com.

*All comments are added up and numbered, then entered in a random number generator.

*****

Today's giveaway is sponsored by Dini's Bracelets. These bracelets are gorgeous, luminescent and perfect for little girls. My kids got them as Chanukah presents this year. One random commentor on this post will win this beautiful bracelet.

Have a great week.

Home Sweet Home

2011-12-23T10:50:00.000-08:00

The turbulence on the flight back from LAX was jarring and had me clutching my seat, reading Tehilim from an ipad app. Out the window I saw mountainous terrain that seemed a little to close for comfort. I message my husband "just want to be home" and watched a short video clip of my girls eating sugared donuts in their pajamas. The holidays are no time to be away from your kids.

Remnants of chocolate Chanukah gelt on her face.

The woman sitting next to me asked me if I thought it would snow from now until January 4th when she would be returning back to California. "I sure hope not!" I gasped, all the New Yorkers in our aisle agreeing, but truthfully, when I think about it , a little snow wouldn't be such a bad thing.

I'm all in the mood of some snowed-in coziness, hot tea and warm TJ-Maxx throws right about now. My apartment may not be the sprawling ranch I sometimes dream of, but with the perfect company, it's exactly where I want to be.

Hairbands by Rosie

The kids need my attention, our house needs my attention and my photobooks are running behind schedule. So let it snow, cuz I got nowhere to go;-).

I did manage to run right out of the house as soon as my kids were tucked into bed to meet another little doll I have been watching grow for the last few years. Rosie is in town and her mom won the 'Touch n Feel' books last week. So I delivered them and was rewarded with this great picture.

Can you EAT this face or what?
("Mommy, I wish that could be our baby!"- Hadassa)
*****
This winter I take on another project I've been thinking about for a few years. When we were in Miami last weekend, I took the first step and brought back all our childhood vhs cassettes to be converted into digital. I plan to edit the footage and compile them all into chronological order using iMovie. (Note the word plan.) I may get creative and add music and effects potentially rewriting all our long lost memories right into an Oscar winning anthology. I'll keep you updated. (Don't wait by the computer...).

*****
The purpose behind my visit to California remains under wraps for now. I can't say a word. Not a single word. But I'll give you a hint.

My lips are sealed.

*****

I missed my big one's Chanukah preschool party yesterday. I was worried she would be devastated when all the other Mommy's arrived and hers didn't. But the teacher told me she was a real trooper and sang the songs with full enthusiasm. My kid knows that show business is no laughing matter and she performed like the best of them.

So i surprised her today.

And we had a do-over.

She was besides herself with excitement. I actually never understood that expression but she literally was overjoyed, calling out to her friends "who's exciiiiiiiiii-ted???". It was the best gig of the whole week. But that's how it goes. I sing because I love to but also to make a living. I live for my kids, who I write about in my songs, that I share with my fans, who in return, provide me with the support I need to continue singing. So it all comes together perfectly. So blessed. And so happy to combine it all to make one 4 year old's day.

Have a good Shabbos and Happy Chanukah.

Happy Chanukah

2011-12-20T05:56:00.000-08:00

My finger and toes are cold and the blast of wind that greeted me this morning was not met enthusiastically by my girls. But we had a great weekend and I am blessed to have the best of both worlds, New York's energy and opportunities, and Miami's warmth and solace, any time we need. Travelling with kids is no easy feat but my big one's crown drew many comments throughout the day so she was thrilled. My little one kept running off but somehow we made it home with her in tow.

Even if you don't play a guitar is very versatile.

*****

I don't know any poetry, Pierkei Avos, or Tanya by heart. I've tried over the years but nothing ever stuck. This poem, for some odd reason, did. I remember having to memorize it in elementary school and it's stuck in my head for years. It's silly and meaningless. But it's getting me in the Chanukah spirit like the smell of fried latkes and this picture.

'Twas the night before Chanukah, boichiks and maidels

Not a sound could be heard, not even the dreidels

The menorah was set by the chimney alight

In the kitchen, the Bubbie was hopping a bite

Salami, Pastrami, a glaisele tay

And zoyere pickles mit bagels-- Oy vay!

Gezint and geschmock the kinderlach felt

While dreaming of taiglach and Chanukah gelt

The alarm clock was sitting, a kloppin' and tickin'

And Bubbie was carving a shtickele chicken

A tummel arose, like the wildest k'duchas

Santa had fallen right on his tuchas!

I put on my slippers, ains, tzvay, drei

While Bubbie was eating herring on rye

I grabbed for my bathrobe and buttoned my gottkes

And Bubbie was just devouring the latkes

To the window I ran, and to my surprise

A little red yarmulka greeted my eyes.

When he got to the door and saw the menorah

"Yiddishe kinder," he cried, "Kenahorah!"

I thought I was in a Goyishe hoise!

As long as I'm here, I'll leave a few toys."

"Come into the kitchen, I'll get you a dish

Mit a gupel, a leffel, and a shtickele fish."

With smacks of delight he started his fressen

Chopped liver, knaidlach, and kreplach gegessen

Along with his meal he had a few schnapps

When it came to eating, this boy sure was tops

He asked for some knishes with pepper and salt

But they were so hot he yelled out "Gevalt!"

He loosened his hoysen and ran from the tish

"Your koshereh meals are simply delish!"

As he went through the door he said "See y'all later

I'll be back next Pesach in time for the seder!"

So, hutzmir and zeitzmir and "Bleibtz mir gezint"

he called out cheerily into the wind.

More rapid than eagles, his prancers they came

As he whistled and shouted and called them by name

"Come, Izzie, now Moishe, now Yossel and Sammy!

On Oyving, and Maxie, and Hymie and Manny!"

He gave a geshrai, as he drove out of sight

"A gut yontiff to all, and to all a good night!"

All you gotta do is see past the surface;-).

*****

I'm boarding a flight for the West Coast tonight and will be joining candle lighting with my family over skype. Cuz I don't wanna miss a thing. The 'Hanairos Halalu" of my childhood awaits, and even if it's from across the country you know I'm gonna sing it. When I get back there will be presents, parties and maybe even some home-made Latkes. (It's the holiday of miracles right?).

My girls know exactly what they want. EVERYTHING. My big one is actually pretty sure about a Wuggle Pet. She saw the infomercial on the airplane yesterday and she was sold as soon as she saw the sparkly magic dust. In an over-travelled, under-rested sleepy haze I told her of course she can have it for Chanukah. Seriously? Infomercials for children?

Like the flier for a Chanukah toy blowout sale is any better!

But how can I resist this face?

She has been wearing this crown 5 days now and going strong.

Now just in case anyone was wondering what's on my wish list, here it is. Knock yourself out. (I will make room for the piano somehow, don't worry your little head about logistics).

Have a happy Chanukah, filled with blessing, happiness and light!

With a nice dollop of silly of course.

Weekend In Miami With N'shei Chabad

2011-12-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

* 'Join the Site' and leave a comment to be included in Giveaway Monday

Whenever I visit Miami, I return with a pillage of books from my childhood. This trip is no different. My girls were up at six this morning and we spend some time under the staircase stacking piles that we can squeeze into our suitcases. Slowly but surely I hope to reclaim the entire library. (*Note to self-buy more bookcases).

We wasted no time unpacking toys and getting dressed up. If it wasn't so early in the morning I would've been super adorable. But it was barely 7:45 before they demanded access to their dolls, carriages and scooters.

We've taken over my mother's house again. You know how it goes. The more space, the more mess. We're loving the opportunity to play in a kitchen that's the size of my entire New York apartment.

*****

Sound checks and rehearsals are a necessary part of the performing process that I generally have little patience for. Friday, Rivkah and I met at the Eden Rock for a quick run through. I had yet to prepare my song set and the mood in the hall was frantic as the staff worked quickly to set up for the bruncheon. My guitar was completely out of tune and the sound system was boomy and grating. I attempted to get though a song or two before I wrapped it up. "I'm just not feeling it." I told Rafael. "I'm not even sure what I am singing yet!". After 6 years in the "Chanale business" Rafael knows the dynamics of a perfect concert and as long as the acoustics in the room are under control he knows when to leave well enough alone.

Don't take it personally guys.

But sometimes I just need to see the crowd so that I can snap into it.

That's better.

Rivkah started the concert with a performance accompanied by Mirele Rosenberger. In her Australian accent she sang like a bird, her sweet voice filling the hall and getting the high school girls up to the front of the room and singing. Rivkah's album "In Your Hands" is on our top ten list and it was such a breath of fresh air for me to see her perform. I honestly love her songs and it was a nice change of pace for me to be on the receiving end of the stage. She totally delivered and I was almost reluctant to switch from audience member to performer.

Some weeks are busier than others and last night followed a series of singing engagements that kept my entire week booked solid. But not all concerts are created equal. As the night unfolded I become more and more aware that this one was to go down in the books.

It was perfection.

This is the kind of night I dream about. Actually, this is the kinda night all performers dream about. It all came full circle for me last night. A proud Florida girl, the crowd was full to the brim with familiar faces a myriad of cousins, aunts, and extended family. My mother and grandmother beamed from the table closest to the stage, and my kid sister clapped and cheered from the 'teen section' along with all her classmates and friends.

I recognized many of my elementary school teachers and principals, spotted a few camp counselors, and was amazed at how many friends and classmates were staring back at me. I made a joke about 'not being the slightest bit intimidated' but between me and you I was nothing less than overwhelmed, overjoyed and possibly even a little shell-shocked that less than a week prior to this moment I had no idea I would even be in Miami for Shabbos. Hashem planned this one out because there was no other place I belonged at that moment and I felt the love in return.

It was a finger-snapping, hand-clapping, sheitel-flippin', grand ol' time.

Alison and Chani! Love you girls!

When Rivkah and I took the stage together, Mirele kvelled.

I should mention that by this time, it was close to midnight on a Motzei Shabbos following an absolutely jam packed schedule of entertainment for these women. But they danced the night away, resulting in one of the latest shows I've ever had. They wouldn't quit and we farbrenged, in song and dance till well after one a.m. But who's watching the clock when history is being made.

Fifty years of N'shei Chabad. Singing with Rivkah. In Miami. Enough said.

*****

Congratulations to commentors Leora who won the Cutco knife and Sheva who won the "Touch and Feel Books". Please email me your contact info to chanale@hotmail.com.

*All comments are added up and numbered, then entered in a random number generator.

*****

And now, I am ecstatic to share with you one of my favorite Jewish blogs. In the last few months I have developed some true friendships with other writers, speakers and musicians through my blog and theirs. One of my regular stops is Life In The Married Lane by Rivkie Silver. A trained musician, Ba'alas Chesed and brilliant mother and wife, she is the entire package and I'm looking forward to meeting her in the near future. She has so much to share and I am getting under her umbrella. She also hooked you gals up with a "Taking Over My Heart" review and GIVEAWAY. Head over to her page and tell her why you love listening to music to enter. Wait until the house is quiet, you're gonna want to read it all in one sitting.

This week I am headed to the West Coast to shoot a promotional video with my sponsor Milano Wigs. I am beyond excited. Drop me a line if you're in LA this week. We'll have coffee.

Now for our Monday Giveaway.
I am sure I have mentioned our obsession with Rebbetzin Tap.

I'm not gonna lie. One of the best parts of being away is getting a break from the constant stream of RT in our house. My girls watch it every single day. If you have girls under 10, nieces or siblings, this is an adorable video set that has GREAT music. Plus I'm gonna throw in the new Marvelous Middos Machine. Great media package. Just JOIN THIS SITE and leave me a comment. What's going on by you this weekend?

I'll be back Thursday with a Chanukah in California post!

To New Friends And Long Lost Sisters

2011-12-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Like dusk before nightfall, the 30 minutes before bedtime is when my house slowly shifts from the afternoon chaos to peace and quiet. The kitchen counters are wiped down, dirty laundry banished from the bathroom floor, and the remains of dinner tupper-wared and put away. Window shades are lowered, bedspreads are pulled back and the sound machine resumes its gentle whir. Zina Ballerina gets returned to her spot, where hanging from her ponytail, she spends the night.

My girls climb on me, their hair freshly washed, barefoot in their clean pajamas."You know what Mommy?" they say as recount something they remember from their day. "Look at what I can do!" they call out as they twist and turn, practicing their ballet moves. And for as long as they are calm, I can resist checking the time.There's no rush to get them into bed just yet.

