When Mom and I bought our Subaru Crosstrek last summer, the car salesman demonstrated how to link an iPhone to the car’s computer in order to answer phone calls hands free. But as soon as Mom’s phone was linked to the car’s computer, a podcast or a phone call or a voice mail came bursting out of the speakers at us, and we had to press every button in the car before we could finally make it stop. And as a result we decided, as we often do, that this latest technological advance was not for us.
But then, a few months ago, when I was listening to music on my phone in the car because I was tired of hearing the same Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift songs on the radio over and over, I noticed that the battery was low and plugged my phone into the car charger, and suddenly my Spotify account was playing over the car’s speakers. And it was wonderful! So now, as soon as I get into the car, I put my phone on the car charger and open my Spotify app and my music fills the whole car instead of just the cup holder next to me.
Of course, I still pay attention to the news, but only when I feel like I have the energy to deal with it because trying to make sense of the different narratives of what’s going on in the Middle East (and here), as reported by different outlets through varying lenses feels like trying to untangle a pile of fishhooks. But listening to Israeli music, with a playlist that has ballooned to over 300 songs, has become my sanctuary. Especially when I’m on my way to school to teach my students, listening to Israeli music instead of news about Israel helps me get into a mindset where I can have hope for the future, so I can be the person I need to be for my students.
Alas, I only have a free Spotify account, which means I can only listen to my playlist on shuffle, and I still have no idea how Spotify decides to shuffle the songs. Luckily, even though my Israeli music playlist is ridiculously long, it is filled with songs I really like, so even if the shuffle decides I need to hear the same song on the drive to and from work, or jumps from one style of music to a very different style of music, it’s all good. And there’s actually something comforting about having the app choose which song to listen to next, because it makes me feel like I’m not really alone in the car; like there’s a tiny DJ in there, somewhere, keeping me company and telling me everything’s going to be alright.
Four songs on a theme:
David Broza - It'll be Alright – Hebrew with English Subtitles https://youtu.be/qtI7h5A9eEQ?si=EHnP_sG13WAKC92E
Yasmin Moellem – It Will Be Good - Hebrew https://youtu.be/qvdQ4mGMVkg?si=8SnxkJslFPMKPUfv
Cafe Shahor Hazak - It Will be Okay – Hebrew https://youtu.be/PQp2a_yunmM?si=KWPCfyJyFLvq0qbU
Lior Narkis – In the end it will be Okay – Hebrew https://youtu.be/SNsBoZLyIAk?si=Q3lf1MrHvXShQdwY
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Yeshiva Girl is about a Jewish teenager on Long Island, named Isabel, though her father calls her Jezebel. Her father has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with one of his students, which he denies, but Izzy implicitly believes it’s true. As a result of his problems, her father sends her to a co-ed Orthodox yeshiva for tenth grade, out of the blue, and Izzy and her mother can’t figure out how to prevent it. At Yeshiva, though, Izzy finds that religious people are much more complicated than she had expected. Some, like her father, may use religion as a place to hide, but others search for and find comfort, and community, and even enlightenment. The question is, what will Izzy find?
rachelmankowitz 
I am glad you finally got it to work. As an engineer I should not have those kind of problems but I do. I think it took me an hour to figure out how to change the time on the clock in my wife’s Subaru Forrester.
300 songs. That is pretty impressive. Israel won the Eurovision song context a number of time. I remember 1978 and 1979 when Israel won two years in a row. If you don’t know it is the largest song contest in the world. Sweden won the last time in 2023.
When Netta won Eurovision her song became very well known in synagogue school. It helps that it was in English!
Yes it is a fun song and it helps that it is in English like you say. It has become very common to sing in English because your chances of winning goes up.
The song by Yasmin Moellem is really beautiful with a catchy rhythm.
It really is beautiful!
I understand about the Bluetooth thing. It always shocks me when someone rings my phone because it just blares! Keeps me young, I guess!!!
Ha!
Your descriptions of waiting to deal with news until you have the bandwidth and mindset, being in a good mindset for your students, and “untangling a pile of fishhooks” are perfect.
Regarding your Spotify playlist on shuffle in the car, one thing that I like is that you can choose the next button on your radio dashboard (an up arrow in my car) and skip to the next song if you are just not in the mood for a particular song currently selected – or, if a song really is just right for that moment, I sometimes choose the back/down arrow and listen to it again (sometimes you have to press it twice if you have gotten too far into the next song). You may have already figured this out, but in case not, I thought I’d share.
I do that at home, but in the car I’d end up hitting a tree. Same as if i were listening to the news, I guess.
I can see that. Good choice, on both counts!
I like when I rent a car and it has Apple CarPlay. I can listen to podcasts and audible books while driving.
One day, when I replace my current older outdated car, I hope I get one with Apple CarPlay.
Enjoy!
Thanks for sharing the music! It is new to me, and I have to say I loved those songs you shared!
I’m so glad!
I recently dropped my spotify app, forgetting that it is free. Maybe I can pick it up again. The music was enjoyable.
I took part in a worldwide labyrinth walk today at 1 p.m. at my church. The intention was to focus on peace. I found it to be a powerful and calming experience.
