Adon Olam

[certaindestiny88]

i made a comment earlier i apoligize i have since come out from my sheltered lifestyle i am not soo ignorant anymore lol

[tikkunsoulam]

No Need to respond to such logic.

[rachaelnorth]

Joshua... Mahalia... BingBing... All of the above... I'm looking for you, and am hoping that my email found you well!!! Been watching the new stuff and would love to hear from you!!! I just looked at the pictures we took on this trip!!! Hilarious!... XOXO Shalom!...

[RafoilMoshe]

Lord of the World is for all people to praise Never mind the fat that Jewish liturgy has borrowed from many cultures over the years. There is also the Chassidish idea to "redeem" molodies, and put Holy words, or even a niggun, to find the sparks. Jews that find people of color singing Adon Olam distasteful my be detering Moshiach. Please open your hearts....

[TakeAPen]

May be not fully Jewish, but a heartwarming meeting of different cultures

[tikkunsoulam]

TakeAPen, you sound very confused!!! a heartwarming meeting of different cultures, Yes!!!! This is found within one religion, JUDAISM. This song is as Jewish as Jewish can be. All the singers including Mr. Nelson are Jewish, so what's not fully Jewish about?

Now, you just learned your first lesson, Jewish Music is about the lyrics, and not the origin of Music itself, why, because there is no such thing a original Jewish music. Jews have always borrowed from host communities!!!!

[tikkunsoulam]

By the way, this site is about Jews singing Jewish music. All the other comments about Jews and Christians and Jesus are all superfluous. There is nothing Christian about this song. The sound you are hearing is a cultural African sound brought to America by Africans turned Slaves and married to Hebrew lyrics.

[jaymagic54]

Gospel is a Christian musical form, and is inappropriate for Jewish religious songs--just like singing Adon Olam to the tune of "Silent Night". Frankly, it's kind of offensive. Further, Gospel music is no more a part of Jewish culture than Klezmer music is of African-American culture. A gospel version of adon olam is thus culturally "tzedraydelt" (mixed up) at best. At worst, it disses Jewish culture by supplanting its music. This version may be well-intended, but is wrong on several levels.

[tikkunsoulam]

Jaymagic54 what you really want to say, are you offended that you are seeing black people sing a Jewish song. There nothing I can do to remedy your ignorance. Perhaps, visit some of the Black synogogues in NY and that might open your mind. I think your racist attitude is obvious, and quite puzzling since Judaism is a religion not a Race. You should stop reading Mein Kump. by Hitler

[tikkunsoulam]

By the way I forgot to add, that they are Jews, they are Jews, they are Jews, they are Jews, they are Jews, they are Jewsssssssssssssssssssssssssss­sssssssssssss with SOUL. I think some of you have hid your souls in last years napkin with Afikomen and it's still hidden. This Passover, redeem yourselves by finding that soul, allowing Elijah to drink from the cup, and allow Mashiach to redeeem up when he comes.

[jaymagic54]

I said gospel is a christian (that's a religion, not a race) musical idiom; hence unsuitable for Jewish liturgy. I said gospel is not part of Jewish culture (again, not race issue). I conceded the song might be well intended, and I never questioned whether Nelson (or you) are a Jew. Instead of answering what I actually said, you hurl insults. Open YOUR mind. Tracht vi a yid. (Think like a Jew).

[tikkunsoulam]

The component that makes Gospel Music what it is, is the marriage of Tones and sounds created as a form of survival by Slaves who LATER converted to Christianity. The musical expression is NOT Christian, rather, the Music was later married to Christianity. Actually, Spirituals are codes, hidden behind a biblical text to communicate escape throught the underground railroad. South -North.  Just like Hebrew is no more a Jewish language as Arabic is Islamic. (Hebrew is Canaanite) Open your mind!!!

[tikkunsoulam]

How about dropping "Think Like a Jew" and let's "think like an educated Human" I think you have a problem with labels, and labels are what keep people apart. Labelings also diminish the power of the "Divine ONE" in our lives. Being a Jew is just a vehicle, by which we understand the divine ONE in EVERY Creature.

