On August 22nd, distinguished L.A educators, Rabbis Avrohom Stulberger (Dean of Valley-Torah H.S.) and Tzvi Bloch (founder of Toras Hashem Synagogue) memorialized the late, formerly-local teacher Rabbi Aaron Parry (d. July 19, 2023 of a coronary), praising his characteristics, his family members, and they noted the impact he had on those around him. They highlighted his love for Torah and mitzvot, his dedication to growing in Judaism, and his desire to be a good Jew and teach Torah to others. The rabbis also emphasize the importance of emulating Rabbi Parry's qualities and commitment to spiritual and intellectual growth. They encourage everyone to honor his memory by incorporating his values into their own lives.

 

Summary of Tribute to R' Aaron Parry (Pt 2): R' Reuven Wolf; student Dr. Omar Margrechter; and R' Moshe Parry 

In this tribute to Rabbi Aaron Parry, various speakers reflect on his qualities and impact. They describe him as a person of deep connection who exuded life and energy, despite facing personal challenges. The concept of death is discussed, with one perspective attributing it to sin and another to divine decree. Rabbi Parry, being a master of esoteric teachings, lived at a deeper level of the soul that remained constant even after his physical passing. Personal stories and memories highlight his love for humanity and small but meaningful actions. Gratitude is expressed for his teachings and the support shown during his memorial. The passing of righteous individuals is seen as opportunities to learn and elevate the soul. Finally, the speaker expresses deep gratitude and reverence, emphasizing Rabbi Parry's significant influence on their spiritual growth and the collective effort to bring Mashiach.

 

Summary of Pt3: Rabbi Aaron Parry: Eulogies by bro R' Moshe, son Yossi. Maariv w/son Eli Parry; R' Yitz Feiglin Rabbi Aaron Parry's loved ones reflect on his impact and legacy in these eulogies. Family members apologize for any shortcomings and express deep sadness. They highlight Rabbi Parry's loving nature, his ability to connect with all people, and his genuine and authentic demeanor. The speakers also emphasize his humility, compassion, determination, and resilience. They admire his continuous pursuit of self-improvement and his positive outlook on life. Overall, they express a deep admiration for Rabbi Parry and his lasting influence on those who knew him.

Film editor, Edward Orshan, 87 (z'l) laid to rest by family and members of The Happy (Carlebach) Minyan of Los Angeles

      Edward Orshan, 87, of Los Angeles

Deaths in the JooTube family (not pictured) have curtailed our publishing on this website over the past 12 months. We have concentrated on Facebook and YouTube, where we have been subjected to censorship,so we will be resuming publishing on the website and other social-media networks (which we will indicate here).  Thank you for your patience in the delay of publishing some 2019 and 2020 anticipated stories this year.

"Grateful" Edward Orshan, 87, who earned degrees from Princeton and Harvard, edited film and television in New York, Israel ("Michael SheLi"/ "My Michael"), and Hollywood, was a beloved member of The Happy (Carlebach) Minyan of Los Angeles.

Happy Minyanaires, Stuart Wax with Ed Orshan

Friends and family gathered on Tuesday, January 26th to celebrate his life with eulogies and prayer. Ed's son Gabriel attended, others participated via Zoom - which will be linked here soon. Ed passed away peacefully in his sleep on the same Shabbos (10th Shevat) as Larry King. That calendar day is also the yahrzeit of the Friediker Rebbe (Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson), and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

The funeral was facilitated by Mordechai Freeman, who led the team assisting Ed's healthcare over the past few years.

Mordechai (Marc) Freeman

Rabbi Yonah Bookstein officiated. Chazan Yehuda ("Moshav Band") Solomon led El Male Rachamim and other prayers and chantings.

Eulogists included Geborah Goldberger, Jonathan Boyer, David Sacks, Jeff Rohatiner, Zalman Solomon, and bereaved son Gabriel. Ed is also survived by his former-wife, Nan, and sons Nathaniel and Itai (in Israel) who watched the funeral via Zoom.

