Turn it Up Vol. 1
The highly anticipated album from Main Line Reform Temple is finally here! This 13 track album features Ross M. Levy & The Levites and will have you jamming to Judaism before you know it. Pick up your exclusive copy today ONLY at MLRT. This high energy, funky, and refreshing album will warrant continuous re-plays. These inspired jams are shared with you thanks to the enthusiastic support of Jim and Mignon Groch. Grab your copy of TURN IT UP!
THE BAND
Guitars and Vocals:
Ross M. Levy
Drums:
Adam Guth
Bass Guitar:
Chico Huff & Ross M. Levy
Electric Guitars:
Adam Armijo & Ross M. Levy
Flute:
Marc Adler
Keyboards & Harmonica:
Ross M. Levy
Recorded & mixed at Melrose Park Studios, Elkins Park, PA by Scott Leader & Ross M. Levy
Produced by Ross M. Levy
Heiveinu Shalom Aleichem – Ross M. Levy & The Levites.
Modim Anachnu Lach – Ross M. Levy & The Levites.
SONG LYRICS
1. BEI ANA RACHEITZ
Written by Craig Taubman
Bei, bei, bei ana racheitz
v’lishmeih kadisha, kadisha yakira
ana emar tushb’chan.
Y’hei ra-ava kodamach d’tiftach libi b’oraita
Open my heart to Torah. Help me to fulfill the wishes of my heart<
3. THE TOWER
Written by Ross M. Levy
Sometimes, we act like kings on a throne
and the world is simply something we own
Sometimes we walk with our head in the sky
we can’t seem to swallow our pride
sometimes, sometimes
CHORUS:
Each day, the tower gets built up
Each day the tower falls back to the ground
They say,we all keep babbling on
Someday we’ll all speak the language of love (2x)
love, love, love, love
The language of love, love, love, love
V2:
Sometimes we all need to open our hearts
and stop moving further apart
Someday we’ll look at the rubble and see
meaning in the lives that we lead
someday, we’ll see
CHORUS
Even though they say we’re drifting every day
I feel the shadow of the tower
And when it crumbles and were standing face to face
We’ll reach out and say…
CHORUS
5. KIDMU SHARIM
Written by Ross M. Levy
CHORUS
Kid’mu sharim
achar nognim
nognim betoch alamot
alamot tofeifot, alamot tofeifot
ra’u halichotecha
elohim halichot
eli malki vakodesh 2x
CHORUS
bemakhilot barechu elohim Adonai mimkor Yisrael 2x
CHORUS
The singers went in front, The players on instruments after them; Among them were the maidens playing tambourines.
7. FIVE BOOK STRUT
Written by Noam Katz and Joanna Selznick Dulkin
First there’s Berieishit, that’s Genesis
Shemot, that’s Exodus
Vayikra’s Leviticus and just two more, the Book of Numbers, Bamidbar
and the very last book that we read in Hebrew it’s called, Devarim
Deutoronomy, doot, doot, doo, Deutoronomy, doot, doot, doo
9. SHOMREI ADAMAH
Music by Ross M. Levy
Lyrics by Ross M. Levy & Paul Suchow
CHORUS
Shomrei Adamah, keepers of the earth that’s who we are
We try constantly to keep the world in harmony
Ba’al tashcit we know, we reap what we sow
through tikkun olam, we will stand as one
CHORUS
We know what we must do to make these dreams come true
Remember every tree started as a seed
CHORUS
Oh, and I believe that every day presents an opportunity
throw your hands in the air and pray and every little thing is going to be ok
if we try, tikkun olam b’Shem Adonai
11. UFARARZTA
Written by Noam Katz
CHORUS
Yamah, yamah vakeidmah keidmah tzafonah vaneigbah 2x
May you … may you be a light that shines the way
May you…may you be a blessing each and every day
May you let the laughter and love increase
May you spread it from the West to the East
May you spread it from the North to the South!
CHORUS
May you … may you always try to inspire
May you…may you always try to reach higher and higher
May you bring your goodness and may you bring peace
May you spread it from the West to the East
May you spread it from the North to the South!