"Ani chosev mashma, ani kayam"

"I think therefore, I exist"

How about thinking for a change, and make use of that borrowed spark from

G-D"

[jaymagic54]

So far, the only labeling has been done by you. You've called me racist, ignorant, etc. However, you proved my point: if Gospel has been "married" to Christianity, that makes it an inappropriate musical idiom for Jewish Liturgical music. If you don't get that, there's little else I can say. I wish you progress in your yiddishkeit. Shalom.

[tikkunsoulam]

But you are Ignorant, because you don't know. And stupid, if you haven't learned yet. This man is taking the sounds from Africa and developing Jewish music. He's not singing songs to Jesus, The lyrics are Praises to "Hashem". The music is NOT CHRISTIAN, IT's African. In Christian Gospel Music, the praises are to Jesus. THe lyrics in this song are "ADON OLAM" (Jewish) The Music, of African Origin. So If it's inappropriate in your view, its because you don't like BLack things. You are a racist.

[tikkunsoulam]

And your are ignorant, there is no such thing as Jewish Music without Lyrics. The Lyrics are what make a song relevant, not the music. Music is Music. What makes the Music Jewish, is it's lyrics. This is not my opinion, this is a FACT. You have to be 10 years old if you dont get this or really really dumb.

[tikkunsoulam]

JayMagic, I hope the 54 in your name is not the year you were born or the age you are, because if it is, I would advise you not to embarrass yourself any further. I now see why the Hebrews in the wilderness could not reach the promise land. There children got there. Their parent's minds were so backward, they could not receive their reward. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. I bid you Shalom, seek guidance from your Rabbi. And let your Judaism breathe!!!!! G-d is alive!!!!

[RebeccaJaneF]

I love gospel and also Adon Olam...so this is such a treat!! Thanks for posting

Shabbat Shalom

[tanyaalkhaliq]

Being a convert to Judaism (orthodox conversion) and being a person of color myself, I am proud of Joshua Nelson. I like this because it speaks to the music of my culture! I do not think that being Jewish means changing the cultural affiliations, instead means to be able embrace fully one's culture! It's because of Joshua Nelson that I decided to convert to Judaism fully! I've always believed in ONE G-d but were not considered Jewish. This man helped me because I didn't have to give up identity!

[aadov]

I DO NOT LIKE THIS AT ALL!

[vunmenbend]

What;s not to like?

[freedom9252004]

Gospel Adon Olam

I love it. It puts a smile on my face.

Never heard this song so entertaining.

love the spirit of it to.

very tastefully done!

[certaindestiny88]

.......confusded

[tikkunsoulam]

certaindestiny88.....you are confused, you shouldnt be. It is what it is.

[certaindestiny88]

@tikkunsoulam i made a comment earlier i apoligize i have since come out from my sheltered lifestyle i am not soo ignorant anymore lol

[chiefprimate]

Hey Josh whats going how you guys been

[fairalways]

A, can-a I get a "Amen" to this, bruddas and-a sistas? Represent!

Gracias Adiosito, mi gente maravilloso!

L'hitey, sweetie!

[Meliyu]

I am a Jew of color, and I feel crushed when I see Jews insulting Jews. We come in many colors (dark ones aren't all converts or half [meaning white]). Look at the Lemba in So. Africa their DNA sequence is distinctive to Kohanim. There are many others in Africa who carry DNA distictive to Jewish people. If one is an educated Jew, then they would know the term Ashkenaz first appeared in the middle ages it refered to a specific group along the Rhine. Jewish does not equal one color. Great work J.

[LAJARIFKA]

and Meliyu I feel with you even so we are not of color my grandmother from my father side was dark complected and she was a eastern jew. You are right it is sad when jews insult jews some of those kids here are stupid and dont know any better.

[colliecandle]

@Meliyu You speak truly my brother! Jewishness is also of the heart where G-d see's you for what you ARE.