Ed Orshan
(photo: Geborah Goldberger)

 

Ed Orshan worked with John Avildsen (1977 Oscar for Best Director "Rocky") and also appeared as an actor (with Norman Wexler) in Jack O'Connell's 1961 independent feature,"THE GREENWICH VILLAGE STORY." 

This brief scene was filmed in the Figaro Cafe on the corner of Bleecker and MacDougal Streets.

Mass-media communicator, Phil Blazer, built L.A. Jewish newspaper and national Jewish TV channel, JLTV

Phil Blazer hosting show on his founded JLTV

Los Angeles media publisher, Phil Blazer,  died yesterday at 76 following a long struggle with Parkinson's. He parlayed his Israel Today newspaper into a weekly local TV show, and parlayed that into the Jewish Life TV (J.L.T.V.) channel, one of America's two, Jewish cultural cable/sat channels (along with Jewish Broadcasting Service / J.B.S. - originally Shalom TV). 

Phil Blazer's broadcasting career began at the age of 21 when legendary disc jockey Wolfman Jack gave him a chance to host a show about Jewish culture and music at KULX in Minneapolis. Over the next five decades, Phil continued as a radio host while building a media empire that included a nationally syndicated television show and a national newspaper, Israel Today.  His lifelong dream of creating a TV network dedicated to Jewish life and culture was achieved in 2006 with the creation of JLTV.  

Phil was an early activist and visionary community leader who thrived on bringing together people of all faiths to battle hate, racism and anti-Semitism. His own career as an activist was born in 1973 when he urged his listeners to cut up an oil company's credit cards to protest its anti-Israel stance. Thousands responded, mailing enough cards to fill numerous trash bags, which Phil then deposited at the company's headquarters. The dramatic stunt made the CBS evening news with Walter Cronkite, impressing upon Phil the powerful impact of activism. 

An inveterate risk taker, he relished his role in helping a rabbi smuggle a Torah into Leningrad under the noses of the KGB. Later, he organized the Skokie Skytrain to bring counter-protesters from California to confront neo-Nazis threatening the safety of Holocaust survivors in Skokie, Illinois in 1978.

Phil considered "Operation Joshua" the highlight of his advocacy to "make a difference." In 1985, he personally appealed to Vice President George H. Bush to rescue 1,000 Ethiopian Jews starving in Sudanese refugee camps after fleeing a genocidal dictator amidst one of the worst famines of the 20th Century.  To bolster his case, Phil did something unthinkable by today’s standards. He leveraged his relationships with politicians and brokered a bipartisan appeal to the Reagan administration.  Within 38 hours, all 100 U.S. Senators had signed a letter urging a U.S. airlift. The secret mission was carried out by the CIA and U.S. Air Force on March 22, 1985.

Not all of Phil's activism involved such derring-do. But all were straight-from-the-heart.  Among them was Phil's arranging for his close friend Oscar® winning producer Branko Lustig to become a Bar Mitzvah at Auschwitz, the concentration camp where he was held during the Holocaust. Phil also worked tirelessly with legislators in several states to include Holocaust education in schools. And when elderly Jews in Los Angeles, many of whom were Holocaust survivors, were subjected to anti-Semitic attacks, Phil established the volunteer Peace Force to patrol their neighborhoods.

With a flair for show business and an innate understanding of what made a good story, he organized celebrity visits to Israel, acting as something between a media fixer and informal tour guide to such luminaries as Ben Kingsley, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Strauss, Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden.

Former United States Congressman Henry Waxman, who became acquainted with Phil while serving in Washington, said Phil served as an example of how one person can make a difference. "He made a difference in lives of people he didn't know, whether they were Ethiopian Jews, Russian Soviet Jews, Israelis, or people here in the United States who were standing up against anti-Semitism," Waxman said. "And he didn't look at these tasks as overwhelming. He saw them as important issues that he wanted to be involved in, to see change and to make that difference that was so important. There are so many people who don't know about him, and may never know about him, but who owe him a great deal of gratitude for all the work he has done.”

Phil Blazer is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter Alyssa (Charles) Peretz; sons Mark (Tracy), Adam and David; 6 grandchildren; and sisters Candace (Robert) Fagan and Glorianne (Richard) Letterman.

