By dcc A group of friends were sitting around a lunch table at a Hava Nashira a few years back, wondering how their teacher Dan Nichols got so strong; this group was admiring his very shapely biceps. Jay Rapoport, a Jewish professional and musician working in New York City and the DC Metro area, said simply that "he does pushups, with his Judaism on his back."
Thus was born "Pushups." According to Jay, the group just started singing the chorus of the song. "We had been studying Kosher Gospel with Joshua Nelson, and this song was just a burst of inspiration." But in the end this cute, funny tribute to a mentor turned into a song for kids about Jewish empowerment.
The song transformed into a story about a boy named Danny who needed to find strength in his Jewish identity. Jay wrote the song to teach kids that it is alright to be different. "I have seen the power that music has to connect Jews and make experiences meaningful. I really have found my niche in the Jewish world not only in education but for music as well."
Just last week Rich Recht, one of North America's most famous and prolific Jewish musicians, said he sees himself first as an educator and secondly as a musician. Jay says he feels the same way. "I draw my inspiration from working with kids. I started as a song leader at the camp I now run during the summers, and seeing the kids who I taught become the counselors and still requesting old songs is very powerful."
Jay's forth coming Jewish music album will include kosher gospel "Pushups" (listen below) and rockabilly "B'chol Le'vav'cha," that teaches through music about the V'ahavta, (also below) along with new songs that were written for his youth programs and camp over the years. For more info on his album contact Jay at his website.
"Pushups"
"B'chol Le'vav'cha"
* * * Do you know an up-and-coming Jewish musician who has a great story or are you that person? Let me know. Send an email to rjblog at urj dot org to set up a time for us to talk.
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