Mood Mix with Netanel Leifer

Netanel Leifer presents his own weekly music show, Hamevaker

As a music critic and music editor at the Kikar Hashabbat website, NETANEL LEIFER presents his own weekly music show, Hamevaker, in which he interviews Jewish music artists and keeps his finger on the pulse of the industry. He’s also a professional pianist — he’s released several piano music albums — as well as an academic. He even wrote his University of Haifa’s master’s thesis on Avraham Fried’s contribution to Jewish music culture.

THE SONG I’M TURNING TO RIGHT NOW

The heartrending “Yivoda Bagoyim,” composed by the Skulener Rebbe under Communist oppression in Romania, about how Hashem will avenge the spilled blood of His servants, and that the cry of the imprisoned will come before Him. We are in a dire situation that only Hashem can fix, and there is nothing more effective than prayer.

MUSIC THAT HELPS ME UNWIND

In order to unwind, I need a big mix, so that any type of song can come up next. The element of surprise provides the distraction I need.

MY FAVORITE ENGLISH SONG

MBD’s “No More Lonely People.” I love the message. And of course, there are all those great Journeys songs. Abie Rotenberg does something wonderful for Jewish music.in music.

A MUSIC STYLE I NEVER TIRE OF

I’m a huge fan of a cappella music — I’m one of those who listens to a cappella music all year round, not just during Sefirah. I think it’s because the human voice carries more emotion than any instrument. For me, the vocals feel like a musical hug.