Customer Reviews

Chanukah Favorites

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cantor Ginsburgh's renditions of traditional Chanukah songs (and a number which I believe are not traditional but still appropriate) are folksy and catchy. Buy this CD for your children so that we will not have to deal with "A Very Teletubby Chanukah" or "Barney Lights the Menorah" (that's sarcasm; not real titles).

This CD includes the Chanukah blessings, great to play when you light the menorah.

I have one criticism of this CD, which made me give it four stars rather than five. Cantor Ginsburgh takes the song "This Little Light of Mine" and makes it "These Chanukah Lights of Mine". Unfortunately, she sings it with a chorus of children who sound like they are just kids from her congregation, not talented children selected for their voices. The result is an unlistenable version of what could have been a nice song.

Otherwise, recommended.

"CHANUKAH FAVORITES WITH JUDY CAPLAN GINSBURGH"
As the Jewish people were dispersed across the world, traditional melodies of the countries they settled often were combined with the Jewish prayers and songs. In America, the great melting pot, where all peoples are allowed to continue the traditions of their country of origin, there are many musical avenues open for Jewish Music to wrap itself around. In the case of "Chanukah Favorites with Judy Caplan Ginsburgh" a number of the songs reflect the geographic area of the country she resides, mainly Louisiana.

The South is home to various forms of country music, which is often delineated by the instruments they use. In "Chanukah Favorites" the banjo crops up on a number of tracks giving a unique flavor and perspective to Chanukah Music. They include "12345 Brave Maccabees," "I have a Little Dreidel" and "Oh, If I were A Dreidel" which is done to a traditional country tune. " The track Candles is Burning" shares a melody/niggun with the civil war ditty, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again." "Burn Little Candles" has the feel of a tender lullaby. "Avee Hidleek is also very moving. "One
Little Candle Fire" is cleverly done as it starts out with Judy singing about "one little candle fire" in accapella the second verse is about two candles and a bass is added to accompany her vocal. With each new verse an additional candle is and an additional instrument is added to the arrangement. Lyrics are split about 70/30 between English and Hebrew respectively.

"Chanukah Favorites with Judy Caplan Ginsburgh" is a warm and glowing experience. Lyrics, translations and a 12 word dictionary are included in the package and it is approved by the Parents Choice Foundation.
It will enhance and reinforce the Jewishness of your Chanukah experience and get you in the mood as the holiday approaches.

My parents got this tape for my daughters 9 years ago. They loved it and I loved it. Now they are teenagers, our tape has worn out and we're buying a CD instead. We've tried other Hannukkah music CD's, but none of them capture the joy, fun and liveliness of Hannukkah like Judy Caplan Ginsburgh does!! If this CD lasts for years ahead, I know it will the favorite of my grandchildren as well.

A MUST HAVE FOR A FABULOUSLY FUN HANNUKKAH!!!!