In my heart I am truly Jewish because I KNOW that's where I am supposed to be. Bless you B"H

[Nikkiberm]

Thats absoloutly amazing. Gospel singers singing Adon Olam.....Inspired.

[tikkunsoulam]

Not just gospel singers Nikkiberm, but Jewish Kosher Gospel Singers!!!!!!

[karate357]

cont. knew about. You are truly blessed to share to good news of ABBA YAH, in so diverse settings this is truly great since most of Israel is dispersed among all nations, races and climes. Keep up the good work by inspiring Yisrael wherever she is found whether she (Yisrael) is aware of herself or not, and you are an excellent example to the bride (the church) that they do not have a monopoly on the Ruach Ha Qodesh.

Adon Avraham Ben Lewi

Chicago, IL

hpoe to see you in Chi-town soon.

[karate357]

Shalom Adon Nelson, I'm a Nazarite Hebrew Yisraelite for about 40 years now, and a hebrew by ancestry not conversion, you are truly an inspiration giving a gospel flavor to tradition hebrew songs this is what the early gospel pioneers did with the hymns they learned from other traditions and made them theirs in their own unique way, todah for doing this and may YAH bless you and all the others by showing and sharing the diversity in Yisrael that has always been there but very few people

[yalladance]

Wow, in all my years in a synagogue choir, we always know that Adon Olam can be sung to every tune known and we have enjoyed many - this is beautiful. Thank you and Shalom.

[Camisha101]

i think that this man should sing at the funeral of Randy Paush. He would tear the church up?

[rachaelnorth]

Hey Josh, if you're reading this, I hope all is well. I have been trying to reach you because there is a woman interested in booking you for a 5 show series in Florida. She got my number from another congregation whe performed at so I told her I would relay the message to you.

[tikkunsoulam]

Hi Rachael, Thanks!!!! I did speak to this woman a couple of weeks ago and all is well. Nice to hear from you !!!!!

[rachaelnorth]

Just to clear a few things up for good: We ARE Jewish. I am a Reform Jew so wearing pants and singing in front of men isn't forbidden. Also, we are not in a synagogue or on a Bimah during this performance, so if we were, we would have dressed accordingly.If you're sold on the idea that women should not sing in front of men, then I hope your Cantor sports a beard! Lastly Joshua Nelson is a very Tallented, and Spiritual individual. Try not to be so ignorant while passing judgement.

[tikkunsoulam]

Good Response Rachael. Education is a must in the world of Judaism!!!!

[tersha8]

I've listened to the other versions of this same song, Adon Olam under related videos. It depends on the listerners preferences which one they prefer. Gospel Music is wonderful but it is hard to make out the words with the gospel phraseology. That also being in part to my not being familiar with the Hebrew language. The guy is obviously talented, but this seems a totally not jewish way of singing it. I can't resist saying that the ladies really need to look into their health.

[tikkunsoulam]

Hello and thank you for your comment. I would have to educate you about what is things are and arent Jewish. Assuming you are not Jewish or a Jew by culture association, the phrasing of the Hebrew matches perfectly with the music's

[tikkunsoulam]

continued.......composition. you admitted your ignorance of the Hebrew so why make the comment? Soul music is a cultural, NOT religous, expression of music developed during slavery times. First the Work songs and then the religiously through the is a must.

[tikkunsoulam]

development of the spirituals as Africans were converted to Christianity. Black Jews have the Freedom to express their religious music as culture permits under Jewish Law as long as the content follows halacha. This is what's presented here. Like it or not, It is an authentic development of Jewish Music through the eyes of a Black Jew. Education

[neutral6]

The incredible ignorance non-Jews have about Judaism never ceases to amaze me, although it shouldn't. Those of you reading these comments, check out the previous couple of pages! All of it is a complete distortion, incorrect information, and downright laughable assumptions about Jews and Judaism. I hope we aren't using this forum for learning!