A family service is planned for Aug. 27 and a memorial minyan will be held on Zoom at 7 p.m. from Aug. 27-Sept. 1, each night except Friday.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8317484176 • Meeting ID: 831 748 4176 • Mobile: +14086380968,,8317484176#


In this episode of Main Street, Phil interviewed Tom Tugend, who volunteered in Israel's war effort, later becoming a well-respected journalist in Los Angeles.

Video of Los Angeles kiruv Rabbi Shlomo "Schwartzie" Schwartz teaching Kabbalah months before final return to Safed, Israel

Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz was a top kiruv rabbi in Los Angeles

With great sadness we inform you of the passing of Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz, OBM, AKA “Schwartzie,” a well-known and beloved rabbi, entertainer, inspirational speaker and founder of the Los Angeles-based Chai Center. He was 71 years old.

Schwartzie, a product of a Chabad yeshiva and a devoted follower of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s teachings, ventured where no rabbi has gone before. A onetime bongo-thumping Greenwich Village beatnik, he frequents rock concerts — flowing beard, yarmulke, Mickey Mouse suspenders and all — and will on occasion lace a wedding ceremony with lyrics from the Grateful Dead’s repertoire.

Born in Atlantic City, NJ, he was the son of a “Conservadox” cantor, who had fled Vienna in 1939.  Schwartz found his natural calling at UCLA’s Chabad House, the first of its kind at any American university.

He quickly became a highly visible campus figure, setting up his stand on the main student thoroughfare. “I could identify nine out of 10 students as Jews just by their looks,” Schwartzie once quoted as saying in a news article. “The other one was either Armenian or Italian.”

Schwartzie always had the last word. “I’ve been called a Reform Chassid and God’s court jester, but whatever the label, I do believe that to bring Jews back into the fold one must serve God with joy.”

He is survived by his wife, Olivia, and children: Chana (Los Angeles, CA), Shalom Yishaya(Crown Heights), Rivka Sara Chein (Crown Heights), Mayshe Schwartz (Brookline, MA), Hindel Swerdlov (Jerusalem, Israel), Mendel Schwartz (Los Angeles, CA), Nechama Dina Schallman (LA), Yosef Schwartz (Miami, FL), Aura Rosenblatt (Los Angeles, CA), Shmuel Asher Schwartz (Los Angeles, CA), Berry Schwartz (Crown Heights) and Cobi Schwartz(Los Angeles, CA). - Source:  CrownHeights.Info

Rabbi Shlomo ("Schwartzie") Schwartz (of blessed memory) teaches Kabbalah at Happy Minyan commemoration of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, November 20, 2016. "Ubo tidbakun"- glue yourself to the Moses of your generation. Rabbi Schwartz was nifter 8 Feb '17, buried in Safed, Israel.

Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz  taught this class on Relationship Kabbalah on his 71st Hebrew birthday (6 Dec '16) at the Community Room of the Farmers Market, Los Angeles. He offers a birthday blessing to those viewing towards the end. May his neshoma reach the highest for all of the Jewish souls he fostered.

Shimon Peres (1923-1985;1986-2016): Which do we mourn? by Martin Sherman

 by Martin Sherman in The Algemeiner

Shimon Peres. Photo: Mark Neiman / GPO.

“Ambition drove many men to become false; to have one thought locked in the breast, another ready on the tongue.” — Gaius Sallustius Crispus, Roman historian and politician, (86 BCE – c. 35 BCE)

“It is our experience that political leaders do not always mean the opposite of what they say.” — Abba Eban, Israeli diplomat and politician (1919-2002)

Recorded at Beth Jacobs Congregation, Beverly Hills, 18 Sept '16
On Wednesday, September 28, Shimon Peres, the 9th and arguably the most high-profile president of Israel, passed away. For all the glare of the public spotlight and scrutiny to which he has been exposed, he remains in many ways, an enigmatic figure, comprised of seemingly impossible contradictions for historians to attempt to decipher.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 3:06 PM

0

Shimon Peres, a Leader for All Seasons

Shimon Peres understood the Biblical verse “to everything there is a season.” When he was a young man working for David Ben-Gurion,...

