Four London Synagogues Form "Shul of Rock" and Produce Chanukah Music Video

 

In Harrow, a London suburb, four Harrow synagogues formed a ‘Shul of Rock’ in 2013, fusing traditional Shabbat songs with some very untraditional tunes inspired by The Beatles, Status Quo and Led Zeppelin.

The ‘Friday Night Rock Service,’ which was first performed by a ten-piece rock band at Middlesex New Synagogue, marked the beginning of a nationwide tour that aimed to attract young people and families back to shul.

The unusual initiative was the brainchild of musician Simon Cooper and involved Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue, Middlesex New Synagogue, Hatch End Masorti Synagogue and Kol Chai Synagogue.

Rabbi Kathleen Middleton of Middlesex New Synagogue said: “Whether you come to shul once a week or once in a blue moon, this will be a Friday Night like no other.”

This week the group, calling itself Friday Night Rock Service, announced the release of their first single and video, "Light a Candle for Chanukah"

Based on original tune and lyrics by Debbie Friedman, "Light a Candle for Chanukah" has been lovingly re-recorded to the style of 'Status Quo' meets 'The Darkness'!

Re-recorded with full permission from The Debbie Friedman trust, this brand new "rocked up" version brings "Light a Candle for Chanukah" right up to date and to a new audience.

Enjoy!


(A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.)