I missed a few bedtimes this week. But we will catch up this weekend.

*****

Tuesday night I was in Tampa, Florida for a cabaret style evening. The women were clearly super excited as most of them showed up 40 minutes before the program was to start. But it was not a minute too early because the mood was spot on from the very beginning. The room shimmered and sparkled like a glittery disco ball.

We drank.

It could be that mostly I drank.

We sang.

And then we boogied like it was the 50s again. This crowd committed.

Thank you Chani (and all the great women I met last night) for inviting me to partake in this beautiful event.

*****

Following a 4am wake-up I headed back to New York for an afternoon with my little gals and some freshening up. It's late now and after a long day I am pretty much ready to unravel but I wanted to share these pictures with you. 'Sister to Sister' is a unique and indispensable organization that helps divorced women in many many ways. This is the fourth time I have had the privilege to sing for such a unique and diverse crowd. The mood was CELEBRATION and the women and girls were joyful and excited to be spending time with their friends/SISTERS in such a beautiful setting. I saw many familiar faces and together we celebrated life, change and new opportunities.

This girl told me she is becoming a Kallah tomorrow. She made my night.

*****
Tomorrow we head to Miami for the weekend where a last minute cancellation has us spending Shabbos by my parents. Motzei Shabbos is the N'shei Chabad Convention , for a weekend of workshops, speakers, entertainment (moi!) and friendship. I am sure it will be a stunning Melava Malka so stick around for all that excitement.

If you haven't picked up your N'shei Chabad Magazine, now is a good time, the Chanukah issue features an article with me that you can read in full here.

I'll see you all next week.
Until then, to laughter,

Mischievousness,

and rubber boots that just wont quit.

Good night.

Flea Market Treasures + Giveaway!

2011-12-11T14:26:00.001-08:00

* 'Join the Site' and leave a comment to be included in Giveaway Monday for either a Cutco knife or 2 "A Touch And Feel" books Shabbos and Chanukah.

Call me crazy, but an invitation for Shabbos that involves packing up and driving outta town on the shortest Friday of the year, is not one I will pass up. Even if it is to New Square. Following a reunion with Tanteh Blanka, we were invited to spend the weekend with my second cousins who live about an hour away from Manhattan. It might as well be on the other side of the world cuz in a town where 8000 observant Jews live, and it's safe to say not one of them has watched 'Yalili' or heard of the Maccabeats.

It was a unique, eye-opening, WONDERFUL experience, and in my book any weekend that ends with 2 'Queen Esthers' and one 'Vashti' is a home run. The girls would adorable and my kids were in love with them from the first 'vos machst dee'. One sister made Yaffa a little yarn doll as a gift and she LOVED IT! (Seriously, why do we buy 80 dollar American Dolls again?)

*****
This morning we got our craftin' on and I use the word craftin' generously. My sister dropped up little wooden picture frames that the girls colored while I unpacked. Thanks Rach.

I totally colored Yaffas, but Hadassa rocked hers out if you ask me.

Sunday mornings can easily become Sunday afternoons with all of us still in pajamas but after a weekend in the boondocks, I wanted to experience Brooklyn like a 21st century Mom. The park slope flea market is not especially child friendly but my girls found a bunch of treasures that really excited them. I wouldn't recommend it as an outing for a family of 6 but for the three of us, it was perfect.

A vintage Jack-In-The-Box. Definitely the most exciting find for my girls. They winded it up a half dozen times before the vendor started to give me the look. We moved on.

There were all kinds of interesting trinkets, knick-knacks and costume jewelry. Nothing especially spectacular though and I didn't mind not having any cash on me (a conscious plan btw) until I passed by a rack of vintage coats and my heart completely stopped. There it was, calling my name. You couldn't miss it. Like a blast from the past, the most beautiful BLUE FUR COAT I ever saw. Ok that's a big fat exaggeration but it is exactly the coat I wore in high school, just in a different shade. I totally wanted it.

Then the word 'smurf' popped into my head. I hung it back up reluctantly as the vendor gave me a knowing smile. Maybe she knew it was special too.

It was fun for all of us. We even scored a free teddy bear. He spends the night in the washing machine.

I noticed this Sefer Torah cover on the way out. 'Perel Bas Moshe Yehuda that was killed' it reads.I didn't check the price and I wasn't sure who was even selling it but I hope that somehow it ends up where it belongs because it surely doesn't belong me in the flea market.

*****

We wrapped up our morning with a drop in at Barnes and Noble. Following our library incident, I prepped the girls, warning them to use indoor voices and behave calmly. But today was a special Sunday and lo and behold singing and dancing was the agenda at our branch and we spent an hour mooing, neighing and jumping around like crazy rabbits. You win some, you lose some.

Seriously, no one asked them to hold hands.

*****
This is Lee-ah. Like C-ya. She is gorgeous and sweet and today was her Bas Mitzvah party. Mazal Tov Leah, thanks for having me at your party:-). I loved your beautiful white outfit. My Bas Mitzvah was in 1992 and I wore a suit. A green plaid suit. With velvet trim. And lace tights. That's all I'm saying.

My first cousin's daughter Elisheva. I grew up with her Mom and remember her ar this age like it was yesterday.

*****

Congratulations Faiga Hackner who won Prayers for Friday Night and The Five Books OfMoses Sefarim set. Pleaseemail me your contact info to chanale@hotmail.com.

*****

As my poor husband knows very well by now, I am not at my best when inthe kitchen. There are a million places I would rather be, gym included. Sowhen Hanna Katsman over at Cooking Manager asked me if Iwould be interested in a 'Reader Interview' I balked. What could I possiblyhave to share in the cooking department? But after reading her blog frombeginning to her end, I was totally into it. Her blog is interesting, down toearth and absolutely helpful. I learn something new every time . Check it out.She addresses it all. And she loves her readers so don't be afraid to email heryour most pressing kitchen questions. Check out my Reader Interview here.

Now for ourMonday Giveaway. If I had to giveanyone any cooking advice it would go something like this:

A good knifeis your best friend in the kitchen. I didn't know that andfor years I grappled with a bunch of lousy, dull, clunky horrible knives. Thenmy sister Sarale started working for Cutco and she set me up like a mentch inthe kitchen. I use this great Santoku knife for everything. It's sharp, its steady and it hasa forever guarantee which means Hadassa can send it in 30 years to besharpened.

I also have agreat spatula spreader that I use for smearing, cutting andprying open sticky pita breads. Preparing a sandwich has never been more fun.The knives are not cheap but it literally cuts my time in the kitchen in half.And that my friends, is priceless.

One randomcommentor will receive a trimmer. Go ahead and drool.

Everyone else gets a 15 percentdiscount off their first purchase over at Sarale's page. If youcan afford it get the whole kit and kaboodle. Otherwise, treat yourself toknife upgrade. Your family will thank you.

Just leave a comment and remember to"Join This Site". Did you love or hate what your wore to your Bas Mitzva

Do You See It Like I See It?

2011-12-09T04:31:00.001-08:00

Have a good Shabbos!

"That Is Hashem"

2011-12-07T08:02:00.001-08:00

When my big one was born I started writing her a letter. I kept at it for a few months and then after writing the word adorable for the umpteenth time, I just stopped.

I remember wracking my brain for things to write about. I look into the notebook now and read "...Hadassa my dear, you are already 6 months old and growing so fast. I am so sorry I haven't journaled for the last little while but I've just been so tired and well just getting used to life with a baby....You are not an infant anymore...you already have two teeth, can sit beautifully and pull yourself to a sitting position..." She was changing every day but nothing special was actually happening. She ate, she slept, she smiled. She rolled over, she sat up, she clapped her hands. All of these things were fascinating for me as a new mother but at the same time seemed so typical and ordinary. I was expecting miraculous.

I probably stopped writing because I didn't see a purpose in love letter that was hundred pages of baby food flavor descriptions. "At 7 months you loved apple cinnoman granola flavor....at seven you finally tried the sweet potato." I was enthralled by this baby but I didn't see much more than a cute baby, much alike a million other.

Now time has passed and with every birthday and milestone it becomes clearer how un-ordinary she is. She is a delightful four year old, and has absolutely changed my life and every way I feel about my existence and purpose in this world. I see so much more than a charming cleft chin and bright green eyes. I see a full person, little but still complete, with with her own unique personality.

She is easy going and fun, bright and often extremely insightful. She has natural sensitivity to others and is warm and friendly; always so patient with her younger sister, (a challenge for most grown ups!) She is curious and interested and fascinated by this world. She is pure, she is innocent, and as a Jewish child with a Neshama, she is holy.

By the time my little one was born I was already aware and in tune with the magic that was to unfold.

I already knew that she was so much more than just our next baby.

It's no secret that being blessed with a child is the biggest revelation of G-dliness in this world, but living with this phenomenon every day, and recognizing it, and appreciating it is truly a blessing of it's own. So I guess I am blessed because I can't deny what it right there in front of my eyes.

Our lives are simple. We don't take elaborate vacations or visit spiritual retreats. On a regular day my tasks are mundane and like most mothers I spent a lot of time hanging out with my kids, interacting with them in way or another. It's not always pretty or fun or special. Sometimes is just regular.

But I'm human. and with lousy weather comes cabin fever and frustration. My songwriting lulls. I yearn to be self absorbed long enough to possibly come to some spiritual epiphany that will finally fully change me for the better, for good. And that's when I yearn for days to myself so I can experience new things; maybe wake up to a view of the sun rising above the ocean. A vision that will move me, inspire me to write incredible songs about Hashem and His majesty. I daydream about sitting on top of a mountain, playing guitar, breathing in unpolluted air, inspired lyrics entering my mind as I play.

Maybe one day I will; In the meantime, I am here. On solid Brooklyn ground, working hard to provide a good life for my children. And that's just right for me because here is exactly where Hashem reveals Himself to me.

We all have different opportunities to experience godliness in our lives. Regardless of my circumstances I always felt Hashem in my life one way or another. As a Jew I know Hashem is everywhere, but sometimes I just want to experience it in an extraordinary, supernatural way.

But for now, it's in my every day life I see Him the most. My marriage and my children are the main source of G-dliness in my life. Through them, and with them I absorb Hashem in my life. Hashem is part of our family and we raise our children to understand that He belongs to them and we belong of Him.

So when it grey and rainy, ordinary and regular, when I'm daydreaming of sunrises and mountains, I will take look at my loved ones and see Hashem. They are all the proof I need.

Enjoy the Free Download "That Is Hashem" by clicking HERE.

Lyrics HERE.

All photography by Rachel Fellig.

Sunday Fun-Day + Giveaway!

2011-12-04T05:17:00.001-08:00

I like to think Chanukah was saved for the winter time specifically to help the frozen east-coast Jews get through the cold season. Can you imagine cleaning for Pesach during a snowstorm or walking to 'Tashlich' in sub-zero temperatures? The warm weather allows for that type of religious devotion. The winter holidays on the other hand needs a little support in the form of fried food, warm candle light and presents.

Miami kids through and through, we waited anxiously for the turn in the weather that signified the beginning of the Chanukah countdown. So now with Rosh Chodesh Kislev behind us, and the polar bears surely in full hibernation,we start riling up the kids for those 8 wonderful nights. Chanukah presents is a hot topic these days and we are having some serious discussions about the 'present possibilities'.

I'm trying to talk them into these choices. These toys would be fun for them and me.

"Introducing the Harrel Sisters!"

Some parents think this is obscene but an appropriate sized broom would help Yaffa with her chores.

When the blog gets really interesting, you'll know my kids are writing it.

My husband thinks they're too young to take over the singing, the housekeeping and the blogging but I say they just need the right tools for the job.

We needed other options so we walked around Target yesterday.

Smile nice and I'll buy you a something special.

Victory is ours.

Life is good when your mother is a pushover.
*****

Friday in the winter is a barely a day, the kids being in school only long enough for a Shabbos party. So we headed to the library Thursday afternoon this week. I was warned once "teach your children everything cuz whatever they don't learn from you they will learn from someone else". I don't know why I assumed my girls know that one must be quiet in the library. We never had the 'library' conversation and to them it's just a huge building, filled with free books that also happens to have an awesome revolving doors and an 'excalator'.

