"The Ananei Hakavod, symbolized by the succah, means “You are not alone. Ever”
Some people like old music, and some like new. The older material is heart-warming but sometimes lacks the professionalism of modern releases, while the newer material has that professionalism but often pushes the boundaries into modern musical territory. Mona’s music, on the other hand, has incredible varmkeit. He takes the beautiful, traditional chassidish material and brings it to 2021. If Mona composed or arranged a song, you can bring it into your home without worries and let your kids listen to it. It’s “oleh al shulchan melachim” — or, to put it more bluntly, there’s no garbage in it. Besides, he’s a geshmake and uplifting Yid, and I’d love to spend time with him in my succah.
As my succah guest, tell me what’s most special about Succos for you.
I would say the happiness. Zeman simchaseinu — all the hashpaos of simchah for the entire year come down on these days. Once we’ve gotten rid of our aveiros, we get to feel the joy of being reborn and close to Hashem. And if we can hold onto that, it’s a lifesaver. Rebbe Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev once passed the river, where all the townspeople were crying out in panic because someone was drowning. He took in the dangerous situation and called out, “When you get down there, give regards to the Leviyasan.” The struggling man heard the joke and laughed, and then swam with renewed energy he never thought he had. Let’s grasp the joy with both hands.
Is there a specific song that gets you into the Succos mood?
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