Sweeping international acclaim: Well-merited or unwarranted?

Peres was laid to rest on Friday with all the pomp and ceremony that befits the funeral of a former head of state and public figure of international stature.

The attendees included world leaders and renowned celebrities from dozens of countries around the globe. US President Barack Obama, and former President Bill Clinton, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, former British PM Tony Blair, and Prince Charles are but a few names on the star-studded list of reported dignitaries, who plan to attend the ceremony. Tributes flowed in from far and wide, from Hollywood stars to the British royal family, mourning the passing of the man seen as Israel’s elder statesman.

Ariel Sharon addresses the Americans who blamed him for shutting-down the Gaza settlements

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon addressing AIPAC 2005

N. American Zionists honored Ariel Sharon, but regretted his withdrawing from the settlements he built (for them, which they declined to emigrate to).

In September, 1977, Ariel Sharon unveiled "A Vision of Israel at Century's-End," a proposal for two million Jews to live in the occupied territories that builds on existing plans for additional settlements, homes and infrastructure. The plan offers many incentives for Israelis to move to settlements. "Make no mistake about it, this government will establish many new settlements. That's what it was elected to do and that's what it will do," says Sharon. According to Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics, since 1977, total aliyah from North American has not exceeded 90,000.  In fact, with the exception of 1990 & '91, in no year has total global aliyah exceeded 100,000. 

So in 2005, in view of the political and economic costs of defending the  Jewish population of Gaza's Gush Katif settlements (which had never exceeded 10,000 people), then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon initiated Israel's unilateral disengagement from Gaza, uprooting those communities.  Ariel Sharon died. Pioneer of Jewish re-settlement, In this JooTube original video, he addresses AIPAC in May of 2005: 

Transcript: "I came here from Jerusalem, the eternal, united and undivided capital of the State of Israel and the Jewish people forever and ever. And I would like to use the term "netzach netzachim" - more than forever and ever. I congratulate AIPAC for arranging this successful Policy Conference. It is my pleasure to join you in person and to close this incredible event at such a crucial time for the State of Israel. (Transcript continues below the break)




In less than 6-months from the disengagement, Ariel Sharon was stricken by a stroke which left him in a vegetative coma.  At a March, 2013 dinner for the Gush Katif Memorial Museum, Rabbi David Algaze of Queens, NY spoke of the national and spiritual sacrifice Ariel Sharon assumed by uprooting these many pious Jews in the interest of enabling Palestinian Arabs to demonstrate their genuine readiness to keep Israelis safe from the sovereign state they demanded.

 

After having survived in that comatose state for 8-years, on January 11, 2014, Ariel Sharon died.

Israelis and friends in America stage tribute concert in honor of Arik Einstein at Mitchabrim L.A.

 

Legendary Israeli singer Arik Einstein dies 

One of greatest musicians in Israel's history passes away at 74 after being evacuated to hospital in critical condition due to aortic aneurysm by Yaron Kelner in YNet News Nov 26' 13

Arik Einstein, widely considered one of the greatest singers in Israel's history, died Tuesday evening at the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv. Einstein, 74, was evacuated from his home in critical condition at around 7 pm due to an aortic aneurysm. He was rushed to the emergency room, where he underwent a series of tests while being anaesthetized and given artificial respiration. He was later taken into the operating room, where doctors attempted to fight for his life but were forced to pronounce him dead. "The condition he arrived in made it impossible to save him," Dr. Gabriel Barbash, the hospital's director general, told reporters. "There will be no one to sing for us anymore," he added. 

"The songs he composed and sang are the soundtrack for Israel," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "With much sadness Israel parts with a cultural giant." 

President Shimon Peres said that Einstein's songs are the soundtrack of an entire nation; his voice was holding the people and embracing the land… I loved his songs from an early age. Though he's gone, his songs will continue to play life and hope." 