Our visit started off promising but ended in disaster, little fruit candies spilled all over the floor, all eyes on a shushing Mom and two crying girls marching out of the library, and of course, no books checked out.

It was frustrating because I really wanted to know what this book was about.

The library fail was a learning experience for me and them and hopefully the next time we visit my girls will know to exercise their whispering voices so we can look like the normal, peaceful trio we generally are.

We are really into books in this house (and music, and dvds and apps) and I'm certain at this point it may be hereditary. Every single person in my family loves to read. It's either contagious or a defense mechanism my siblings resorted to when everyone else was reading. Cuz when everyone is reading, there's no one listening to you. So you read too.

My girls know I read every Shabbos and they let me be, playing around me, accepting 'uhus' to all their questions including the ones that have to do with their nosh intake. One fruit roll-up gives me 12 pages. When they sit down and read to themselves, (finally), I am delighted. They are animated, using vocal inflections to introduce suspense and resolution into their storytelling.

They also stack up the books sometimes and build the tower of Bavel, destroying the spines and bending the pages. I explain to them books are toys for their minds and they should treat them gently.

But alas.

So I forgive them for ruining their books and my tablecloths and my library visits.

Cuz it's my job to teach them to whisper in the library, treat books with care and paint with your hands when the q-tip just isn't doing the job.

If I shut down the workshop how will they make a picture to bring to their Morahs? (Morahs if you're reading this please not those pictures are created with blood, sweat and no tears.)

*****
As many performers can tell you, it is smack in the middle of the "music season". With weddings every night (b'h), Chanukah around the corner, and no fast days anywhere in sight, the entertainment business is keeping my calender full and my camera charger busy. Next week I sing at a Bas Mitzvah party, a woman's night out in Florida and for the organization 'Sister to Sister' (love those gals).

So when the weekend comes, we try to focus on family time. Sunday is Sunday Fun-day and we make a point of taking the kids to places we can all enjoy together. Yesterday we spent the day with friends at the zoo. (haha, just read that back and it sounds like we have friends who live in the zoo. We do not.)

The weather was great, the kids had a great time and besides for a few altercations with some rowdy goats, it was a perfect day.

This guy totally licked the apple I was unassumingly holding. I had to throw it away. It was organic.

My big one was so excited about the Llamas. Her teacher read them "Is Your Mama a Llama" last week and she was thrilled when her Mama said hello to the Llama.

*****
Congratulations to 'musicmom' who won Morah Blanka and Morah Music's cd set. Please email me your contact info to chanale@hotmail.com.

Today's Giveaway is incredible and I am really excited about it. I really take care of you guys, let me tell you cuz with this giveaway Rabbi Chaim Miller at Kol Menachem Publishers has hooked you up!

Friday night I davened with a Siddur that was SO much more than a Siddur. It was an experience that had me fully engrossed and participating in Lecha Dodi like I haven't since Camp Emunah days. Visit his sight, and learn about his publications. They will take your prayers and Torah study to an entire new level. These gorgeous books are brand spanking new, hot off the press and you want them in your Jewish library.

One random commenter on this post will receive "Prayers For Friday Night" and "The Five Books of Moses".

All you gotta do is follow this blog (by clicking Join This Site on the top right) and leave a comment. What makes your Sundays special?

Have a great week.

What do you think of the leopard/floral combo? Yay or nay?

Make Each Day Special

2011-12-02T05:44:00.001-08:00

At the end of the Bas Mitzvah party last night an elderly woman grabs my hand on her way out. "I enjoyed your music" she says and then reaches to touch my necklace pendant. "It's lovely but but know it doesn't mean anything" she says. She tells me she lost her husband of 60 years and 8 days just a few weeks ago. Stuttering, I extend my condolences."I'm sure you had a nice life together" I offer. "He was my friend" she says simply. As she turns towards the door I ask her for some life advice. She pauses, looks me in the eye and says "make each day special, and don't ever lie to your children."

Make each day special. Check. Don't ever lie to your children. Working on it..

*****
Last night was Rosie's Bas Mitzvah.

The theme was "Lights of Love".

There were lights...

little lights...

and big lights....

plenty of love and plenty of dancing...

and singing of course.

Rosie sang Shabbos Queen with me for her mother.

"Mom Schepping Nachas"
It was a magical night and exactly what a Jewish Bas Mitzvah should be. Mazal Tov Rosie! You did great.

*****

"Very Thankful Mother" please email me so I can send out your children's book set.

Now I gotta run cuz I have a 'special' Friday ahead of me filled with 'special' laundry and 'special' ~~experimenting~~ cooking. Have a great weekend. We'll see you Monday when I'll post the Morah Blanka and Morah Music giveaway winners and tell you all about an awesome new giveaway on Giveaway Monday. Don't miss it.

(And don't forget to Follow The Blog!)

Good Shabbos!

p.s. How 'bout a little 'Mazal Tov/Congrats' for our Bas Mitzvah girl?

From The Archives-Beijing China

2011-11-30T08:35:00.001-08:00

Over the years, I have kept journals, documenting the experiences I've had singing all over the world. With time, I hope to share all of them on the blog. Here is one excerpt.

January 9th, 2007
Beijing China

"Neehow! That is hello in Chinese and the one and only word I learned on my trip which I will now proceed to tell you all about. We land in Beijing airport Thursday evening after a long flight. We travelled along with the extended Freundlach family who came in, as we did, for the opening of the first women's Mikvah in Beijing, China. Dini Freundlach, the Shlucha of Beijing, greets us at the terminal with a warm smile and a big van with enough space for all 18 pieces of luggage that her husband, 2 daughters and mother shlepped in from the states. We packed on board and headed to the Chabad house for supper, and the first of many meals we were to have there.

At the Raskins

We were pretty exhausted after the 13 hour flight so we called an early night at the Raskin's apartment where we were so graciously hosted the 5 nights we were in Beijing. Friday morning we contemplated travelling to the great wall of China but being Shabbos came in so early there simply wasn't enough time. Instead we hit the marketplaces for an day of bargain hunting for scarves, handbags, ties, shirts, and just about anything else you could imagine. At first the clever Chinese shopkeepers quoted us exorbitant prices but being pre-warned we bargained like pros and got all kinds od goodies for absolute bubkes (although we did manage to spend a lot of bubkes!).

We bought coach bags like they were going out of style. Not one lasted more than a year.Hmmm...

My husband kept telling the vendors to give me whatever I pointed at. I had 10 of them following me.

After shopping we jumped into a taxi and headed to the Forbidden City was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In English? It's a Chinese Disney land of old castles that takes about three hours to see properly. The weather was frigid so we did a quick run through to be yotzei zein and then rushed back home just in time for Shabbos.

I don't know why I assumed China would have tropical weather. Apparently it's close to Russia.

That's a lot of stairs for a vacation.

Now that's how I roll.

Frday night the Shluchim was incredible! After davening we sat down to a scrumptious Shabbos meal that we shared with 60 'regulars'. The singing, and Divrei Torah carried on late into the evening and I had to keep reminding myself that we were actually in China! The warmth of Yiddishkeit was burning bright and strong that cold Friday night in a little house in the Far East, that's for sure.

Erev Shabbos in the Chabad House. Their 5 year old daughter Chavi was making a cake. I kid you not. When you're on Shluchos, everyone chips in (plus child labor is more acceptable in China. jk)

Sunday morning came too quickly and we headed out to theChabad house at 9 a.m. for the big event. Our taxi driver was a little confusedby our misguided directions but after a few phone calls and an animatedconversation in Chinese he got the directions and brought us safely to theChabad school.

We passed this Starbucks. I was excited the first time, then certain we were lost the 4th time.

The Chabad House

The entire school was decorated in beautiful purple tule andribbon and a yummy breakfast buffet was set up with treats imported from NYspecial for the 'Spa for the Soul'. The women were divided into two groups forthe morning spa sessions and while one learned about skin care and facials, thesecond learned about the color palette and dressing accordingly.

After the interesting classes we wereinvited to watch a fascinating slide show about the Chinese culture compared tothe American culture in regard to pregnancy and childbirth. Did you know inChina, the law allows only one child per family? There are 1.4 billion Chineseand I suppose there has to be some restrictions or the they will eventuallytake over the world! The class was interesting but by 12pm we were all smellingthe yummy luncheon that was being prepared in the adjoining room.

After thelast slide flickered across the wall, the lights were turned on and we werecordially invited to a scrumptious brunch consisting of mini vegetable quishes,onion soup, salmon and cream sauce, and vodka penne followed by hot chocolatecake and ice cream. I ate quickly and when the lights dimmed after dessert Iheaded on stage for the concert.

I sang 'Crown of Creation', 'Perfect byDesign', 'Vatispalel Chana','Sister, Sister' and 'It's All My Mother' beforethe intermission and speaker. After Mrs. Lipsker (who came in all the way fromSouth Africa!) spoke about the importance and beauty of the Mitzvah of Mikvahand marriage, I sang a few more fun songs and thanked everyone for being myaudiance in Beijing.

Probably the most beautiful Mikvah in the world.

The ceiling of the Mikvah, reflects INTO THE WATER!

The women sang with me and really seemed to enjoy thesongs. Although I've sung in Anchorange, Baranquilla, South Africa, and Israel.the excitement of perfoming in China and sharing my music with women who livedso many thousands of miles away from me, is and will probably always be,unparalleled.

The Shluchos in China

Thank you Rabbi and Mrs. Freundlach for inviting us to share inyour event and for giving us the opportunity of a lifetime. It was sowonderful!"

*****
I sing tomorrow night at Rosie Gurkov's Bas Mitzvah. I'll be back Friday with some pictures of that. Til then, follow this blog and let me know so you can participate in Monday's giveaway. Remember every Monday is giveaway Monday so don't miss out. I have some amazing products you WANT to have.

Choir Club tonight. We are really sounding great, rehearsing for our first performance January 22nd. I'll get you that information as we approach the date.

Thank you for all the love towards Morah Blanka. Her son had her read Monday's post and she was thrilled with the feedback.

Stories Under The Mitzvah Tree + Giveaway!

2011-11-27T17:45:00.001-08:00

Music has the unique ability to trigger powerful recollections. A piece of familiar music provides an instant soundtrack for a mental movie that starts playing in our head. It calls back memories of a particular person or certain place and you might all of the sudden see the person's face in your mind's eye. I think about this soundtrack when I chose a cd for my children to listen to while they play.

The selection of Jewish music and dvds has grown quite considerably since I was a child and there is no shortage of options but perhaps its for that reason I find myself reaching for the music that reminds me of my childhood. The music that brings me back to a time when Bubbeh Sarah was alive and spent her winters in our backyard watching us play in the treehouse attached to the wooden swingset. To a time when Zeidy Fellig's visit would have us running to the door for a rectangle fruit candy and a warm smile. The memories are fleeting, fading slowly over the years, pushed further and further back in the recesses of my mind by the new ones we are creating in our own home these days.

What music will bring them back here?

My first real childhood flashback was produced by Shalom, Shalom Aleph, an album I picked off the shelf because it claimed to be "the classic Aleph Bais tape you grew up with". The first notes of the piano turned me into my five year old self again. It's simple; repetitive and monotonous, but it's a peek hole into my past, providing me with not much else than a feeling I can only identify as home.

Recently another album from my past inspired me to make a long over-due visit to the the woman who wrote them.

Still vibrant and dynamic, Morah Blanca is a musical pioneer; the first person to write and record Jewish music specifically for children with the record "Stories Under The Mitzvah Tree" released in 1973. Morah Blanka is a legend in her time and I am proud to have a unique connection to her. To me Morah Blanka is 'Tante Blanka', the only sister of my Zeidy Fellig o'h, and my great aunt. Yesterday she opened her home, heart and photo albums for me. And told me her story.

In 1938, Blanka was all of ten years old when her mother sent her with the Kindertransport, a rescue mission that took place 9 months before the outbreak of the Second World War. Blanka recounted boarding the train happily, completely oblivious to the circumstances. She remembers how her mother smiled and laughed with her, not wanting her only daughter to leave her arms in tears.

Morah Blanka's mother, my great grandmother Bubby Itty

Blanka was placed in a foster home in England where she was rasied as a gentile, alone and without any contact with her family. In 1946, the chief Rabbi of England arranged a religious woman from Montreal to retrieve her. After 9 years(!!) living with strangers, she was reunited with her two older brothers Yosef and Nussen.

