Customer Reviews

To Life: Songs of Chanukah & Other Celebrations

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

 

 

If you are looking up this album, odds are that you are already familiar with most of the songs contained in this collection. I purchased this album last year as I was feeling nostalgic for the songs I grew up with at Hebrew School. "Rock of Ages" and "Havah Negila" are burned into my psyche, and I wanted a collection that had all of my old favorites.

This collection does not disappoint in any way. There are old favorites, and some new interpretations (such as Nell Carter singing "Rock of Ages") that make the album a fun, enjoyable experience for all. This album is terrific to listen to as you are on the computer, as it provides the perfect background music to soothe your soul and to placate your need for latkes. The collection has all of your Jewish favorites, and the songs are presented in a fresh, clean way that makes it worthwhile listening.

I've owned this CD for a couple of years. My children light up like a menorah on the eighth day of Chanukah when I play the CD. It's got an excellent mix of songs in Hebrew, Yiddish, English, and even Ladina, a language rooted heavily in pre-Inquisition Spanish.

In addition, there are songs for Pesach, Purim, Rosh Hashanah, Simchat Torah, Shabbat, along with traditional festive songs, including a selection by the great Mandy Patinkin. It's a perrenial mainstay in our household. It has enhanced my sons' interest in Judaism, and helped their self-confidence in Synagogue, as they recognized a number of songs from the CD.

This is no hokey kid's CD, either. Some of the tracks have familiar tunes, and the beauty and depth of others is stirring for even the most casual of lantzmen.

This CD makes a great gift for Jewish parents, grandparents, etc. Have I mentioned that I like the CD? Trust me, I don't throw five-star reviews around. This one is a five-star.

To Life! is a wonderful way to share Jewish cultural music with your children, family and friends. It has everything from rousing Chanukah songs to deeply spiritual songs like Avenu Malkeinu (my favorite) to Hava Nagila. Our five-year-old daughter already knows all the words, and we're sure to be listening throughout the year and for many years to come.

I think this CD was great! Every song that you ever new when you were growing up is on this CD. Everytime I listen to it, I want to get up and dance to it! I listen to it so much. I would tell anyone to buy this CD. I wish there were more CD's out there with really good music. The thing that is also nice about it, there a plenty of songs on it. Usually you get those CD's with 5-10 songs this has over 30 songs.

A perfect assortment of songs. These renditions are rich and full-bodied. The performers and performances are top-notch. Enjoyable for children and adults. Hava Nagila includes English stanzas that I had never heard before and are beautiful. Theodore Bikel has a marvelous voice. The Ladina Chanukah song in Spanish is a treat. Nell Carter's "Rock of Ages" is unique, memorable, and powerful. In short, our family loves this CD.