UFARATZTA 3x
CHORUS
13. HINEI MA TOV
Written by Ross M. Levy
Hinei ma tov umanaim
shevet achim gam yachad
How good and pleasant it is for brothers & sisters to be together.
2. HEIVEINU SHALOM ALEICHEM
Written by Ross M. Levy (part of the 5775 URJ Ruach Series Compilation)
Hey hey heiveinu shalom, shalom aleichem shalom,
heiveinu shalom aleichem, aleichem shalom
Hey, hey, heiveinu shalom, shalom aleichem shalom,
heiveinu shalom aleichem, aleichem sha-lom
We bring it big, so bring it on, we bring peace to you, stay strong
We’re singing, we’re singing, we sing!
CHORUS
We bringing love and an open arm, let peace into your heart
We’re singing, we’re singing, we sing!
4. HOSHIA
Written by Dan Nichols
Hoshia, hoshia, hoshia, et amecha, amecha, amecha
Hoshia et amecha, hoshia et amecha
Hoshia, hoshia, hoshia
Hoshia, hoshia, hoshia, et amecha, amecha, amecha
Hoshia et amecha, hoshia et amecha
Hoshia, hoshia, hoshia
Uvareich et nachalatecha
Uvareich et nachalatecha
Ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim v’naseim
Ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim v’naseim
Ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim, ureim v’naseim
Ad haolam, ad haolam, ad haolam, ad haolam
Help Your people. Bless Your heritage. Tend them and exalt them forever.
CHORUS
We bring love, we bring peace
we’re bringing the good times, we’re bringing the energy
6. V’AHAVTA
Writen by Sheldon Low, Rick Recht, and Hadar Orshalimy
CHORUS
V’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha
You gotta give what you got
V’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha
You gotta give what you got
Live with blessing
Live with meaning
Keep on sharing
Keep on giving
CHORUS
Love one another
Like yourself
Soon you’ll find
you’ll feel the love from someone else
CHORUS
Love love one another
Give give to each other
Rise rise rise above
Anything that’s stopping you from
sharing, caring, loving, hoping
It’s up to me and you, yeah!
CHORUS
Love your neighbor as yourself.
8. MODIM ANACHNU LACH
CHORUS
Modim anachnu lach
thank God for all we’ve got
modim anachnu lach
tzur chayeinu, magein yisheinu,
atah hu l’dor vador
CHORUS
We thank you for this moment, we thank you for our lives
we thank you for your patience, we thank you for this time
CHORUS
10. LECH LECHA
Written by Ross M. Levy
Go forth lech lecha from the place in which you are
and I’ll give to you this land, people numerous as the stars
Adonai called out to him, Man are you ready to rock?”
and old Abe took a chance on faith and shouted lech lecha
CHORUS
Get up and go, lech lecha a land I’ll show to you
and you’ll need strength to carry through
Get up and go, lech lecha a land I’ll show to you
and to your people I’ll be true
Get up and go, lech lecha a land Ill show to you
Lech l’cha ma’artzecha
el ha’aretz asher arecha
CHORUS
12. SWEET AS HONEY
Written by Dan NIchols
CHORUS
Sweet as honey, sweet as honey, sweet as honey on our tongue
Baruch ata Adonai
eloheinu melech haolam
Asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu
la’asok b’divrei Torah, la’asok b’divrei Torah
CHORUS
(Let us soak it up, let it all sink in, sweet words of Torah)
SONGS TO MAKE YOUR HEART SING | TURN IT UP VOL. II feat. ROSS M. LEVY & THE LEVITES
THE BAND
Acoustic Guitars & Vocals: Ross M. Levy
Drums: Adam Guth & Josh Orlando
Bass Guitar: Chico Huff Electric Guitars: Ron Jennings & Adam Armijo
Flute: Marc Adler Horn Arrangements and Saxophones: Jay Davidson
Trumpets & Trombone: Steve Jankowski Violin: Sasha Margolis
Organ: Jeff Bichaylo Background Vocals: Aria & Kira Levy
Recorded & mixed at Melrose Park Studios, Elkins Park, PA
by Adam Guth & Ross M. Levy
Produced by Adam Guth & Ross M. Levy
This musical feast is shared with you thanks to the enthusiastic support of Jim and Mignon Groch. Bon appétit!
