Idan Raichel hit song performed by 900 Emanuel voices
Sydney’s Emanuel School has produced a special rendition of Idan Raichel’s hit song – Shevet Achim Ve’achayot, a Tribe of Brothers and Sisters.
The whole-school recording, comprising over 900 voices of students from Pre-school to Year 12, parents, grandparents and staff, affirms our connection with the Jewish people, our tribe of brothers and sisters – in Australia, the Diaspora and the land of Israel.
School principal Andrew Watt said: “This project was an opportunity to express our community’s deep connection to the land of Israel, it’s people and the deep history that connects us all. It is a song of hope, of love and belonging.”
Adina Roth, Director of Jewish Life added: “It is significant that we released this song now, just before Pesach – a time when we sit round the seder table and tell our ancient Jewish story of freedom. We are free, but members of our tribe of brothers and sisters remain as hostages in Gaza. We pray for their release and their freedom, just as we celebrate ours, as we recount the story of the Exodus from Egypt.
“We hope this song will uplift our spirits at this very difficult time and remind us that ours is a long story
– we will get through this. We hope it will usher in Pesach with a deep sense of community and a longing for peace. Hinei Mah tov uh mah na’im shevet achim gam yachad, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) sit together.”
Kornmehl Pre-schoolers waving their flags
For most, this was the first time they had participated in a choir with so many voices, adding to the significance of the experience. Ruby, a Kornmehl Pre-schooler shared: “We sang the Hebrew song because we need to give the song to other people, so they can have love,” while Ava, Year 6 said: “It felt amazing being a part of something bigger than us”. Ariel, Year 11, one of the soloists, commented that it was inspiring to see the whole school come together in song and dance and that “it was wonderful to see such an amazing sense of community in this difficult time for us all”.
Emanuel Grandparent, Kathy Passman, woke up early to attend rehearsals and recordings. “It was such a privilege to share the stage with my grandchildren, their friends, Emanuel staff, parents and other grandparents. It was a mammoth undertaking. I can’t wait to see and hear the finished product and share it with my amazing family, wonderful friends and the world.”