Best wishes…
I’ve heard about those; it sounds like a lovely idea.
Gotta tell ya Rachel that I love seeing an email pop up in my inbox on occasion that you have a new post as I really do enjoy reading your takes on takes.
Now, of course, I have no idea what the heck anyone is singing about (freakin’ languages) but I loved your links here, especially Cafe Shahor, man they sound so happy and WOW what a voice on that Lior fella! (I know I said “fella”, it’s just such a comfortable word of reference to a guy).
Now as to your Mom and you all’s new car? I have a similar story, especially about the phone in the car if you haven’t already seen it.
Cheers Rachel
https://frankenberrysattic.com/2024/03/14/sunroof/
You’ve got Apple Car Play, just like I do for my Acura MDX. I finally beat Car Play into submission in Settings so that the only thing that comes through are calls that aren’t automatically blocked by Settings | Phone | Silence Unknown Callers. That last bit will only allow anyone in your Contacts list to come through; everyone else is silently sent to voice mail.
The only good thing about Car Play is having the Acura use Apple Maps instead of the map application that comes in the car. Acura’s map application is absolutely horrible.
I am definitely not an Apple Car Play fan. Unfortunately I think Google’s Android Auto is even worse.
While the music is playing, there’s a always a message on the computer screen telling me I can’t access apple car play. I think the computer is confused.
Rachel, I’m a technophobe too. Some students could probably earn good money teaching oldies like us what marvels we could accomplish with up to date technology. We would need one on one tuition with lots of repeat practice sessions.
When I ask my students to explain things to me they get frustrated very quickly, as in, how do you not know this already?!
Love it! I think we’re on the same page when it comes to technology. I, too love making playlists on Spotify (free); but have only a radio and cassette player in my ride. Music is love, I’m certain of that.
Take care of yourself.
I have a bunch of other playlists that I’ve been ignoring for a while. There’s just something fun about collecting the music in the first place, like going to a candy store and picking out every different color gummy worm, even if you’re never going to eat it all.
Ah, David Broza! Got to hear him play in person years ago in college. Then, fast-forward a dozen years or so, I had the honor of riding along to pick him up and take him to a PBS engagement. Lovely, talented man. Wish more Americans knew about him. And one last thing: We got a puppy (Yorkipoo). Has really helped me to deal with our YorkiBichon’s death. Have a great weekend!
He has a lot of music in Spanish too!
Thanks! I’ll check it out. It’s been years since I’ve thought of him, so thank you for reminding me how great he is. 😃
Music can connect us so quickly – and in some ways more deeply – than pure study. It helps us really feel the pulse of someone when we experience what makes their heart sing.
I totally agree!
This sung version of Psalm 137 in this video is beautiful!
But I didn’t find it completely.
Babylon past present and future
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CBcdfZQc-w
Starts at 23:56
I like this one. https://youtu.be/WFI3SzvhmL8?si=r-nrSXG0JZ-eRloR
Without subtitles, I can’t understand.
It’s the same psalm, just in Hebrew.
🙏
Could you get this film version?
If you find it, please send it to me!
Thank you and blessings!!
I fervently hope the theme of your four selected songs–“it will be all right”–occurs faster than we can imagine. Thank you for linking to the songs, Rachel.
I hope so too!
I really should download Spotify. Thanks for reminding me that there’s a free option.
Rachel it’s good to catch up and thank you for popping round and visiting my poor neglected blog. The weather here is very wet and dreary atm and so it’s perfect blogging weather and I’m getting back into the groove again.
I have lost touch with what’s going on in the outside world what with being away for the last month and it’s after difficult for me to watch the news time wise. I also feel quite overwhelmed by what’s going on overseas and it’s very easy to retreat into my own backyard. I tend to be more concerned about individuals I come across and trying to help them where I can. Also, trying to keep our young adults above water is a job too and their friends cross my radar as well.
Thank you for letting me know there is a free version of Spotify. I didn’t know and I’ll get that sorted tonight.
BTW I met Australian musician Jake Cropley while we were away and when he was younger he released this beautiful son: LIttle Bird. I thought you’d like it: https://jakecropley.bandcamp.com/track/little-bird
Best wishes,
Rowena
Back again, Rachel. While I was fiddling around with Spotify and getting Jake set up, this came on from Joshua Aaron is an award winning American-Israeli artist
https://open.spotify.com/album/1lwtqZNCr4SdZUXbOP9MUE
Best wishes,
Rowena
David Broza – It’ll be Alright (Ihiye Tov) / Jasmin Moallem / Café Shabor Hazak / ליאור נרקיס – בסוף הכל יהיה בסדר Lior Narkis
I particularly enjoyed the first and the last of your selection – beautiful music. Listening to quality music is such a joy. Happy driving to and from… 😎
I’m still listening to the last as I write – really good music 💖
Thank you!
nice
Rachel, I purchased Spotify Plus for a decent price. The big advantage is the enhanced Wifi connection when I travel and I can make playlists with only the songs I want.
Great info. Thank you!
Just for your information, I tried to make my last blog inoffensive to all religions.