Readers share the backstory of a song that has empowered them to fight against the odds and win their personal war
It had been a rough year. Failed shidduchim with one child. Constant calls from my son’s rebbi about his truancy. Appointments with therapists and shadchanim that drained me of my funds and resources. During Sefirah, I bought some a capella CDs to tide me over in my despondent state. What really brought me to tears was Benny Friedman singing “An Everlasting Love.” It was so heartwarming to hear the words expressing Hashem’s love for us, no matter the situation: “The mountains may crumble, and the hillsides will fade away, but My love for you never ends…” The song became my mantra.
In the summer, we rented a home near a bungalow colony, where my children were enrolled in day camp. Walking back and forth each morning and evening, the song played on my phone. Some nights, as we wended our way down the winding road, my children were scared. I turned my phone on, the powerful voice of Benny Friedman resounding in the quiet Catskills night. My children relaxed. They felt the depth of the words. Hashem promised He would never, ever forsake us.
—Sori Schonfeld
In my workplace, I’m the only Jewish person in my department. Often enough I’m the only frum person in the building. My hours are long and stressful (and rewarding and allow me to support my family). In our office there is often gentle schmoozing among members of our team. I have learned, though, that even gentle schmoozing with people whose outlook is intensely foreign to mine can desensitize my neshamah. I have started to listen to music during these times, pointing politely to my earbud to excuse myself. Rabbi Hillel Paley has a song that I listen to on repeat during these times. The lab equipment hums, the printers churn out results, and I remember that Yisrael is the bas zug [partner] of HaKadosh Baruch Hu. What would we not do for HaKadosh Baruch Hu, who loves us so much?
—Chaya Friedman, Spring Valley
“Sheva Yipol” by Eitan Katz is a song that’s not flashy or fancy. I don’t even know if it made it to the mainstream outside of the Oorah Shmorg CD that I got many years ago. I don’t even listen to it that often. But when I’m feeling down about myself and my avodas Hashem, that song pops into my head and gives me the koach I need to keep fighting my yetzer hara and get back up. I am forever grateful to Oorah Shmorg and Eitan Katz for giving me the koach to keep going and not despair when I’m down.
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