Shawn Evenhaim, chairman of the Israeli-American Council (IAC), said in a statement: “We are sad to hear about Arik Einstein’s death and send our condolences to his family, friends, fans, and to all Israelis. Einstein is an Israeli cultural legend and probably the greatest Israeli singer of all time, and we’re sure that every Israeli who lives in the US today shares in the sadness of his passing. A major icon of Israeli culture has left us, but his memory and songs will stay with us forever.”

Israeli-Americans perform tribute show of Arik Einstein's music
At Los Angeles' Mitchabrim Center  on Sunday 22 December, Israeli-American Sagie Shemesh organized a tribute concert of Arik Einstein's songs.  Both Israeli and diaspora musicians collaborated to perform songs Israelis of the Einstein era identify with. 



Enjoy this video playlist of the impromptu concert. (Advance through lower-right and left menu buttons).

Ms. Hila Halutzy, representing the Mitchabrim Center, introduced the evening, which began with a biography of Arik Einstein from Israel Channel 2 TV.


Guitar/vocalists Dudu Zar, Jimmy Gamliel, and Ronen Pollak alternated fronting the backup band of  Patrick Azria- lead guitar & keys, Avi Broohim- drums, Ayal Vishnitzer- rhythm guitar, Ami Benee Levy- violin, Sagie Shemesh- guitar & shared bass with Scott Jenkins. (Ishay Raveh assisted Sagie in operating the multimedia display).

Dr. Eugene Narrett, scholar and author of "World War III- The War on the Jews (and the Rise of the World Security State") slain Friday night by hit-and-run driver- 3-weeks short of 65th birthday

Eugene Narrett – professor, writer, painter, commentator and strong advocate for Israel and the Jewish People – died tragically this past Friday evening after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Brattleboro, Vermont. Eugene was a pedestrian, having just visited an art gallery a short distance away.  It was three weeks short of his 65th birthday.

Funeral services for Eugene Narrett will take place this Wednesday, December 11, at the Jewish Memorial Chapel at 841 Allwood Road in Clifton, NJ, commencing at 11 a.m.


Professor Steven Plaut of the University of Haifa, characterized" "One of the most prolific and intelligent Zionist thinkers in the United States today, Eugene Narrett's comments on the politics of the Middle East should be required reading.  His keen eye and sharp wit make him a great American and Jewish resource."

Eugene in Israel's 1st N. Capital, Shchem/Nablus

Eugene received a PhD in English Literature from Columbia University and taught Art, Art History, History, Literature and Philosophy. He had an extraordinary knowledge and appreciation of the Classics, and had reached a scholarly level in the area of Jewish studies. In his early 20's, Eugene began educating himself about the history of ancient and modern Israel, and he became one of the foremost authorities on the geopolitics of the Middle East, providing commentary on numerous radio programs, including Israel National Radio (many times) and the Barry Farber Show.

Dr. Narrett held strong views about Israel, based on history, Jewish identity and the current reality. He believed in Israel's Biblical, legal and historical rights to all of the land between the Mediterranean Sea and Jordan River, and was an outspoken critic of the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Arab-"Palestinians." He would be quick to point out the deadly consequences of that failed political strategy. Many of Dr. Narrett's writings and radio commentaries may be accessed through his Israel End Times blog,

Treat and educate yourself by listening to Dr. Eugene Narrett on this edition of the Tovia Singer Show.

Eugene, may the Almighty comfort you amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. And, may all of your hopes and dreams for Israel come to fruition in the very near future.

Description of Dr. Narrett's book World War III- the War on the Jews and the Rise of the World Security State  (Kindle $9):  Eugene Narrett's remarkable study looks to the composite roots of western civilization for perspective on these questions. His knowledge of ancient and modern history and his remarkable ability to integrate disciplines produce startling analysis and answers to the most pressing issues of our time. 

Tragic political and historical realities fuel our nation's misguided Middle East policies that, startlingly, bring America into confrontation with Israel, its best friend, invaluable ally and nourishing historical root. Professor Narrett provides a detailed overview of the existential forces and dangers with which our own nation already is struggling and has been suffering for some time. The book serves as a teaching text and a troubling revelation of what we are becoming, and how we may go a better way.  