[hollisterx0o]

In every shul, except conservative shuls,(maybe, I've never been to one) the men and women are seperated so it is not a custom, rather the LAW that a man and woman can't touch each other before marriage. And besides for the LAW that women can't sing in front of men, these women are wearing pants, which also goes against the LAW of women covering ourselves from with long skirts (NOT PANTS) and long-sleeved shirts so that men won't be attracted before marriage.

[neutral4]

This is not the reason we cover ourselves. We are innately hidden, private, and modest creaters. This is where and how we tap our strongest "powers" of the universe, so to speak.

[hollisterx0o]

Powers? Haha, I was studying with my orthodox Rabbi last night and he was telling me the exact reason I just stated - Yes, we are also modest creatures, but covering ourselves is so men and women won't be attracted before marriage.

[neutral4]

Guess what? If he's a normal man, he'll be attracted to women whether or not we cover up. In Brooklyn, the googling eyes of goyishe men are always eyeing the frum women.(I lived there for a time). Read Manis Friedman's "Doesn't anyone blush anymore". It's a good read. Also, Rabbi Akiva Tatz's tape on modesty in women gives good Kabalistic info about the whole thing.Amazing stuff!!

[neutral4]

Also, Gee I hope to G-d a man is attracted before marriage!! Are we all just robots? or are we people with feelings, emotions, minds, and souls?

[hollisterx0o]

This goes against the laws of Judaism - women CAN NOT sing in front of men!!!! They better not be Jewish or it would be an absoloute disgrace!! Black "Jewish" people singing Adon Olam in a gospel form - what has the world come to?!

[keshufi]

hollister, where do you get your factoids about judaism? there is no jewish law against women singing in front of men. if you are thinking of the custom of separating men and women in extremely orthodox synagogues, it is just that, a custom.

[gl1346]

No, Hollister's right. Jewish men aren't allowed to hear women sing. It's a law, not a custom. See "Code of Jewish Law"- Even Haezer.

[neutral4]

Men are not allowed to hear the voice of a woman because we have what is referred to as "Bat Kol", which is the voice of heaven. We are closer to the creater and posses this special attribute.Men do not yet have the advantage of being innately that spiritual.They must work harder to attain this closness to the creator.They are not permitted to hear the voice of Heaven.

[tikkunsoulam]

We tend to follow the form of Judaism that isnt Racist Nor Sexist-----It s our choice now respect that.

[neutral4]

There are not different forms of Judaism. There is one Torah, and it is immutable. A Jew is either Torah observant, or not YET Torah observant.

[hollisterx0o]

What are you TALKING about? Women or men (no matter which one) don't have different levels of closeness to Hashem so that fact is wrong. Also, there is only one type of Jew - TORAH OBSERVANT! Jews either follow the basic guidelines (such as believing in Hashem) or they are not considered Jews. Where on earth are you getting your facts from?!

[yuval118]

yeah there surelly are you have natura karta ,chassidim,orthodox,and i don't know how to say the others in english but your right about the thorah

[tikkunsoulam]

oH BY THE WAY, WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TOO? iT'S SEEMS MORE DIVERSE, MORE SOULFUL AND ON YOUR PART MORE UNEDUCATED IT SEEMS.

[hollisterx0o]

Well excuse me if I have an opinion - I didn't know you thought for all Jews.

[neutral4]

Hi, I'm earth. Have we met? These people are not Jewish.

[andiamtellingu12]

u must be orthodox because it gose against no part of the TORAH....... and Black jews can sing whatever they want

[hollisterx0o]

I am actually NOT orthodox, but a modern Jew. And no, not conservative either, somewhere in the middle. You must be half-Jewish or something not to know that Jewish women cannot sing in front of men or wear pants, IT GOES AGAINST THE TORAH'S LAW OF BEING COVERED!

[andiamtellingu12]

no im not half ,1/4/,or 1/3 just WHOLE can you give me anywhere in the torah where it says women can't sing infront of men???? the exact place please....it tells us that women should not wear what belongs to a man not that she cant wear pants ...

