Customer Reviews

Thank God It's Friday!: The Music of Shabbat

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is stunning liturgical music, with several variations of a few of the Shabbat favorites (HaTikvah, Ve'ahavta, etc.). The chorus is remarkable, and the soloists bring tears to my eyes. And yet no one and no instruments stand out above the music itself. I highly recommend this CD, and I will be buying several more copies to give as gifts.

Thank God It's Friday has a completely different meaning for Jews. Sure, it's the end of the work week, but it's also a sacred time to devote ourselves to exploring our relationship with G-d. Depending on the branch of Judaism, anything from turning on the lights, turning the key in the ignition, or even writing falls under the 39 categories of forbidden work. Eighteen minutes before sunset, the Shabbat candles are lit and blessed, and the evening and next day is "a rest of love freely given, a rest of truth and sincerity, a rest in peace and tranquility, in quietude and safety." Shabbat has been likened to a bride (Shabbat ha-Kallah) and queen (Shabbat ha-Malkah), immortalized in Solomon ben Moses HaLvi Alkabets' poem L'kha Dodi.

Jews have always used music in worship (Psalm 150 is a good example); in the First and Second Temples, the Levites engaged in vocal and instrumental music, with the liturgy being sung chorally. Jewish liturgical music rapidly came into its own during the Middle Ages, with Sephardic music being strongly influenced by the Muslim occupation. The Reform movement sought to incorporate organ and trained choirs based on German Protestantism, and this is the sound present on "Thank God It's Friday."

There are 24 beautiful tracks, some instrumental (Shalom Aleichem, V'ahavta, Hatikvah), some with soloists (V'ahavta, L'cha Dodi, Aleinu, Va'Nachnu, Kiddush, Kedusha), and many with organ and full choir. This CD brought tears to my eyes with its beautiful, uplifting renditions of sacred songs, the combination of violin, organ, flute and full choir sounding very rich. Although other reviewers have mentioned the "echoey" sound, I didn't notice it at all. An absolute bargain for the current price, and a wonderful gift for those who love Jewish, classical, or liturgical choral music. Shabbat shalom!

The selections, arrangements, and performances are all first-rate. However, the recording was made in the "Great Hall", and that's quite obvious: a lot of echo, and the feeling that you're in the back of a very large hall. The cuts available online will show you exactly what I mean.

It might address your needs . . . Think classical orchestra with classical choir . . . With the tempo running a tad on the slow side (actually more than just a tad) . . . It's not bad. You might enjoy the pompous nature of its classical renditions . . . I was hoping for a little more joy . . . This CD is just not what I wanted. Sigh.

Ultimately the issue is that I wanted a CD to help practice the blessings with . . . And I ordered it . . . and found out there was a reason this CD was so cheap.

This CD is just a little too much churchy. Choir and organ music not what I remember from Shabbat services. Otherwise good.

This is a most beautifully arranged, magnificently composed, splendidly selected compilation of Sabbath melodies from the psalms, prayers, and hymns. It is a delight to the ears, and song to the soul, an uplift to the spirit. You probably could find a better rendition of the musical essence for the Sabbath: Thank God It's Friday. Kol HaKavod!

I usually play this when I am home alone. It is very moving and brings me to tears also. The solo voices are very beautiful. The music is also serene in some ways and I feel close to God when listening to it. I want to find more like it.

Thank G-d It's Friday is a beautiful collection on songs for the Sabbath (Jewish). Wonderful voices and a good quality CD. I wasn't too sure about ordering this CD but I'm glad I did. It rather sets the tone for me on a Friday afternoon while coming home in my car. I have lent it to a good friend of mine and have had a similar response. Good, very good.

Very interesting take on the Shabbat service. Most of the melodies are traditional and very beautiful. A nice addition to your Jewish Music archive. Cantor Nathaniel Berman

This is a superb album because of the wonderful voices and arrangements. I personally don't like organs in synagogues but even so this is not CHURCHY music. It is Jewish to the core and inspiring. It is far better than an album of Contemporary Synagogue music for the High Holidays which is way too CHURCHY.