Nussen, Blanka and Yosef reunited in Montreal

My grandfather Yosef (to many known as Joe as my grandmother called him) was married at this time, raising his young children in Montreal. Uncle Nussen arranged that Blanka room and board with a frum family in Williamsburg in hope they would find her a Shidduch. At 20 years old, Blanka again was on her own. She recalls a memory where she sat eating soup in the living room of her new landlords, and as she eats, her soup bowl continues to fill with her tears. So many years later she remembers the loneliness so vividly, it brought her to tears to talk about it.

She marries a quiet Litvisher boy soon after and moved to Lakewood where she spent the first few years of her marriage. Soon after her husband meets the Skverer Rebbe and they settle in New Square where she and her husband raise 7 children, all Skverer Chasidim, who live there until this day.

Morah Blanka (right) with Rebbetzin Dr. Gruenfeld who brought her back to Montreal from England. She was in charge of the Jewish Secondary School in London and the one responsible for all the jewish children who were evauated to shefford from London during the war. She had a tremendous influence on Morah Blanka and guided her into the life she leads today.

Tanteh Blanka describes how excited she was to have a home all of her own. She takes painting lessons so she can paint pictures to decorate her house instead of buying them. Her love of children is manifested when she becomes a preschool teacher, a career she has cultivated and nurtured for over 50 years. (Not a person in Monsey hasn't passed through her classroom!) As a young teacher of Jewish children (Yeshivah of Spring Valley in Monsey) Blanka notices a tremendous need for Jewish children's music. (Can you even imagine a time when there were absolutely no recordings of any Jewish children's music at all?).

Sitting in her parlor, she describes how the words to the songs come down straight from Shamayim, and in frantic inspiration she begins to write the songs for what becomes "The Mitzvah Tree", "I Hear A Mitzvah", "Free To Do Mitzvos" ,"Stories Under The Mitzvah Tree", and "The Mitzvah Tree Triplets Make A Kiddush Hashem". Her cassettes produce the classic songs that hundreds of thousands of Jewish children learn every year, songs like "Hashem Gave Us A Present" and "Latkele, Latkele".

Her stories are narrated and recorded by young children and she remembers each one by name. Many are still in touch with her today.

Tanteh Blanka impressed so much on me in the few short hours we spent with her. "I love the Eibishter!" she proclaimed more than once. "My goal in life is to get closer to Hashem!". She sang me the songs she is still writing and teaching to her preschool students and showed me a picture of the bulletin board they had put up in school this month. Warm, positive, excited and generous are just some of the words that came to my mind as spoke.

It was powerful.
*****
Congratulations Natalie Turetsky and Very Thankful Mother who won Miriyam Yerushalmi's beautiful book set. Please email me your contact info to chanale@hotmail.com
*****

Today this story comes with a special giveaway that has a direct connection to Morah Blanka and myself. As I mentioned above, Morah Blanka had only two brothers, my grandfather Joe and Uncle Nussen, both infamous for their Gemilus Chasadim and larger than life personalities. Uncle Nussen is the father of another very talented woman, another famous Morah that we all know and love as Morah Music.

From right, my grandparents Joseph and Miriam, Blanka, and Suri's parents Nussen and Shoshana.

Suri Levilev is my father's first cousin and a close friend of mine. Her five Music and Movement albums are incorporated in school curriculums and play on repeat in my house since my little one is a tiny baby. One random commenter on this post will receive the entire Music and Movement set plus Morah Blanka's only album on CD "The Mitzvah Tree's Simchas Yom Tov".

All you gotta do is follow this blog (by clicking Join This Site on the top right) and leave a comment. What do you remember about the music of your childhood?

Yaish M'Ayin-Something Outta Nothing

2011-11-25T05:48:00.001-08:00

So this came in the mail this week. It's been sitting on my desk staring at me like a hot french croissant, whispering "you know you want me". $10 off a Shutterfly photobook PLUS free shipping. I'm a mess. The timing is not right but the deal is good. I glide through my Picasa albums. Nothing. It's all been done. I consider the possibility of scanning some old pictures but my scanner is on the fritz these days. Hmmm. What to do.

Hello, I'm Chanale and I am a photo-book addict.

There are more. I'm just too embarrassed to share the extent of my addiction. So I send them to my mother-in-law in Israel (who by the way is very impressed that I am both a singer and book publisher.)

I mentioned my affinity for my point & shoot * even though my photography skills are probably the weakest link in my talent chain only coming in second place to my cooking. Every month I have hundreds of pictures that come out just plain lousy. Out of focus, overexposed, plain ol' boring. Pictures that would waste space in an album that would then waste space on my shelves. Pictures like these, for example:

Unremarkable and forgettable. That's where Picasa collages come in (and sometimes Picnic for fun). A little creativity, and a snapshot becomes part of the many snapshots that tell the story of their childhood.

Now the swing picture becomes a warm summer day at the park...

the Unidentified Falling Object being Hadassa jumping a little too vigorously on the moon bounce...

...random picture ofYaffa and the filthy doll in a compromising position becomes Yaffa getting stuck in the tunnel hole, but escaping safely, filthy doll in tow, happy and proud of herself...

...while the blurry wiping-doll's-face-with-tissue picture becomes the saga of the dirty doll who once washed wouldn't stop crying and the little girl who wiped her tears away with a tissue all the while saying "shhh baby, don't cry, Mommy Yaffa loves you..."

Every year I collage-up our pictures, upload them to either Snapfish (ok), Shutterfly (easy-to-use), Vista-print (one time deal for great fairy clipart), mixbook (tricky to maneuver around), photobin (nothing special) or Picaboo (expensive but the best option for customization). Then I add a lovely cover picture like this one,

and ask my husband for the credit card.

I'm gonna throw the Shutterfly Gift Card for $10 off and free shipping into the book giveaway. If you're a first timer you can probably get a steep discount in addition to this one. Who knows, maybe they'll pay you to make a book! Download Picasa and get busy.

Don't forget to comment (3 things you're thankful for) and FOLLOW the blog if you want to enter. It's a 2 click process and I know you can handle it.

Good Shabbos!

Living In High Definition + Giveaway

2011-11-21T10:22:00.001-08:00

Both of my parents hail from Eastern-European backgrounds; my maternal grandparents raised from childhood in the same Russian town and my paternal grandparents born in Warsaw and Vienna respectively. When asked about my heritage I declare myself a proud Jewish American (mostly for immigration purposes) but also consider myself an interesting mix of Ashkenazi and Sefardi, with my husband's parents being of Sefardic descent.

My mother's parents.

My father's parents with my great Uncle Nussen on the right.

Growing up we did not celebrate any American holidays. Mother's Day was celebrated 'every day' and not once can I remember 4th of July fireworks as a shared family experience. In November my mother takes advantage of the season's sales and a large Kosher turkey suddenly appears for dinner, but I am pretty sure the word 'Thanksgiving' is never actually uttered. (Unless it's in reference to Black Friday because in our house shopping is a religious practice we will bend the rules for. )

My introspective sister posted a 'meme'* on her facebook wall recently: what if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked G-d for today? Thanks a lot Rochelle. You just massacred the little sleep I get as it is by rattling me to the core. Paranoid as it is, I now spend the last few conscious moments before sleep mumbling "thank you Hashem for my husband, my children, my parents, my siblings, my grandparents, my extended family and their extended family, my home, my guitar, my computer, my Sheitel, my engagement rings, my photo books, can't believe I almost forgot my photo books, what else, what else, what else????"

*google it like I did.

So when morning arrives, come Gehenom or high water, the first words that come out of my mouth (after "I'm up, I'm up!") is the short Modeh Ani prayer (music plug here: as I paraphrase in the lovely song "Kol Zman", I thank You in the morning, for the soul You gave to me, now pure and very ready, to serve You properly, Get it here,.)

The rest of the day is a continual series of blessings, be it on food, various Mitzvos and a million "Baruch Hashems" to boot. My mother-in-law is a seamstress and in true Sefardic habit says Baruch Hashem with every kvetch, and krich. "Oy, I have so much sewing to get done, I can sew for a week straight it won't get done, Baruch Hashem, Baruch Hashem!" It may just be a proper sign of maturity because my mother can also sigh out a 'Baruch Hashem' like the best of them.

OK, so you've seen a picture of me in my pink bathrobe; let's talk about my mother-in-law, no holds barred. For the record, she does not read my blog, so henceforth, know all the opinions expressed here are absolutely honest. The same goes for anything written about my mother. Who does read. Love you Ma. You're the best.

My in-laws live in Eretz Yisroel where they settled over 15 years ago. My husband grew up in Far Rockaway, a lovely Jewish neighborhood in the Five Towns, but my mother-in-law's love for the land of Israel is so passionate that when she came to visit 2 years ago she was missing Eretz Yisroel within 24 hours of landing. Not even the American Doll store impressed her. Big mistake taking our doll for a haircut with her. While waiting on line she pulls out her sewing scissors and offers to cut the dolls hair right then and there. She could not believe Americans pay to have their doll's hair washed and set. (It is a little nuts, totally never doing that again.) She is a Tzadekes if I ever met one and has taught me so much by simple osmosis over the phone wires. My husband has requested I would learn to cook Bucharian food long distance but I tell him the recipes are lost in translation.

My beautiful mother-in-law and sister-in-law Ariella. I miss them so much,.

So with some good role models in my life, I make a point of constantly incorporating Hashem into our regular conversations.

"It's snowing. In October. Baruch Hashem!"

"The upstairs neighbors are having the entire Shul over for a meal! And it appears they are doing some Shabbos dancing! Baruch Hashem!"

"The kitchen cabinets just fell off the wall for no reason at all, Baruch Hashem!" (true story by the way).

"A shiny object that may or may not have been a diamond ring just fell down the drain. Baruch Hashem! "(another true story).
"I burned the oatmeal again, Baruch Hashem!"

Never less than insanely grateful for what I have in my life I would be a fool to reserve one day a year for thanksgiving. I would much rather say "Baruch Hashem" from morning to night (and really mean it) than attempt to prepare my own stuffed turkey, a cooking challenge that with my track record is sure to end with a turkey tucked into bed and a child marinating in the fridge. For now, one big Shabbos meal a week is more than enough to keep the ingrate chef in me perfectly grateful thank you very much.

Oh no I didn't. Oh yes I did.

*****
The girls are on a nice schedule these days, both loving their Morahs and new friends. Our mornings wrap up while we wait for the bus on the corner. They are fresh-faced and giddy, their tummies full and their moods high. We party at the bus stop. Watching their antics, I am filled with such pure joy that I often stare at my children's adorable faces and just laugh and laugh, bursting with happiness. They usually join in with me, not even caring that they have no idea what their insane Momma is laughing about. They see joy and want a part of it. So we laugh, we sing, we make silly faces and crazy dances, and I encourage their imaginations that decided a gloomy overcast day is really a Lag Baomer parade,

or a day at the beach,

Or yet another Chasoneh.

When you need a break from grownupville, a child's head space is a wonderful place to be. Some call is silly, but I like to think of it as living in high definition. The picture is the same, but the quality is better, the details sharper and the overall experience more beautiful.

*****

Hadassa, my big one, asked me the other day if Hashem could see the food in her stomach. At first I didn't understand the question and answered a brisk "yes, He is watching you right now, so please finish eating your chicken". Then I realized that she actually believes Hashem resides INSIDE of her , possibly right in the middle of her chewed up food. I explained to her that Hashem is inside her Neshama which for all intents and purposes resides closer to her heart than her large intestine.

At a mere four years old, an age where most American children are preoccupied with princesses and ponies, my child is thinking quite clearly and maturely about Hashem's presence within her.

And that is something to be thankful for.

*****

These days I have been giving a lot of thought to the women in my life that have in one way or another influenced my music. Next week I visit a very special woman, a relative that is directly responsible for the first musical memories that I have (think record player). In her late 80s, she is as busy as a bee, and thankfully managed to squeeze time in to visit with me from 3-4 pm next Sunday. We should all be so agile and productive at her age. But more about that next week.

