Customer Reviews

Songs of the Seder

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have not heard seder music like this since I attended my grandfather's seders. I savored every word. What a wonderful recording.

I couldn't sing any of the prayers or songs until I listened to this CD. Then I listened 2 or 3 times and suddenly I was singing them all! This is the greatest music and Hebrew teaching device I have encountered for an area in which I was greatly deficient. Everyone else sings as if they can't wait to get the songs (and the seder, too) over with. I am indebted to Judy Rubenstein and her terrific recording.

This is a beautiful recording. Judy Rubenstein sings the songs of the seder simply and sweetly. Anyone can follow the songs, prayers, and chants and learn them. This is not an operatic performance that makes you listen remotely and in awe. This is a performance that says, "Come sing with me and we will enjoy the seder together." The songs run the spectrum from lamention of slavery, to expression of fear of the ten plagues, to rejoicing in freedom-and all the songs express thanksgiving for the gifts of God. Judy Rubenstein teaches everything about the music to accompany the Passover seder, including joy and spirituality. What a glorious recording.

The songs are tuneful and several have two versions, Hebrew and English. Judy Rubenstein's voice is pleasant enough, although I found her Hebrew accentuations to be sub-par. But I listen to it fairly often as I try to learn the songs for the Seder.

"Songs of the Seder" follows the order of the seder and is a beautiful demonstration of how a seder can be run, and is therefore very educational (recommended listening to every household prior to holding its own seder.) More importantly, however, it is a joy to listen to. The songs are beautiful and sweet and nostalgic.

This is a fabulous CD and exactly what I was looking for. I'm also thrilled that it has an accompanying book with all the sheet music. I am leading a seder this year for a church group who has never heard any of the songs before, so I wanted the traditional melodies, easy to follow sheet music, and easy guitar chords. This is perfect! I'm so pleased.

I'm so happy to have found this CD along with its accompanying music book. I am leading a seder this year for a church group and this is just what I needed.

I've been doing a search for Passover music, and took a chance on this one. It's an example of why too many people think that Jewish music is dull and old-fashioned. Judy's voice is thin and tremulous, the musical accompaniment is practically non-existent. One gets the feeling that Judy's loving family paid to help her make this recording on a shoestring. The renditions are so solemn, slow, and lifeless that this might be funeral music, not music for a joyful celebration of food, family, and freedom.
Don't waste your money and for goodness sake, don't make your seder guests listen to this.

This CD sounds like it was designed for a Passover Seder just after a funeral. Passover should be a joyous, exciting and fun holiday. Many of the songs are usually uptempo, uplifting and inspirational. "Songs of the Seder" slows everything down and turns exciting songs into dark, slow, sad pieces. Hee Nay Mah Tov, Go Down Moses, Dah-yay-noo and others all sound as though they are on the wrong speed. We were extremely disappointed with this disk, particularly since we read such nice reviews of it on this site.

By way of comparison, try Cindy Paley's "A Singing Seder" which is full of life. fresh and exciting.

I love this CD! Judy Rubenstein has created a wonderful recording and an invaluable teaching tool. Everyone can now learn the traditional melodies of the Passover holiday. I recommend it to anyone who wants to conduct or participate in a festive, joyous, and lively Seder.