[hollisterx0o]

I don't know the exact place, but honestly, did you ever even HEAR of the mitzvah of being tsnious (sorry if I spelled it wrong)?!?!

[mtzionlion]

Tsnious i dont know what ur trying to spell???

[neutral4]

Pants manufactured for a woman are not considered men's clothes. However, they outline the body and are considered to be immodest. By the way, for those of you who are arguing about how to spell "Tzius"...it actually doesn't matter, because it's a hebrew word, and you may transliterate it however you desire!!

[mtzionlion]

how is it considered mens clothes when it is manufactured for women?????? i dont c lots of men wearing womens pants , i would question them if they were.

[neutral4]

BS"D

Since you can read, you'll notice that I said they are NOT considered men's clothes if they are manufactured for women. Take a look at the book called "Halichos Bas Yishrael", Volume 1, page 103, footnote number 7. This is a good general source of information. If any of you who are reading this are actually Jewish, don't use YouTube as a forum for learning. ALL of the comments that I have read so far have been incorrect and EXTREMELY missleading.

[tikkunsoulam]

i guess the half that's not Jewish would be the Black half. Racism is not a doctrine nor does it condone it. So you might want to switch religions. Try being a Klan

[hollisterx0o]

Wow, some people really are that stupid. I am not racist you idiot. THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT JEWISH. I'm not saying black people can't be Jewish, but I AM saying that these people are probably not Jews because they are wearing pants and singing in front of men (which goes against the mitzva of being modest). I still think it's beautiful they want to praise Hashem and sing their love for him, but honestly, these people are not Jewish and the smarter half of us recognize that AND ARE NOT BEING RACIST.

[neutral4]

These people are not Jewish. It is a beautiful thing that they have so much love for G-d and wish to sing his praises.But for those of us who know better, I'm sorry to say it's a bit obvious. And you spelled "goes" wrong.

[mtzionlion]

they are jewish

[tikkunsoulam]

We are Jewish and you are Racist. We are black and we are Jewish and we arent going anywhere regardless of how ingnorant you are about who Jews are. Again, the discussion is about the combination of a black man and being Jewish. You might want to check your history, but there nothing out of place here.

[tikkunsoulam]

he doesnt hes just racist

[MsJazzMaven]

I saw Joshua at the North American Jewish Choral Festival back in 2005.  Couldn't sit down during his entire performance &, despite the presence of some "old farts," could not stop dancing, either. Another fine example of his "Kosher Gospel."

[superdave9002]

It's great, thanks !

[tikkunsoulam]

This is Joshua Nelson...thank you so much listening to "Hebrew Soul" Music- Jewish music is about content and those who view Judaism and it music ONLY through the eyes of one ethnicity or race, limit the universalism of our culture and religion!!!!

[tikkunsoulam]

Judaism is not about being white or black, it is a living religion and culture. Jews exist in all races and to deny any one group is to exert racism over others.....so enjoy this soulful version of "Adon Olam" Halleljah

synogogue 3000............We understand what we sing about

[gaveee]

this is cool tradidional hebrew song with a little more sole

[rockercita]

wow! u rock!

[letsnottalkaboutit]

Are these ppl jewish? Why would they learn Adon Olem otherwise?

[saxylarry26]

Very Beautiful and soulful! Your head must be full of leftover Cholent if you have a negative reaction to this. Go back to Lakewood and have more kids.

[yidene]

He is Jewish and teaches Hebrew School, understands what he is singing about and all!

[24liphook]

They actually do understand and every word is pronounced correctly.

[rostovalex]

what a loosers they dont understand what they are singing about its fcking gay!

[fferam2]

how do you know that they dont know what they are singing about??

[theprotectors]

you dont?

peace love and understanding.

and good shabbes

[orlyporly]

wow amazing!!

[KAHANEtzadek]

what's nice about it ? ITS CRAP

[axxxMasterxxx]

Very nice