The Sounds
THE LYRICS
“Shofar Blast”
Words and music by Ellen Allard
I like to hear the shofar blast
Sometimes slow and sometimes fast!
I like to hear the shofar blast
Happy, happy happy new year!
1. T‘ki-ah——– (echo) (chorus)
2. Sh‘va-rim——– (echo) (chorus)
3. T‘ru-ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah —- (echo)
4. T’ki-ah g‘dolah——– (chorus)
“Hapories Sukkat Shalom”
Words and music by Ross M. Levy
In this place of peace, in this place of love
the world’s in need of us and push has come to shove
as we fight for what’s to come!
When you’re home, you’ll know
Haporeis sukkat shalom *
and those stars, they glow
Aleinu v’al kol amo Yisrael
one love, one home
haporeis sukkat shalom
In this place of love, and in this place and time
the world is turning round, so let’s enjoy the ride
lets shine and share the light
* – shelter of peace
“The Shake”
Words and music by Ross M. Levy
Shake it to the East side
The wild, wild West
Shake it straight North bound
Shake it back to the South ground
Oh we shake it on up, just to shake it back down
We shake the lulav to show that God is all around!
Oooh, oooh, oooh, Ufaratzta* 2x
Yamah, v’keidmah, tzafona, v’neigbah**
* – spread it around
** – west, east, north, south
“Shine”
Words and music by Ross M. Levy
It’s the festival of lights tonight
as we commemorate the battle, those who fought for our lives
cause not by might, and not by power, but by spirit alone*
and the will to keep going and l’dor vador**
the miracle is still burning strong
and we’ve been told before…
don’t let the light go out!
Let your light shine bright, let your light shine bright
recall the miracle and celebrate tonight let your light shine bright
The miracles we face today are the dreams
of those before us from way back in the day
with just one voice we can move mountains
stand tall and be proud and let your inner light out
be sure they’re picking up exactly what you put down
and we’ve been told before…
don’t let the light go out!
Imagine how it had to be to live in 167 of the BCE
if they called on you tell me would you be ready
‘cause the time is right now and there’s no backing out
so be a Maccabee and sing with me and make Judah proud
and we will spread the word…
don’t let the light go out!
Kol echad, hu or katan vekulanu or eitan*^
* – Zekariah 4: Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the LORD of hosts
**- from generation to generation
*^- Each person is a small light. But together we are a mighty light.
“Judah Maccabee”
Words and music by Ross M. Levy
I’m ready to march, I’m ready to fight,
I’m ready to shine and show my light
I’m ready to be, Judah Maccabee
I’m mighty and small but I stand tall, celebrate the miracle
I’m ready to be, Judah Maccabee
Listen to their story well
there’s a reason we retell their tale
when united we all stand,
that’s the moment that the hammer slams
We were down and we were out
and we need help to turn this thing around
We will soon taste victory,
come and join us be a Maccabee
“Honey, i’ts Tu B’Shevat”
Lyrics by Ross M. Levy & Morgan Naiberg
Come on, give me your hand
Celebrate the holiday and let’s go plant trees
I know the forest will grow
It’s been a long long year and the time is right
the seeds we’ve sown have reached new heights
(hold up, it’s) Cold outside, I will not lie
But Tu B’shevat is on my mind
I’m thinking about Birch, Maple, Oak, Hazel, let’s plant and show we’re grateful Tu B’shevat’s all-ready got all of my love
So come on, give me your hand
Celebrate the holiday and let’s go plant trees
I know the future is bright, so let’s all work to keep the earth alive
Oh listen, don’t wait
Honor all the arbors and celebrate seeds
go now, give what you’ve got, get to diggin Tu B’shevat!
Tikkun olam, is who we are, also called, Shomrei Adamah
(now check it out) birthday of the mighty tree
so grab your trowel, and dig with me
I’m dreaming of Ash, Cherry, Mulberry, the earth is extraordinary,
Tu B’shevat all-ready got all of my love
So come on, give me your hand
Celebrate the holiday and let’s go plant trees
I know the future is bright, so let’s all work to keep the earth alive
Oh listen, don’t wait
Honor all the arbors and celebrate seeds
go now, give what you’ve got, get to diggin Tu B’shevat!