In the meantime, let's get to a nice giveaway. A few months ago, my aunt Lena brought my children 3 books that we positively love. You might have noticed one featured in the "Taking Over My Heart" music video titled "Gedalia The Goldfish Who Wanted To Be Just Like The King". A mouthful I know but a gorgeous book with a wonderful lesson that is reminiscent to "The Rainbow Fish" in illustration. 2 commenters, randomly selected from this post will receive a set of 3 books each by the talented and brilliant Miriam Yerushalmi including "Let's Go Camping And Discover Our Nature" and "Feivel The Falafel Ball Who Wanted To Do A Mitzvah".

Chanuka is around the corner and this set would make a wonderful present for a special child in your life. To enter, all you gotta to do is FOLLOW THIS BLOG and tell me three things that you are thankful for right now. Winners will be announced December 1st.

Visit often as there will be a great giveaway every week.

MYerushalmi@hotmail.com/www.sanesite.org

Also, if you haven't ordered a subscription to the N'shei Chabad Magazine, now is a great time to catch the Chanukah Issue that will feature a new 4 page interview with me (and many more interesting, funny and heartfelt articles to boot). It's all kinds of interesting so click here and subscribe today. Tell 'em I sent ya;-).

Until then, have a great weekend full of joy and imagination.

How Beautiful Our Weekends

2011-11-20T16:45:00.001-08:00

For years I have been taking pictures of my life. I think it's because I left home at 13 and felt from a young age that life was an exciting adventure. Or maybe I had the foresight to know that my memory wasn't going to be my best ally, so I took pictures of what I would otherwise forget. My mother was always with her camera and video camera so perhaps it's ingrained in my psyche. Whatever the reason, I continue to photograph and film our family's life one special occasion at a time. And all the days in between. None of the pictures are remarkable in composition, but they accomplish exactly what I need them to.

Now just to make one thing clear, I do not take pictures of myself for any self-indulgent, egotistical reasons. Although I was an adorable child, adolescence was not kind to me.

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

I am not sure what exactly transpired between these two pictures but I am sure it involved a thoughtless haircut and cruel optometrist. As you might imagine, I had insecurity issues like most children my age but my self-confidence was not directly impacted by the red-glasses phase. I did well enough in school and my mother thought we were all stunning. Quite possibly because she is stunning and probably assumed her offspring were as genetically blessed as she was.

Exhibit C:

How stunning is this mother of five? She is the same age I am now.

When I look at these pictures it feels like lifetimes away they were taken. The world has changed so much just in the last few years with the internet and facebook in (almost) every American home. When we posed for this picture my gorgeous mother didn't think about a dozen friends she wanted to share it with. We were definitely in the moment and now when I look at this picture, it has special value. It tells the story of 4 daughters in custom sewn dresses and bows, each personalized just a bit. It tells of an only son. It tells of a Simcha in New York. It tells of a simpler time when a picture was developed and framed. I swiped this picture from my parents house where it hung for years and now it hangs in my kitchen.

Tonight I had a reality check when I came across my Picasa web albums through a random google search. To my horror I discovered thousands of our personal photo albums were available for public viewing. Then I noticed, that a home video I had uploaded on youtube of my big one's first "tummy ache" at a mere 3 days old, had 5099 views! Clearly I have been slacking in the media control department. With some quick privacy settings changed disaster has been averted and my sense of privacy has been restored.

As a singer, a part of me is revealed at every performance, with every album sold, and with every blog post I write. But these revelations are ones I choose to share and are conscious decisions, each made with much thought. I am happy to share a part of my life with my fans, but there is a lot that will remain hidden from public view.

Many of the songs, video clips, slideshows posted on this blog will be posted temporarily for my blog followers to enjoy. I am happy to share pictures of my family and concerts but I would never exploit my children or femininity in exchange for popularity. That said, if you have photos online, video clips on youtube that are not set on private, please take a minute to check your settings.

We run Jewish homes and Jewish homes must have elements in it that remain concealed. "Ma tovu ohalecha Ya'akov, mishk'nosecha Yisra'el "; the only Tefilah we say that was written by a non-Jew. This is the essence of the Yidden. Tznius.

But I digress.
*****

Shabbos was a quiet one. We had a wonderful time Friday night at our friends and neighbors, where we had a beautiful 'children-welcome' night meal.

Dresses courtesy of Bubby Faygie.

I love early Shabbosim. After Licht Bentching we read Parsha notes and ooh and ahhh at all the gorgeous arts n crafts the children made in school (which are immediately photographed and discarded come Motzei Shabbos). We read , choosing books we haven't looked at in a while, build cities out of clics, magna-tiles and lego, and make an attempt at some Shabbos Davening which is usually disrupted by little fingers pushing the pages back to the Aleph Beis chart.

Sunday we hit the BR shoe sale, children's museum and then did a little visit to Boro Park for pizza and the Malkali video we are missing in the Parshas Beraishis series.

I noticed this. See what's missing? "Taking Over My Heart" sold out in every single music store on the strip. That is a good thing.

Obsessed with the children's soap dispenser in the museum. Must get me one.

This did not end well.

It was just warm enough for gelato today. Shh, no one has to know right?

This week, I begin two exciting recording projects both which you will hear here. For now I leave you with a video from the Beis Rivkah 12th grade concert I mentioned last week and some footage from the radio interview last Wednesday.

Have a great week.

Motherhood Musings

2011-11-18T05:25:00.001-08:00

This morning it's bone-chillingly cold and I am reminded of the frigid winters I spent in Montreal as a high school student. The first year my aunt took me to buy a winter coat and I chose a green faux fur jacket with big gold buttons (yes it was the 90s but that would probably still be my choice now if such a coat existed. But it doesn't. I know cuz I checked). "Are you sure that's what you want?" my aunt fretted, pointing to a rack of uber-puffer coats in every shade of the rainbow. "I don't think you're going to warm enough." she insisted. Growing up in Florida, winter was a mere suggestion; it came and went so fast we never had heat in the house. We had 'cold fronts' that were so mild we were literally only were cold in the front. In my inexperienced mind, that fur coat was the warmest thing I had ever seen.

The coat looked like this but in hunter green. Mind you I was in 9th grade.

Fast forward a couple weeks, it's -30c and I am walking to school in my fur, nostrils stuck together, tears streaming down my face, tears that froze instantly as they hit the gold buttons. That year I learned that a Montreal winter takes no prisoners and returned to the coat factory for the down-filled puffer coat the rest of Canada knew well enough to wear.

The winter is so hard for me. The wind is abrasive, the ice slippery and the chill pervades my entire being. Last year I begged my husband to relocate us to Florida. In my frozen state of mind, I was absolutely positive about that decision.

So when I see this I am sad. It happened so quickly.

But I will take one day at a time. On the most debilitating cold days, I remind myself that this is the best time of our lives, and I will not waste it crying about the weather. Our children are young and content in the nest, nestled under our wings, happily dependent and thriving on our love and care. After a long afternoon playing Candyland, sweeping up pretzel crumbs,and force-feeding meatballs (probably should have skipped the pretzels), I can only hope that I was loving enough, that the scale didn't tip to the 'mean mommy' side, that I looked in their eyes and listened to what they were trying to tell me through their over-tired tears. Any parent will tell you how tempting it is to rush your children through the day. From the moment they wake, like items on a conveyor belt, we guide our children through a series of activities not so subtly navigating them straight back into their beds. I overheard a friend of my husband's admit he starts counting the hours until bedtime as soon as his children wake up. He was only partially kidding.

My husband enjoys my children like crazy. Love that about him.

Some days I am guilty of this kind of parenting. Answering "whys" with "cuz I said so" and making choices for them that they may not be thrilled about. As a parent I worry about the invisible germs, the hidden food coloring, and the impact a few late nights can have on their productivity. I attempt explanations asking them if they "understand or overstand". (When they answer "overstand" I know it went over their heads.) But I'm the Mommy and have the last word when it comes to baths (always), nosh (sometimes) and staying up late (never). They struggle, and kvetch, negotiate and breakdown, and as hard as it is, I am firm when it comes to their health and well being, spiritually and physically.

But then magically, bedtime comes and my children still want me close to them. My little one wiggles up close to me wanting to be completely enveloped in my arms. My big one asks me to sing "Little Kinderlach" waiting eagerly to hear what I'll mention; "The little girl, who shares with her sister, and helps her Mommy, she'll make him come." They glow with pride when I mention the Mitzvos they did and ask me to lay with them a few minutes longer. And I realize that they don't hold my parenting against me. Washed, fed and cozy in their beds, they fall asleep feeling safe and loved.

I think about my relationship with Hashem.

Like a child, I don't always always understand His parenting, kvetching about the "whys" that are answered with "cuz I said sos". I sulk and stamp my feet in disappointment and I want it different. I want my way.

But at the end of the day when I look around and recognize my blessings, I feel safe and loved.

And I don't hold it against Him.

Have a good Shabbos.

Thank you for these beautiful children that teach me so much

Little Pitchers, Big Mouths

2011-11-16T09:20:00.001-08:00

There are many traits I admire in a woman. As a parent, patience is certainly a valued commodity but that can be hard to assess, because if you're anything like me, you remain cool, calm and collected when you catch your little one poking holes in the very expensive salmon fillet packages at Benz's. These days more and more, I value honesty in a friendship. Never one to shy away from personal conversations, I am comfortable talking about your marriage, your mother and of course your diet. I go straight to the heart of the matter and appreciate when a friend believes that what they share is safe with me. Why the word believe? Let's call it a Freudian typo, because if we are being completely honest here (on this very public blog) I have been guilty of spilling the beans once or twice (probably closer to a dozen actually but who's counting?)

Now the purpose of this post is to share the positive traits that music and motherhood bring out in me, so worry not that I am a insensitive big mouth and I am about to post your secrets on the internet. Absolutely not. I respect privacy and actually envy women who maintain it so easily! After much introspection on the matter I have come to terms with the fact that the very same voice that is this huge blessing for me and my family, is also my Achilles heel. Hashem certainly has a sense of humor. My mother once hinted that if all my conversations with my husband were sung rather than spoken, our Sholom Bayis would be surpassed only by the very peaceful Avraham and Sarah.

Whew! It feels good to get that out. For years I have struggled with denial. One of my closest friends reminds me on a regular basis that I insulted her the first time I met her. I only remember asking her about her strange pedicure that was an odd shade of purple. I came from a good place, really! That's me. I cut straight to the chase. Nice to meet you, what's up with your toes? So I wonder. Am I trading honesty with sensitivity? I asked a friends this week if she was pregnant. She wasn't. But her unflattering puffer coat was sticking out into her 6th month for sure. Should I worry she is devastated? I didn't even apologize. I just laughed it off and told her to buy a new coat. She knows I think she is beautiful right? If I had her flat stomach (which she opened her coat to show me) I'd be thrilled!

Of course these are two petty examples. I'll spare you the gory details from all the other mouth-mishaps. But as they say "Knowing is Half the Battle" so at least I am aware. Too aware I think actually. At the radio interview with Miriam Wallach at the Nachum Segal Show today, I was so concerned about saying the wrong thing I can't even remember what we talked about! So check that out tomorrow at 2pm here and let me know what went down.

As a mother, watching what I say is a formidable challenge. I hail from a lineage of 'loud and proud' Yiddishe Mammehs and make every effort to control the urge to YENT! My daughters don't like when I am on the phone around them, they want my complete attention and sometimes I leave my phone uncharged simply so I don't have one to use. They are watching me every minute, absorbing my Middos and learning from the way I speak, and what I speak about. I want them to remember a soft spoken mother, who listened a lot and gossiped a little. (With such expectations I might have to give them up for adoption!) So it's not the cussing (which I don't) or the shouting (rarely) but the quality of my conversations, even and especially the ones with my husband. My mouth is a double-edged sword but I refuse to let my sharp tongue gain control. My children are sponges, and I want to fill them up with the good stuff.

For "Taking Over My Heart" I wrote a song called "Little Pitchers". Check it out here. Then leave a comment with your thoughts on this topic. Honesty vs. Sensitivity. What are you teaching your children?

Music And Motherhood Musings

2011-11-14T05:38:00.001-08:00

My husband and I didn't grow up in Brooklyn, and it's Shabbos when we feel the the brunt of the out-of-town experience. While my friends are crashing at their parents for a meal or two, we plan fun meals as often as we can. Hosting is a real joy for us and we only wish we had more space so we could expand out 16 foot dining room table on a regular basis. Generally I am proud of my table and the variety of yummy food I put out. I consider myself a healthy cook, staying away from hydrogenated fats (no pastry dough), excess sugar (pumpkin/butternut squash pies), and fats (mayonnaise drenched salads covered in fried chow mein noodles). This weekend I had the biggest reality check of my entire nutritional life.

