Kobi Aflalo - Keep Me

You know that Rosh HaShana is getting closer when you hear nonstop advertisements on the radio for the yearly countdown which is played somewhere between doing errands for the evening meal and the dinner itself. Actually I won't be in the country this New Year's, I'm going in a few days on a much needed vacation for about a month, and I think I'll miss the special atmosphere before the dinner much more than the meal itself. It's hard to explain-maybe it's because you greet acqaintances and even strangers with a beaming "happy holiday" or because everyone wears white, or it's the first September holiday and people aren't fed up with family meals yet. For whatever reason you can't deny the festive atmosphere during the day before the evening meal. I have a distinct memory of hearing Kobi Aflalo's "What my heart chose" a few years ago on the eve of Rosh HaShana. It was during the countdown, of course, and I think it was in a pretty high place because we were already on our way to our relatives, just like everybody else, and the broadcaster said something how probably everyone is in their cars listening to this song with the windows rolled down-and looking at the cars besides us-he was right! Some didn't have their windows rolled down but they were certainly smiling knowingly. Anyways, this song is nominated in this year's countdown and it certainly deserves a high spot-and it's so fitting for Rosh HaShana. The hebrew language is very beautiful here and I had a bit of trouble translating so here's my best attempt.

Keep me from lonely fog
From struggling emotion from heart's pride
And I will be in awe of your charms
Embrace me in you wrapped in your words
And silently I will want your smie
Surely I will tell you

Do not leave me in the dark do not switch off my light
I am clear I am drunk
In my weakness I am a hero
Do not forget me in the silence
Until the fear will will pass and in your grace I will be a hero
I will be a hero

Keep me from lies from storms
From a deflated outlook and a bent tear
Come back to me sweetly flushed with faith worn from any distress
And as I sit across from you I will want your compassion
Surely I will tell you

Do not leave me in the dark do not switch off
I am clear I am drunk
In my weakness I am a hero
Don't forget me in the silence
Until the fear will pass and In your grace I will be your hero
I will be a hero

http://www.kobiaflalo.co.il/

Have a great September!

Tzvika Force - For Breaking My Heart

It's hard to believe that in two weeks it'll be September. I was in the mall the other day and was stunned to see Back to School sales when I haven't even started my summer vacation yet. I can't wait for September-no teens packing the streets, no papers and most importantly (hopefully) no air condition, with whom I've developed a serious love/hate relationship. This song feels like Autumn in England-I can almost feel the breeze and see the scarves and jackets (jackets! long sleeves!). It's also a really excellent song that stays with you for quite a while. A force to be recognized!

Staring at your matches
Pull it in and backwards.
Hold on.

Forest's built for ages
And erased in hours.
Hold on.
Hold on.

Don't you miss the time
We sat under the cypress?
Holding on.

Putting arms around him
Promise he will blossom.
So hold on.
Hold on.

And you owe me answers!
Why you got into this danger?
Why you're breaking my heart slowly?
You owe me answers!
Why you got into this bandage?
Instead of into my heart , surely.
Do you really think it's time
We should go and end it forever?

An empty box of matches
Leaves a lot of black dust.
That's holding on.

Planting all your roots
Inside my choking lungs.
That's all you ever did.

Song available for free here:
http://tzvikaforce.bandcamp.com/

Etti Ankri-Your melody

Etti Ankari has made quite a journey since she first broke out about 20 years ago with her intense "I see it in your eyes" (still powerful today). Here she sounds so peaceful and mature. Soulful and beautiful.

I remember your melody which I ask
Whoever will sing your melody in a chord or bow

I'll give him my soul
And he'll raise it in a net
Will add character to character
In the written melody
I'll give him my soul
And he'll rase it in s net
Attach all of it
To a wonderful melody

I miss your melody which only I ask for
Whoever will sing your melody in a chord or bow

I'll give him my soul
And he'll raise it in a net
And sweeten the bitter
With the precious melody
I'll give him my soul
All of its strings
Tuned in a scale
In a perfect melody

I will not forget your melody only I ask for
Whoever will sing your melody in a chord or bow

I'll give him my soul
All of its words
He'll rearrange
In the holy melody
I'll give him my soul
If he'll play you're melody
Then I'll be happy
To return it to you

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etti_Ankri

http://www.facebook.com/pages/%D7%90%D7%AA%D7%99-%D7%90%D7%A0%D7%A7%D7%A8%D7%99/112765838779308