As the season turns and the tradition of lighting the menorah approaches, the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA) at FAU Libraries is ready to celebrate! We are delighted to share our annual musical gift: The RSA Chanukah Playlist 2025! This curated selection of eight tracks offers a vibrant, diverse soundtrack for your eight nights of celebration, drawn directly from the RSA’s extensive collection of Jewish sound recordings. This playlist captures the light and global spirit of the Festival of Lights by highlighting a variety of essential musical styles. For a traditional start to your nightly ritual, we feature the contemplative beauty of Ariel Silber’s stirring rendition of the blessing over the candles. This track sets a powerful and reflective tone, honoring the miracle of the oil.
The collection also celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Jewish tradition. You’ll find the beautiful Sephardic favorite “Ocho Kandelikas” (Eight Little Candles) performed by the Lachan Toronto Jewish Chamber Choir, sung entirely in Ladino. For a completely different, nostalgic folk sound, we included Lori Cahan-Simon’s delightful Yiddish track, “A Tsindt on Likhtekh” (Light the Candles). To round out the soundscape, the playlist offers unique contemporary arrangements. Don’t miss Benjamin Roth-Aroni’s “Chanukah Piano Medley,” which provides a smooth, instrumental backdrop perfect for a quiet evening or sophisticated holiday gathering.Read More About This…
When it comes to blending the spirit of Chanukah with the soulful sounds of jazz, Kenny Ellis shines brightly. His album, Hanukkah Swings, is a festive treat that reinvents traditional Chanukah melodies with a toe-tapping, swing-inspired twist.
Ellis, a talented cantor and performer, brings a joyful exuberance to the album, making it a perfect soundtrack for the Festival of Lights. Tracks like “Swingin’ Dreidel” and “Chanukah Swings” showcase his ability to infuse Jewish holiday classics with the lively, improvisational spirit of jazz. The result is a collection that feels both timeless and refreshingly original.Read More About This…
The holidays bring with them a surge of nostalgia, warmth, and joy—and nothing embodies the festive spirit quite like music. At the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA), we couldn’t resist the charm of holiday melodies as we embarked on a delightful journey to celebrate the season through music.
Delve into the enduring melodies of Passover traditions. As Passover approaches, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. It’s a time for reflection, celebration, and the joyous sharing of traditions with loved ones. At the Recorded Sound Archives at FAU Libraries, we invite you to embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of Passover melodies. Moreover, explore our extensive melodies of Passover collection of vintage recordings.
Our archives hold hauntingly beautiful tunes of yesteryear. They also feature lively renditions of classic Passover songs. Whether you seek the soul-stirring sounds of a cantor’s prayer or the cheerful melodies of a family Seder, we have something for you.Read More About This…
This Chanukah we wanted to highlight the voice of Cindy Paley.
For over 20 years, Cindy Paley, musical educator and performer, has brought the joys of Jewish music to teachers, students and families throughout North America. She has combined education and entertainment to teach Jewish values, holidays and traditions. With eight recordings to her credit, Cindy has provided musical tools for teachers, families and children that enrich lives and insure that the best of our heritage will continue.
Cindy has served as the Music Educator at Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California since 1977. After receiving her teaching credential at UCLA, she chose to devote her career to songleading and music as a Jewish educator. In addition to her recordings and family concerts, Cindy often serves as a cantorial soloist, and is currently involved in creative prayer services for women.
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