I met Chana Lew this summer at the swimming pool upstate and we got into a short conversation about kids clothing we love (Janie & Jack), and naturally, childbirth. She mentioned she has her babies at home and I knew better than to bring up the E word (epidural). While my girls clung desperately to their noodles, her 3 year old was swimming laps. Clearly this Momma was no slouch.

This Shabbos we were invited to the Lews and I do not kid around when I say that it's Monday morning and I am still satisfied. I had a hunch, but I was thrilled to discover that Chana keeps a completely organic home. Completely. From sourdough Challah, all the way to soy cheesecake and natural apple crumble, not an ingredient at the table was processed in any way. It was a dream come true. I was practically teary-eyed with joy. My husband was about to cry too, but only because there were no cold cuts or kishkeh. He got over it when he tasted the soft spelt Challah and earthy Hummus.

As the meal progressed I was suddenly ashamed of all the junk I let into my house. Until this weekend I was proud we drank organic milk and used organic eggs. Pretzels are multigrain and bread always whole wheat. Last night while preparing Shnitzel, I noticed the seasoned breadcrumbs had 14 different unpronounceable ingredients. I am overwhelmed.

But I am up for the challenge. I made a list of ingredients I will pick up this week and add to my pantry. I like crowding out bad things with good. So we'll exchange, replace and restock, this time with some better choices. Chana, my grocery list includes miren, maple syrup, spelt flour, grapeseed oil and if it exists, organic heinz ketchup. Thank you for being such an inspiration and sharing your nourishing, delicious food with out family. I will return the invitation as soon as I win the diet coke battle with my husband. Sigh.

You can learn more from the amazing Chana Lew here.

*****

Yesterday, we spent the morning outside. My girls love the big girl swings and they are learning to kick their legs strong enough to keep moving. It's easier to push them than to keep yelling "kick your feet for pete's sake" but I want them to be independent and know that even a good time takes some effort. My little one has a new gimmick where she stands at the bottom of the staircase and tells me her knees hurt. I leave her downstairs until she's hungry or my husband comes home and mercifully carries her up the stairs.

The country-girl in me dreams of sprawling backyards, swingsets and a yes, even a pet. My childhood friend Shoshanna, had a dog that slept, wait for it...in her bed with her. I never made a real connection with Doukie but I remember feeling safe around him and I therefore have no fear of dogs. I have seen grown men in this neighborhood run for their lives at the sight of a Chihuahua. So while there will be no pets in this Brooklyn apartment, I love the chance to meet one in the park.

My girls were thrilled with this little guy.

I don't know where Hadassa learned "here boy" from but I don't shelter my children like crazy. Raising city kids, we will always have to balance the fine line between too much freedom and too little independence. My instinct is not to hover, and if another Momma is running a game of Simon Says, my big one gets to playing.

Simon Says do the crazy dance.

Fall is insane. I did not color enhance these pictures. They are straight off my camera. Hadassa's idea was that we take a picture, print it, and then stick the leaves off the tree onto the picture. I thought that was a GREAT idea so we collected some more candy colored leaves and we will get to that project this afternoon.

We stopped by Basil on the way home for a carrot muffin and chocolate chip cookie.

Children learn a lot on in a restaurant environment. It's a good exercise for their manners and self-control (for me that is). No you may not have a pizza and a milkshake, yes I know there is a pizza oven, but Mommy only has 7 dollars on her and the cookies ate 3.50 each so how 'bout you eat your very non-organic cookie and be happy you're not a starving child in Africa but a lucky one in Brooklyn in a fancy cafe on Sunday morning, yes you can have a water in a plastic cup with a lid, yes with a straw, dont crack the straw, don't open the lid, waitress, can we get some napkins here...ok excellent, drink it up, waters good for you...what? you need the bathroom....again?

*****

Last night was the Ten Yad Auction. I didn't win any prizes but I was the entertainment, so I think that counts for something;-).

It takes a village to get a singer ready for a show. My sisters are angels. Rochelle saved me with the incredible skirt, Shulamis provided the jewelry courtesy of Dara Ettinger and my mother set my Sheitel. I just had to show up and sing.

It was a night that goes down in history that is for sure. The crowd was sensational, tremendous and eager. "The Hasty Chuppah" was perfection. The talent and costumes were brilliant and the crowd was mesmerized. We ran out of "Taking Over My Heart" albums in ten minutes. We are waiting on the professional pictures but here are some for now. I also have some pictures from last week's show. I'll get those up later today.

*****

With Ten Yad behind me, I focus my musical energies on Choir Club this month. Wednesday I'll be in the studio with Miriam Wallach taping for her show called "That's Life". You can catch that on-air live Thursday 2pm here. Have a great semi-organic week.

A Mother's Hope

2011-11-11T06:30:00.001-08:00

The temperature dropped last night and I resisted adjusting the thermometer for a while. Wrapped in a warm blanket I peeked into my kids' room like I always do, checking for exposed toes. I wrap them in their blankets and inhale the sweet smell at the crook of their necks, push their hair out off their little foreheads. My little one opens her eyes, and for a moment I regret waking her. I take a chance and whisper, "Bubby's coming tomorrow, are you happy?" And mostly asleep says "yes", smiles, and closes her eyes again. And I know for certain this little girl is not a baby anymore.

Yaffa, photography by RachelFellig

While still without equal rights, my newborns are full fledged members of our family now. My big one asks me constantly what I'm reading, what I'm saying, where I'm going. My little one refuses help getting dressed but screeches like the best of them when her elbow is stuck in her shirtsleeve. They are growing taller and leaner and we its hard to find a pair of tights that fit my big one these days. Shiffy (our American Doll with a butchered haircut courtesy of my big one's "Shaitel Maching") wears the newborn onesies and I can't believe they ever fit in them, let alone slept comfortably on my shoulder. Last night my husband played drums and I joined on guitar. My girls sang with us, interjecting frequently with "are we practicing for our next concert now?"

We were a family, each with what to contribute, and while we clunked through their favorite Parsha songs, I felt complete joy. This is the purpose of it all. It all comes down to these few moments of perfect happiness, and I am going to soak them up and know I lived a good life.

"Keep my children safe" I ask Hashem every morning as I send them off to school. I am fully aware that they are at the mercies of His kindness every second of the day. As a mother, I can nurture them, provide for them, and teach them right from wrong. As a mere human, I can only pray to Hashem to protect them from what I cannot control. The winter is upon as and we will tie down the hatches, and hibernate for a few months. Short days, long nights, before I know it spring arrives and my children are up a shoe size and running and jumping faster and better than last year. They grow up so fast and all I can do is invest enough of myself into them, so when they walk out the door, I am still in their hearts.

Hadassa, photography by RachelFellig

Hadassa drew me a picture that I thought was so beautiful with all its colors and stickers. She told me "Mommy, it's your Neshama!". At 4 years old, she knows that a Neshama is beautiful. I tell her Hashem is inside her, that she is part of Him and He is part of her. I want my children to know it like they know everything else. Hashem is part of our family, Hashem watches you when you sleep, Hashem is proud and Hashem is with you always. She thinks my husband has an eye on the back of his head that really works. And she buys it hook, line and sinker, every time! So why not give her the gift of spirituality? She is fascinated by my mundane activities, and that tells me certainly she is ready to understand the good stuff.

"They grow up way too fast

And it's hard to let them go

I'll be ok as long as I see

That I am in their hearts

And You are in their Soul."

Get it here.

Good Shabbos!

There's Nothing I Can't Do, Almost.

2011-11-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

Often enough, I regret the things that come out of my mouth, but it's rare that an apology, or retraction doesn't resolve the issue. When I met my husband, I foolishly uttered 5 words that changed my life: There's nothing I can't do. I imagine the emphasis more on I than on nothing because back then, I had no clue what nothing i.e. ANYTHING was even all about. So with this short sentence I gave myself a lifelong sentence. These days, more and more, my overwhelming life is a pekel I accept with absolute joy. That said, this week, I was multi-tasking like a mad-woman and we had a lot of mishaps, including a nose bleed and wedding ring related near-catastrophe. I will spare you the pictures of the bloody towel and my ring in a toilet bowl, but no one was safe this week.

Not Zina Ballerina.

Not this photobook.

Even my favorite Dior lipstick found itself in harms way this week.

This lipstick spent a few years abandoned in a spare pocketbook. That's why it looks so ancient

Ma, I have some bad news. I obviously don't know how to use a tape measure because the sweater you knit is a drop too small.

And it's all totally my fault. I'll take the blame for under supervising my children while I prepared for choir club, sent out concert contracts, had meetings for Ten Yad and answered a million emails, texts and facebook messages. I then proceeded to squish in a photo shoot with Rochelle with the full intention of making us look like the most peaceful family on the block. Soon I'll smack the pictures on a canvas and just like that, my children have another a wonderful memory of their childhood staring back at them day after day. Brainwashing? Possibly. But they will remember a happy childhood while I have a nervous breakdown in the process.

*****
Last night after Choir Club and a concert for 150 super-psyched 12th graders, I made a note to spend more quality time with my kids this weekend. The temperature was in the mild 50s this morning so I grabbed the pot of Kasha and we were out the door this morning at 7:30. My little one's Morah asked for autumn leaves this week.

We live in Brooklyn, there will be a garbage can in many pictures

My mother knit this sweater. Not from a pattern. In another life she worked for Missoni. Insane.

So although I have to admit that these days that there are a few things I cannot manage, (all at the same time anyways) loving my children is unquestionably easy. So I'll start there. The weekend looks good. My plan is to enjoy my children just a little extra these days, maybe start working on our family's yearly photobook.

So while I might not be the perfect, calmest, most balanced rockstar mom, when my children are loved well, they certainly think I am.

And that's doing it all no?

Cool Days And Warm Nights

2011-11-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

Today we made what I hope is our last trip to Lefferts Park for the season. Below 50 degrees is just too cold for my Florida genes and my little one has her 3rd cold since Rosh Hashana. Ironically, the winter keeps the drunks and drug addicts away too, making it the best time to enjoy the playground without the fear of kidnapping and stray needles. There is no perfect place to live, and I have come to the conclusion that life in Brooklyn has it's pros and cons like anywhere else. (True, our cons may be a little more dangerous but our cops are tougher than the bike-riding policemen of South Miami, so I guess it balances out.)

The kids love 'Lesserts Park" though.

They leap...

dangle...

and climb in oversized rubber boots made especially for NOT climbing.

How 'bout we leave Hatzolo out of the schedule today, ok little lady?

And just when I am starting to unwind and enjoy the breeze, then they run to me with a huge smile on their face and announce that they really, really, need the bathroom.

I feel bad about the time my children spend indoors while winter's runs its course. The steam is adjusted constantly while I try to maintain the perfect temperature to stave off their colds, while still avoiding overly dry skin and nosebleeds. Humidifiers hum, onion and garlic stations are set up near their beds and I become a terrifying Mommy lest I see a bare foot before March. In short, there will be no love songs about winter written any time soon.

(Meanwhile Rebbetzin Tap has taken up permanent residence over here and my husband just announced he is bringing up a drumset this week. You may see me freezing in the park this winter after all...)

*****

This afternoon we headed to Queens to visit my husband's great uncle. I'm not sure if it was a coincidence or a language barrier that landed us right in the middle of full blown Bucharian Fiesta, but we were greeted warmly and enthusiastically to participate in Dod Malkiel's 80th birthday party feast. And I don't use the word feast lightly. These people don't mess around when it comes to food.

That is a specific Bucharian pot for preparing Plov, a traditional meat, carrot and rice dish. That is one serving. Jk.

To the utter dismay of the elderly Bucharian guests, my kids ate only bread. I am positive I heard the woman sitting next to me mutter "Ashkenaziya" under her breath when my big one refused the roasted lamb skewer.

The food kept coming.

I cannot tell you exactly what you are looking at. It's called Lagman which may or may not be the Bucharian word for Octopus.

So here I am, 6 years in the family, and finally comfortable with the gigantic teapots.

Not so much with the actual tea though...

or what might possibly be in this woman's hair.