Description of his book Israel and the end-times:  (Kindle $4)
The ethics, laws, origins and hopes of Western civilization are rooted in the history of the Jewish people and their unified way of life, Judaism.

Why then has Western civilization for so long abused the Jewish people and, since 1920, their attempts to rebuild and develop their ancient nation? 

Why especially now when Israel serves as the West's bulwark against terror, do western elites facilitate the destruction of Jewish sovereignty and of Jewish life in its holy places, hills, farms, and towns? 

AFSI to commence "strengthening mission" to Israeli settlements without Charlotte Wahle, 92, z"l

German-Jewish-Zionist, Charlotte Wahle, devoted her life to promoting Israel and the Jewish people against anti-Israelism & anti-Semitism

From Helen Friedman, Executive Director: "Americans for a Safe Israel mourns the passing of our beloved volunteer of over twenty years, Charlotte Wahle (z"l).  She was buried today at the Beth-El cemetery in Paramus, NJ. Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Gans officiated. A devoted group of family and AFSI friends, who made up a large part of her extended family, were present to pay their last respects. An Israeli flag was placed at her grave symbolizing her great passion for Yisrael Shlayma (a whole Israel).

Those who knew Charlotte were always amazed at her tenacity and devotion to AFSI and its principles. She was at every demonstration and protest, wrote letters to the editor, and was a driving force in the AFSI office, even in her 92nd year of life.  In addition, Charlotte's interests kept her active in her synagogue, in politics, and with her many friends and associates.

Those wishing to send donations in her memory are encouraged to send them to AFSI, her favorite organization. Contributions can be sent by check, or through the donation buttons on the www.afsi.org website."   

Part of Charlotte's energies went to help arrange AFSI's "Chizuk" (Strengthening) missions to Israel.  AFSI begins another trip this weekend, with Charlotte participating this time from shomayim. 

Helen Freedman spoke with JooTube last year about AFSI's tour which would focus on (rather than most others which avoid) Jewish settlements and outposts to live on Jewish holy lands.  Many of these developments face the similar threat of uprooting that Gush Katif experienced in 2005, but at the behest of a new American administration.

Yaffa Yarkoni, 1925-2012: The voice of Israel in war and peace

Yaffa Yarkoni, one of Israel's greatest and best-loved singers, passed away Sunday in Tel Aviv at the age of 86, following a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Lyricist Avi Koren, a close friend of the singer's for 45 years, recalled yesterday that Yarkoni, an Israel Prize laureate, once said to him: "Look how I am fooling the entire world - after all, I have no voice."

"She may not have had a voice, but she was the voice of the country. My mother listened to Yaffa Yarkoni; my grandson listens to Yaffa Yarkoni; and she accompanied us, the members of my generation, all our lives," Koren said yesterday."At the age of four, we sang her children's songs; as teenagers, we danced to the sounds of her ballroom tunes. During the Six-Day War, she came to perform at outposts at which our friends fought. She was there all the time."
Read obituary by Ben Shalem in Ha'aretz
Yaffa Yarkoni sings "Davar Lo Od" ("Nothing More") in this clip from Gil Shani.



Yaffa Yarkoni was known as the singer of the wars, a tradition that began during her own IDF service in the War of Independence.


She was known as the singer of the wars, a sobriquet that she detested, but when Yaffa Yarkoni, Israel’s queen of song who delighted generations of children, soldiers and all audiences died on Sunday only a week after her 86th birthday, she was remembered more for fading out of the limelight. 

Read obituary in The Jerusalem Post by Greer Fay Cashman with Herb Keinon 

Producer of HBO documentary about his father, Don Rickles, only son Larry Rickles dies at 41

Larry Rickles earned an Emmy Award for a 2007 documentary about his dad. Larry Rickles, an Emmy Award-winning producer and the son of comedian Don Rickles, died Saturday, December 3rd, in Los Angeles of respiratory failure due to pneumonia. He was 41.

 In addition to his father, Rickles is survived by his mother Barbara and his sister Mindy. The family has asked that donations be made to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Don Rickles, 85, is still active in show business. (Mike Barnes in the Hollywood Reporter).