Now the seven species are what we ought to eat
Olives and barley, figs and, don’t forget the wheat
Come on, give me your hand
Celebrate the holiday and let’s go plant trees
I know the future is bright, so let’s all work to keep the earth alive
Oh listen, don’t wait
Honor all the arbors and celebrate seeds
go now, give what you’ve got, get to diggin Tu B’shevat!
“Shomrei Adamah”
Words by Paul Suchow & Ross M. Levy
Music by Ross M. Levy
Chorus:
Shomrei Adamah, keepers of the earth that’s who we are
we try constantly to keep the world in harmony
Bal tashchit* we know
we reap what we sow through tikkun olam, we will stand as one
We know what we must do, to make these dreams come true
Remember every tree, started as a seed
Oh and I believe
that everyday presents an opportunity
put your hands in the air and pray and
every little thing is gonna be ok if we try,
tikkun olam b’Shem Adonai**
* – do not destroy
**- repair the world
“Chag Purim”
English lyrics and music by Ross M. Levy
hands up, make noise
get down, as we all rejoice
one time, get loud
dance free, what it’s all about
Chag Purim, chag gadol layehudim
Masaychot, ra’ahshanim, shirim, rikudim
Hava, hava narisha
hava narisha rahsh, rahsh, rahsh
Ba ra-ah-shanim*
One tale, one voice
one girl made a brave choice
They tried, no chance
we’re free, as we sing and dance
It wasn’t so long ago, we had to keep our heads down and just lay low
and over time we had to fight the good fight, but we keeping it real and staying alive
* – Purim time, a big festival for the Jewish people. Masks, noisemakers, songs and dances.
Wind your noisemakers – it sounds like “rash rash rash”
“Utzu Eitzah”
Words and music by Ross M. Levy
Utzu etza vetufar;
Dabru dabru, davar
velo yakum, Ki imanu Eil, Eil, Eil!
Devise and scheme, and plot your plan
Take it from me, you’ve got no chance
We’ve got love on our side
- – They have devised schemes but they have been foiled, they have made declarations [against us], but they will not be fulfilled , because Love is with us!
“Avadim Hayinu”
Words and music by Ross M. Levy
Avadim hayinu, slaves soon to be free
Avadim hayinu roamed the sand and crossed the sea
Ata benei chorin
We’ve done our time we’re ready for freedom
we do deserve the promised land
and on our way we’ll sing together
a song of freedom written in the sand
Avadim hayinu, scent of freedom in the air
Avadim hayinu, Adonai has heard our prayer
Mi chamocha ba’eilim Adonai
mi chamocha nedar bakodesh
- We were once slaves in Egypt, now we are free!
“The Call”
Words and music by Ross M. Levy
The world is changing all the time
to make a difference we can not just read the headlines
and if we’ve heard it once it’s been a million times
everyday begins the first day of your life
This is the call to action
take a stand and soon you’ll feel a chain reaction
the time is now to start to help re-build the nation
so give your all consider this your invitation
to make the world a better place for all
To take the first step can be tough
but I feel the time has come to finally say enough’s enough
and if tomorrow it was you who had it rough
who would turn to you and hold your hand with love
I know where the answer lies
I’ve seen the mirror from the other side
and I believe with all my soul and all my might
that the light again will shine- let it shine!
“Hatov Shimcha”
Words and music by Ross M. Levy
Hatov shimcha ul’cha na’eh l’hodot
thank you for the things you grant each day
Hatov shimcha ul’cha na’eh l’hodot
stand up tall, lift your hands and say, right on! Amen!
Wake up before the sunrise
bask in the glow of the morning sky and
thank God for strength and love in your life
Act now the timing is just right
move to the music of the great outside
Baruch Ata Adonai*
And we behold, the beauty of the story and the way that it’s told
and we received, the gift of life
And I believe the wonders of the universe belong to me
and I can see, the future’s bright!
- Baruch Atah Adonai hatov shimcha ul’cha na’eh l’hodot – Holy One of Blessing, Source of goodness, it is pleasing to give thanks to You.