But when all is said and done, I am grateful that I am part of this family. A family where love is expressed, tradition is valued, and life is celebrated on a regular basis with good food and good music. We stayed tonight much later than we expected, and although I didn't understand the toasts, I absorbed the joy and sentiment behind them.

Our little one is named after Dod Malkiel's mother, Yaffa.

No Bucharian party is complete without some dancing but my camera died early tonight so I couldn't quite capture what was probably the most fun of the night.

But hopefully my girls soaked it up.

*****

High School Choir Club starts tomorrow. I am thrilled with the interest so far. More on that later this week. Until then, enjoy your last licks at the park.

High School Choir Club!

2011-11-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Just a little announcement before Shabbos comes in:

Teenagegirls of Crown Heights, this is for YOU!

I am so excited to announce the debut of an exciting new after-school program custom-designed for the girls of our neighborhood, called the Choir Club.

The Choir Club will be open for all girls of high school and available for grades 7-9 and 10-12. The program will include an annual performance, solo opportunities and recording potential.

The club will also encourage song-writing, and personal expression in any form of singing, harmony or musical instrumentation. Iy'h by the end of the program you will have gained singing confidence, song-writing skills and an extensive library of traditional and contemporary Jewish music.

Join the Choir Club and be part of an after-school singing program that will bring out your Inner Song!

Performance,Songwriting and Recording Opportunities!

Mondayand Wednesday

7th,8th, 9th grade

6:00pm sharp

10th,11th, 12th grade

7:00pm sharp

Call 347 750 7957 to register TODAY. Spacesare limited.

Affordable and Located in Crown Heights

Endorsed by Bais Rivkah and Bnos Menachem

Cant' wait to get started!

Good Shabbos

Behind The Music-Vatispalel Chana

2011-11-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

This post is a "behind the story" special post I will be writing twice a month, recounting the experiences and memories that came into play when writing some of my favorite songs. Many of these stories, you might have heard at concerts but I hope to add a little something extra each time. All my music can be purchased here.

As a songwriter, I am constantly looking for inspiration for new songs. Sometimes it can be intangible and illusive, random inconclusive ideas floating in my head as I fall asleep, only to be forgotten in the morning. Often they come as an epiphany and seem so obvious; why have I not thought of this before.

Its hard to remember the exact experience I had writing each of the songs on my albums. Some came easy, melody and lyrics written in under and hour while some challenged my skills and forced me to think out of the box, resort to a thesaurus, a Siddur, some exterior inspiration to trigger my creativity. There were the songs I had to completely restructure, even go back and start from the drawing board. Many uncompleted lyrics sat on the shelf for a while and were later merged into other songs. A few I collaborated on, allowing myself to trust another writer to seek out the imbalance and imperfections in my material. Many were just abandoned, scribbllings in notebook, languishing in a bottom drawer for years to come.

These days, with deadlines looming and the limitations my homemaking provides, the writing process is much more of a logical process. I used to believe I wrote by instinct, without a rhyme or reason, but now I am aware that songwriting is a honed skill like any other and these days I go at it with a plan.

Part of the plan is to write a song that moves people. What is the purpose of a song if not to touch hearts, changes moods, uplift spirits, and create divine inspiration?

When I access my index of songs I've written over the years, it's not hard to identify the songs that truly took on a life of their own. And these are the songs I have received the most feedback whether at concerts or in letters. These are the ones that can still bring me to tears even as I sing them for the hundredth time. Those songs have become much bigger than me; greater than the paper I wrote them on, than the keyboard I played them on, than the voice I sang them with. I believe Hashem has occupied them and they are holy. Chasidus teaches that any physical matter a Jewish person manipulates with good, can be raised to incredible spiritual heights.

In the words of Yossi Green,

"What does it mean to be a singer? What does it mean to be a singer of Jewish music? What do we accomplish when we sing? What does it mean? My opinion always was...you know the world says that people sing with a voice and my opinion is that people don't sing with a voice. A person sings with their heart. The question is, how much does he let his voice get in the way?"

One of the most unique songwriting experiences I had was writing the song "Vatispalel Chana" Everything about that song is holy. I wrote is shortly after I got married, in Eretz Yisroel, on a train ride from Chaifa, where we visited the cave of Eliyahu Hanavi on Har Hakarmel. The lyrics are practically verbatim from the Navi and the tune I came up with on Friday night. While I cut up the salad, I sang it to an empty apartment without a pencil and guitar. Until today, that song moves me like it is not my own. And it's not. It is Chana's. I just try not to let my voice get in the way.

It's always remains a challenge for me to come up with the cd artwork as the visual aspect of art remains my achilles heel. With Vatispalel Chana, I wanted to tie Chana Hanaviya, my namesake, into the original artwork we were creating. The graphic artist hand drew the mountain baron Chana walked on, and included Kever Shmuel Hanavi, where her son remains buried to this day. You can see it better in the pencils.

I insisted in vibrant colors and the floral theme, all representing fertility, growth and femininity.

The rays of the sun brought Hashem's blessing for Chana into the picture and my guitar, an extension of myself basks in His light.

After some work on the logo, this is the final cover.

You can listen here, you can buy here.

Sweaters Fit For A Princess

2011-11-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

I write this post as I complete a 4 hour driving school course on-line. (Don't even ask.) The kids are home from school and although my computer usually sleeps all afternoon, today I made an exception so I could reinstate my license (wasn't my fault, that's all I'm gonna say on the matter). I'll admit that I enjoyed the break from driving and the only reason I am getting back into the car is because of the cold weather. I live across the street from Mr. Greens and when I need produce, I get into my car, and park it on the other side of the street. (Just kidding, I totally have them deliver.)

It snowed all Shabbos and like my big one expressed perfectly "this is such a surprise!"

We ran like crazy people to buy sweaters this Sunday. We found the cutest ones in at the 6th Avenue flea market in the city. They are adorable and %100 wool. The only down side is that they smell like Bolivian farm animals and have these weird hoods that make my kids look like little elves. But they are warm, so I febreezed them and sent them packing.

So cute

So weird

*****

Ever since I threw out Hadassa's frog project last Pesach resulting in absolutely disproportionate devastation, I have been wondering what to do with all the school projects my kids bring home in (horrors!) plastic bags every week * I finally came up with the solution. Send them all to my mother! Bubby's everywhere, wouldn't you love all your grandchildren's glittery, feathery, hand painted creations delivered to your doorstep once a week?
*My little one's Morah sends projects home in the same re-usable envelope every week.

So this is REALLY what I decided to do. I photograph them, and in Picasa, type their names on their projects, add the name of the Parsha and collage each week's worth. At the end of the year, I will throw them into a photobook that my kids can look at to their hearts' content (as long as they wash their hands and turn the pages gingerly).

*****

This week we are reading "Fit For A Princess" by Risa Rotman.

I did not love this book the first time I read it. To be quite honest I was very not excited about the anticlimactic ending where the princess ends up wearing all grey. So we changed it up a little and added our own Tznius Meidele. Now it's one of our favorites. The illustrations are gorgeous and now the story has a more solid ending in my humble literary opinion.

That's better.

*****

I bumped into a friend today who told me her kids love "Taking Over My Heart". When I asked her if she had the new album, she actually asked me where she could get it. So we got some signs up for all you local mommas plowing down Kingston Ave. with your city-minis. Stop in Judaica World. Purchase Album. Resume meaningful life.

Boro Park

Moshe Hecht, free ad for your new cd.

Next week we change the clock. It's going to feel like midnight at 5pm but we will have a long Motzei Shabbos, perfect for a warm and cozy Choir Club. More details on this at the end of the week.

My kids are waiting for dinner. I gotta run.

Til then, welcome winter, I got 4 wheel drive and I'm not afraid to use it.

Why I Don't Have A CL

2011-10-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

At a Shabbos meal this week, a friend of mine asked about my Cleaning Lady situation. I actually found myself feeling somewhat embarrassed that I do not have a CL at all.

99% of the time, I am the CL, the exception being when I return from an out-of-town trip to my parents, or when I come back from an out-of-town concert trip.

Now let me preface all this by saying that I was (partially) raised by the loving hands of a woman named Frida that worked for my parents for over 20 years. She is like a family member and all of us living out of town still call her regularly. She taught me so much about housekeeping;

Srub pots with ajax to keep them shiny,

Leave ironing till the end (cuz once you start you can't stop),

Line the bottom of the garbage can with paper towel to absorb leaks,

Leave extra plastic bags in the bathroom garbage cans so you can easily switch to a new one...

the list goes on and on (I am trying to remember much much more but I am love HER, not the actual CLEANING.)

She cared about us like we were her own children and flew in for a week for my brother's wedding this summer. I was more nervous about hosting her than my mother. I ironed the sheets, polished the silver and dusted the light fixtures in her honor. I also left a towel and chocolates on her (freshly pressed) duvet clover. Needless to say it was an honor to have her stay by me and I love her dearly. (She brought me a gorgeous crystal pitcher as a present. Toiveled. Need I say more??)

So clearly I had a very positive experience with housekeepers. But still I personally do not want one and here is why:

(This list refers to my personal experiences with CLs. Please don't feel this is a dig on the special woman in your life-I understand your relationship and I am not trying to challenge it.)

I am a SAHM. I am blessed to have more than enough time for housekeeping. (I use the term blessed loosely here.)

I clean better and faster. It takes the CL almost an hour to scrub down a bathroom and I find myself wondering "what is she DOING in there?") I can do it more thoroughly in 15 minutes (thanks to the Magic Eraser).

I am too nice. It makes me uncomfortable to have another person doing my dirty-work and I overcompensate by offering the CL food and Starbucks runs every hour.

The mistakes. A cousin of mine had her silver candelabra de-shined with a vigorous scrub down with steel wool. Of course, I could keep an eye out but I don't want to babysit the CL.

The inconsistency. I had one woman for a few weeks after I broke my hand a couple winters ago, and just when I started to fall truly, madly, deeply in love with her, she told me she was pregnant and was going back to Peru to have her baby. I have scheduled CLs for some big Shabbosim and spent the entire morning wondering if I used the wrong Spanish word for Saturday.

I am paranoid. Whenever something goes missing for even a minute, I worry maybe the CL 'borrowed' it. And I don't like feeling like that at all.

I would rather spend the money on something else. There is just so much extra stuff I desire, that I am motivated to get the work done myself so that I can feel guilt-free ordering yet another photo book. (One morning of cleaning or a gorgeous photo book that I will have forever? Easy choice there!)

I don't want it for my children. It's easy to fall into a habit of running out for a minute (and then 5 and then an hour), while the CL 'watches' the children. I believe in the good in people but the stories go on and on and on. Plus I want to teach them that Mommy works hard(ish) to keep the house clean and they should appreciate it by washing the floors themselves once in a while.

I have leverage. Seriously, if I had a CL what would I complain to my husband about?

Did I miss anything?

I am not too proud to admit I make this house shine, both spiritually AND physically. And it doesn't have to be perfect either.

"It's no big deal if I can't find the keys to my car
Leaving dishes over night 'aint a crime.
If you think you'd do better
Well you got big shoes to fill
I'm a woman and I'm perfect by design."

Get it here.

Now if you'll excuse me. I have a Cholent pot to scour.

Have a great Sunday.

Back On The Not-So-Busy Schedule

2011-10-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

I got spoiled over Sukkos. We were invited out meal after meal and now Shabbos in less than 24 hours and I am getting less and less inclined to cook as the hours pass. You know those women who always look frantic, rushing between work, home and their ever-growing list of errands? Well that's not me. I am part proud part embarrassed to admit that I am not as overworked as I sing about in "My Business". Most days my kids are out the door before they are aware they are awake and I have a couple hours to myself.

Just a usual morning in the 'hood....

....watching the garbage men while waiting for the bus

I use the time wisely. I do not prepare dinner, do laundry, vacuum or grocery shop during those hours. What on earth is everybody so busy with I wonder sometimes. Supper takes me all of ten minutes, vacuuming is a family activity because it both fascinates and petrifies my kids. I scare them into picking up their toys while I pretend to vacuum up the forgotten dolls and shoes. (It's the most powerful discipline resource I have in my bag these days.) Grocery shopping is the bane of my existence and I would never, ever, spend FREE time completely confused and forlorn in a supermarket. Instead I throw my kids into the mix and let them chose the foods they like.

This week I was a little busy for a change.

