Welcoming Shabbat in London with Adon Olam to Commemorate King Charles' Coronation

As part of the London Jewish community’s celebrations in honor of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6th 2023, a brand new adaptation of an ancient Jewish song composed by Stephen Levey and arranged by The Portnoy Brothers is being released digitally today. 

A musician ensemble based in the Ukraine participated in the production by providing all the strings and orchestration. ‘Adon Olam’ – which translated means ‘Lord of the Universe’ – is a hymn that has been part of the Jewish daily and Sabbath liturgy since the 15th Century and which speaks of God in both cosmic terms and as a personal presence in our lives. 

Wienerworld, the UK’s leading independent music publisher and distributor, worked in partnership with the United Synagogue to invite 200 primary school children from five Jewish schools in the London area to learn the song and come together to record this new composition together with featured artists The Portnoy Brothers. 

The United Synagogue is the largest synagogue body in Europe, supporting some 60 Jewish communities across England. King Charles III has always been a stalwart personal friend to the Jewish community. It is hoped that this new recording of ‘Adon Olam’ will act as further recognition of the community’s affection for the Royal Family and our gratitude that Jews can observe their customs and traditions safely and openly in the UK. ‘Adon Olam’ is being released as a single on all streaming and download platforms together with a video on all social media channels, with proceeds going to charity.

Mendy and Israel Portnoy, who together form The Portnoy Brothers, have been making music together for as long as they can remember. Their music spans many genres and their most recent album “No Complaints” (recorded between Nashville and Jerusalem) charted in the TOP 10 Billboard Heatseekers Chart and features a duet with Alex Clare. They have also shared the stage with Idan Raichel and Ivri Lider as well as performed with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. Their time is split between Jerusalem and New York. 

Stephen Levey started writing and performing music from a young age and has worked with some of the biggest names in the world of Jewish music. For thirty years, Stephen was the Musical Director and Conductor of the Shabbaton Choir. 

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

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.