Remembering Moshe Yess of Megama Duo - The other tragic loss at Tucson's Univ Medical Center this week

(Video from 1981 concert in Minnesota - courtesy Yascher)

Chabad OnLine reports:

Moshe Yess, a beloved performer and musician who has entertained audiences around the world, passed away Motzoei Shabbos, considered Shvat 4, 5771.

He was 65 and suffered from cancer.

He was hospitalized earlier this year at University Medical Center (UMC) in Tucson, Arizona, and was visited by local Chabad Shluchim, before he underwent recovery treatment.

Yess, known for the song ‘Zaide Made us Laugh,’ lived in Montreal, Canada, for many years after he became a Baal Teshuva and made a living singing and teaching.

He was a member of the Chabad community there and was a regular performer at Chabad House events and shows along with general music festivals and the annual HASC concert.

In addition to performing, Yess produced with Abie Rotenberg animated music videos for children at a time when few were available. Among them were Roburg, Middos Machine and Amazing Torah Bike.

“We used to sing and compose in the early days, but it was Moshe Yess who taught us how to do it professionally,” known composer Yossi Green of New York told COLlive.com in a recent interview.

In fact, a group on Facebook crowned him “the Real King of Jewish Music” noting that “we all know deep down in our hearts that the only truly good Jewish music is the music of Moshe Yess.” The group has 40 members.



He retired from his music career in recent years.
“He was a Jewish music legend that will live on through his amazing work and inspiration,” said California based entertainer and actor Mendy Pellin, who tried in 2007 to convince Yess to hold a tribute to his career but was unsuccessful.

“He had a unique personality of being very funny, yet very intense,” Pellin told COLlive.com. “He was the same person on stage, in conversation, in private and public. People thought he lost it the last 10 years, but that was part of his journey wanting to be 100% living the truth.”

(Email and RSS subscribers should click through to the website to view Moshe Yess' music videos).

In tribute to Rabbi David Montag, 68, spiritual scientist, Reb Carlebach's L.A. "Ohr Chadash" founder, grandfather, and teacher

Rabbi David Montague, Professor of Physics most recently at East L.A. College, died of a massive coronary at his home north of Pasadena on Thursday, 20th March 2008, the Jewish holiday of Purim. He died one month short of his 69th birthday.

A funeral service was held in Los Angeles on Sunday, 23 March. Burial followed at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Commerce, California.

Rabbi Montag co-founded the L.A. congregation, Ohr Chadash, with Reb Carlebach who granted him smicha, along with Rav Wasserman. Ohr Chadash was the predecessor havurah to today's Happy Minyan. Rabbi Montag served as Reb Carlebach's emissary in Los Angeles. He possessed a thorough knowledge of the unseen universe, teaching college-level physics at several colleges in L.A. (most recently East L.A. College) and teaching Kaballah avocationally. He was knowledgable in many areas of science and technology - he was deeply involved in the digital media revolution, reporting from the annual Consumer Electronics Show, but he shunned mobile phones out of concern about their carcinogenic properties. Ironically, at the time of his heart attack at home, he was not able to make it to a landline to dial 911.

Rabbi Montag has passed on his legacy to many former college students. His family survivors include his first-wife, Bracha and daughter, Esther, now of Montpellier, Idaho; his sons Michael of Arcata, California (Humboldt County) and Daniel of Los Angeles. David's second wife of 16 years, Olga Volozova (whose wedding Reb Carlebach officiated), and David's step-son, Daniel, of Hollywood.

Shiva for the late Professor Rabbi David Moshe Montag is being observed through Friday at Daniel Montag's apartment in L.A.: 137 1/2 S. Sycamore (one block east of LaBrea, between 1st & 2nd Streets) Shacharit 7:00am; Mincha 6:30pm. May his family and friends be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Express your feelings, pay tribute to Rabbi David Montag, share your grief, and offer condolences to the family through the Comment capability below. Please indicate if you have photos you'd like to have posted at http://www.davidmontag.com/ - such as this one filmed by Olga 16 years ago.