I spent some time at Dara Ettinger's office where my sister works. She is the designer of this stunning jewelry line that I am totally in love with. (By the way this is not a paid sponsor, I just love to share what I love; but Dara, if you ARE reading this, feel free to throw a couple rings in my direction darling.) The stones are all mineral-ly and earthy and sparkly and colorful. I am obsessed with them. They make me feel healthy and even green for some reason.

The clock changes this week so I let the kids stay up a little later than usual and we read, colored and held 3 mock weddings. I asked them to draw a pretty picture. Hadassa drew this sweet garden and I was pleased. Clearly created by a well-adjusted, happy child.

Yaffa, on the other hand, might need some therapy.

Disturbing a bit?

She might not be great with the coloring but she certainly has a sense of fashion I think she's on to something with this outfit she pulled together tonight. She takes after her mother in this department. I shop for clothes like I shop for food. Just throw whatever looks interesting into the cart and hope for the best.

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Ok. A few more things I am obsessed with these days. As a very literal person and a lover of teeny tiny hands, these hand soaps are too cute for words.

I think it would be a bit creepy if one actually used them and they slowly became little fingerless hand lumps but I am so loving this for a kids' bathroom! I can already see me my big fingers slapping away their little fingers from reaching these tiny fingers. By the way you can actually buy these.

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Next week I have a big announcement about a Teen Choir Club. Stay tuned for that. Also, don't forget about the giveaway. Winners announced Tuesday. Just share the video and you're good to go.

Have a good Shabbos!

Stand next to your sister

That's better

Can You Have Your Cookies And Eat Them To?

2011-10-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons I love singing live is because of the instant feedback I receive from the crowd. The women approach me after a concert, high on music, and with with huge grins they hug me or grab my hand and tell me how much they enjoyed this or that song. That is feedback, my friends!

Backstage in Monsey with my 'fannettes'.

Blogging on the other hand, is a THANKLESS JOB. At the beginning of it all, when only a few brilliant women were sharing their inner most thoughts on the internet, the comments were in the thousands, and the bloggesses were soaking it up. These days commenting, along with myspace and bbm-ing, is a thing of the past . Now if there's a giveaway, people get all excited and will declare their undying love for you, cuz everybody wants to be a winner (or just loves freebies.) But once the winner is announced we all go back to committing a "read and run", (not unlike a "hit and run" just not illegal).

Here a few thoughts on why we (myself included) "read and run".

What you write is so complete, that I don’t know what to say except good job. I feel silly writing that, so I read and move on.
You’ve taught me something I didn’t know, and I need to think about it before I even have a question. Much like number 1, I don’t want to embarrass myself. I’m better off moving on.
I get ready to type a comment, but I notice you only respond to a few friends who mostly share inside jokes. I won’t take the risk of being overlooked in public.
The folks who comment on your posts like to argue and I don’t. I’m not sure I’m brave enough to fight my way into the crowd.
You rarely respond to comments. So, there’s no point in writing one.
I really like your blog and your post, but I’m too tired, busy, or any one of a number things that you can’t control. I’ll comment the next I come back to read.
You end your posts with a general question like “What do YOU think of the 2011 political race?” That question is such a big one. I don’t have time to answer it. I feel strange answering with a lesser comment.
You put up a fence by making me login to comment. I have too many passwords already and I don’t know you well enough to add one to my list.
Your content wasn’t fresh and exciting, and I couldn’t find anything YOU inside it. It seemed the same post that I’ve read on 10 other blogs. If I commented, I would have to tell you that.

Now I did not come up with this list (I don't want to be post snatcher as per rule number 10); it was written by Liz Strauss at Successful Blog although HER POST was followed by 600 comments!! Really Liz, you're complaining? JK

My personal opinion is that we are so busy facebooking, emailing, liking and sharing, we literally do not have time to comment. Cuz it involves actual thinking, and typing. But just so you are aware, OUR BLOGS DO NOT WRITE THEMSELVES. We, the bloggesses, (see my favorite bloggers on the right) are sharing because you are reading (we see the stats) and the feedback is our motivation! So please, share your thoughts, or just write LOVED if you actually loved it, (or even liked it a little). Feed the hungry bloggesses so we have the will to keep you entertained.

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I have a busy week ahead. I have a TEEN CHOIR CLUB beginning (message me for details if you live in Crown Heights), a guest post at 5minutesformom to write, and Ten Yad rehearsals at some point. I also will be meeting up with my sister at Dara Ettinger where she works, for chotchkes and coffee and hopefully squeezing in a fall photo shoot with my other sister Rochele aka Rachel Fellig. So I'll check in later in the week with all that stuff.

Til then, here is my Sunday pictures. We went to an Upshern and a thrilled Hadassa had her face painted. Yaffa was more into the cookies than the face painting and I kept having to interfere because she was biting into all the cute Kippa cookies and ruining the beautiful decorations.

How cute is this cake? I would have a mental breakdown attempting this.

Step away from the cookies! She bit into every last one.

Hadassa really wanted to be a lion but I talked her into something more feminine.

Can you see how unexcited she is? Always let 'em decide themselves.

Don't forget to check out my 2 interviews at Kveller and JewishMom.Have a great week!

Cumin Seed Roasted Cauliflower With Yogurt

2011-10-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

Smitten Kitchen

Ok. You're probably looking at this picture and thinking to yourself, wow, this looks delicious. I didn't know Chanale was such a Balbustah. Well read no further if you're actually curious how to make this (though you can try Busy In Brooklyn, where Chani is currently fixing a 3 Layer Chocolate Cake Martini) cuz If I attempted to make this recipe, you probably wouldn't want to eat it. This is what breakfast looks like in my house:

No joke. I ALWAYS forget about the oatmeal. I cannot tell you how many times that pot has been scoured. I usually throw things away that are in this condition but this pot is Farberware and from what I understand, considered one of my better pots. My stovetop I can scrub spotless but those grey things? They bear witness to my culinary failures. I have never met a recipe I have the patience to follow, the oven timer is an annoying noise that interferes with my recordings and pots are discarded here left and right. I once made cookies and started an oven fire that had me running out the house clutching my 2 kids, yelling "evacuate the premises" towards my upstairs neighbor. The fireman that sprayed my cookies down with his fire extinguisher, asked me when the last time I cleaned the over was. I told him that I remember wiping it down when we moved in, four years earlier. He shrugged and tagged it "unsafe for use". Today I have an oven with a self cleaner but as you can see in exhibit a. that doesn't mean my family is out out of harms way.

But I keep trying to cook, just like I keep trying to make a french braid in my daughters hair. Hadassa has gorgeous hair and I have been working on my braiding skills these days. She stood still for a half hour till I managed this fancy sideways braid.

She was thrilled until it fell out a short 5 minutes later. I told her I'll try again when she's 11.

Now what I am really good at is reading books. I love books like my mother loves buttons. But more about that passion later.

These days we are reading the same 3 books over and over. The first being Savta Simcha And The Cinnamon Tree.

I LOVE this woman. Seriously. Someone, she is the Merry Poppins for Jewish kids. I enjoyed reading it more than they enjoyed listening to it. (I read it for a half hour after they were asleep the other night.) The other 2 books my kids can recite verbatim are "Polly's Pink Pajamas" and "The Giving Tree". Both are totally age appropriate and simple enough for them to grasp word for word. Polly is adorable and we interchange her friends' names with ours and The Giving Tree is just a powerful, beautiful story.

So that's what we're into these days. I'll be back with more later this week.

What We're Watching

2011-10-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

I love Jewish videos. Well I don't love all of them, but I love when my girls are watching them. Not because they sit quietly (they don't) and I can get housework done (I don't) Mostly because I feel like a good mother when they are filling their heads with quality entertainment that doesn't involve weird creatures or little adventuresses and their grandmas. Now please bear in mind that winter is brutal here and we spend a lot of time indoors on this side of the country. When it's cold I embrace the Vizeo in this house (literally hug it sometimes).

Hadassa was obsessed with Malkali when she was about 2. So we got every last one. In the original Hebrew mind you. She knew every hop and wiggle as did I. Malkali is excellent for young children, especially little girls. Her videos are filmed in Israel and her songs are cute, creative and fun. She films with a lot of kids and her own children (which as I discovered can be quite difficult!) but at times her ever present smile looks a little strained. My girls love her Chanukah video and get really excited when they see the Dreidel by the JCM down the block from us. Last Simchas Torah we saw Malkali in Shul and she was only mildly friendly to say the least. I was a little annoyed that she didn't swoop up my kids in a huge bear hug but it was the end of a long Yom Tov and her smile seemed really strained so I didn't push it. I know Americans buy the English version of her videos but personally I don't understand what she's saying in her strong Hebrew accent. Her Parsha videos are also excellent and very impressive considered how many kids and animals she throws into the production.

Dudu Fisher is also a big hit in our house. We actually discovered him a little late in the game, when my brother brought over a copy of Dudu and the Animals. Now if you haven't seen his children's videos yet, get crackin' cuz he is a genius in my humble opinion. I love his passion and you can tell he is completely invested in every role he plays in these videos. He is a terrific actor, singer and songwriter (although after a while many of his songs start sounding the same). Our favorite these days is Dudu Purim, which has an adorable Zeresh as Haman's wife. Dudu makes an awesome Achashverosh too.

This week we're watching Rebbetzin Tap. After a bad experience with Penina Ballerina (a series! of the most mind numblingly, depressing, hodge-podge of "ballet" we've ever seen), I was apprehensive. Almost $20.00 a Jewish video these days and no returns! Thankfully it is absolutely adorable. No Jewish video is perfect (except maybe Young Avraham and Mitzvah Boulevard) but I thoroughly appreciate when the singing is IN-TUNE, the melodies are ORIGINAL, and the concepts are CREATIVE and HUMOROUS. My kids are not mindless dummies. They are bright, and interested and when real effort is put in, they enjoy it MORE. I haven't seen it all yet, but this is where we are these days. Thanks Rebbetzin Tap for a welcome addition to our media library.

What Jewish videos do your kids love (or hate)?

Enjoy the second days of Yom Tov!

This is a new shtick, hangin' on to the back of the stroller. While I push. Technically difficult but she loves it and I don't want to be a killjoy.

Pink Uggs and Autumn Blues

2011-10-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

Gut Moed everyone! We are deep into the holiday and after some rainy days, the weather is cooperating again, and fall is in the air. The tree outside my girls' window has been a loyal weatherman, reminding us when one season ends and the next begins. My favorite season is obviously spring, when the new flowers bud, all white and pinky, and in the fall I daydream about hot gluing every last leaf that's blown off that tree right back on. Cuz once it's bare, winter's here. (The songwriter in me couldn't resist that little rhyme.) Winter is not favorite time of year although warm-weather clothes does soften the blow considerably. Leather jackets, tights and hot pink Uggs, thank you for helping this Florida girl get through the most beautiful and most foreboding season of the year. Yes, autumn and I have some issues to work out. My palette may sing autumn but my hearts shouts SUMMER.

(A couple years back when had my palette "done" I learned I am a "luscious autumn, the gypsy type" and the words that describe me best are "expressive, exciting, colorful, warm, fabulous, relish (?), self-assured, verve, zesty, individualistic, mellow, glorious, empathetic, earthy, and luscious". Ironically, all these traits begin hibernating this this season . Except mellow of course.

November 13 is my next big engagement. I'll be singing up a storm on the Ten Yad stage at 6:45 p.m. sharp. I hope you can come out to that, it's kinda a big deal and there's rumors they are expecting THOUSANDS of women this year. So get yourself a ticket asap, so we can chat from the first row. It's gonna be an extravaganza. I sang two years back with Kineret and Rivkah but this year, we are getting the full hour and it's 60 minutes of GORGEOUS, so don't miss out.

We took the kids to FAO Schwartz yesterday. You could think they were giving toys away for free considering the crowds. We managed to leave the store without buying a Barbie mansion for $300, or any other overpriced toys for that matter. The girls were happy enough to look around and I predict that one day they will return to FAO and be shocked to discover that it is actually a store, not a museum. Cuz we tell them it's a toy museum.. And they believe it.

Look out for an Q & A with me at Kveller , JewishMom and an article in the N'shei newsletter next month. We're going places. And by places I mean, I mean the kitchen to clean up. Have a great rest of Yom Tov!