Testimonials About Safam :: Jewish-American Music

TESTIMONIALS

Since 1974, Safam has been the undisputed leader of Jewish music in America. But don't take our word for it. This is what others are saying...

Dear Dan and Joel,

I wanted to share a little story with you.

I work as a chaplain at a nursing home in Jerusalem. I have been speaking with one of the patients at the nursing home who made aliya from the former Soviet Union. Anna was an English teacher in Russia. She often talks about the conflicting feelings of deep appreciation and great disdain for the Russian government. I had been listening to a beautiful song by Safam, entitled, "We are leaving Mother Russia" on my way to work that morning. "Anna", I began, "What do you think 'Mother Russia' means?" "Well you see, Russia was like our mother. They provided everything for us. Education, food, culture, healthcare, everything." I asked Anna if I could share a song with her. As we listened to the song, Anna kept on nodding in agreement with the sentiments. She stopped the song a couple of times to explain what it was like to fight for the Czar and to appreciate the Russian soil. When the song was over she described a line from the song "when they come for us, we'll be gone." She said that many of the brilliant doctors, researchers and teachers were all Jewish. The Russians did not appreciate the Jewish people and when the moment would come that they would need these minds, we would be gone.

As a chaplain, I often search for various points of connection for my patients. For some patients it is through prayer, various touch, smells, life review, or meaningful relationships. For Anna, today, it was song and life reflection. I am grateful to Safam for so beautifully describing the emotions that Anna feels. I look forward to listening to the song again with Anna and learning more about her time in Russia and the feelings that she experienced.

Thank you!

--- Aliza Pilichowski

Safam is glad to be a part of your life.

I just wanted to take a minute to write and say thank you. I've been listening to your music since I was a little boy, and at almost 34, I continue to listen to you. My grandfather introduced me to your music many years ago as a way to teach me about the culture of our people. Together we attended many concerts in New Jersey where I grew up.

Sadly, a couple of years ago he passed away. It was the first time I had lost someone that close to me. I wasn't sure what to do or how to go about my days. That's when I rediscovered your music.

Listening to the familiar sounds helped me remeber all the good times we spent together. Almost every long car ride was sure to have your voices filling the car. I remember being about 8 years old and not caring about having a high fever and chicken pox, I was going to see you perform because I wanted that time with my grandfather. Listening to your songs helped me through what could have been the hardest time I've had to deal with. Now when I listen, I watch my five year old son dance and my one year old daughter smile and more than ever I understand so many of your lyrics.

Thank you for being that familiar voice that keeps his presence near everyday. I won't forget where I came from because of it. Please never stop making the beautiful music that you make. Keep inspiring new generations to understand what being a Jew means. Thank you for helping remind me that even in the darkest of times there is always light. And although he might be gone from us physically, somehow, some way he is still here. Without your songs I'm not sure moving forward would have been made easier.

Thank you again,

--- Jason Lopez

Safam is "incredible" in NJ concert!

Your Yom Yerushalayim concert in our community was incredible. It was a great opportunity to bring together six congregations and our local Jewish Federation in a partnership to host a community-wide event, and the packed sanctuary (plus some) was a reflection of that. Many in the audience were veteran Safam fans and many were first-timers, and both groups had a tremendous experience.

--- Rabbi Robert Rubin, Temple Beth Or, Brick, NJ and chairman of the joint Community Planning Committee

Safam Rocks at Metuchen, NJ Concert!

It's 2016 and the utter joy inherent in a Safam concert has not diminished one iota! Last night's performance was good Jewish fun of the highest order, and you certainly left our audience wanting more. I must say that even your "timely" songs have acquired a timeless, transcendent quality that truly mesmerized attendees of all ages. You more than delivered on the promises we made in our promotional materials. And that's a win-win all around. Thanks again.

--- Rena Kallman, Chair of the Susy Schwartz Memorial Scholarship Fund Concert, Congregation Neve Shalom, Metuchen, NJ

"Since the Boston based group formed in 1974, American Jewish music has never been the same. The music of Safam has prompted people to make aliyah, join Jewish youth groups or simply dance for joy. This American Jewish supergroup is at the top of its game." - The Baltimore Jewish Times

"Safam is truly one of our great natural resources here in Boston. Your ability to inspire us and bring us together as a community is incomparable." - Barry Shrage, Executive Director, Combined Jewish Philanthropies

"Safam has succeeded in what many contemporary musicians have sought to do by creating an indigenous American Jewish sound in popular music. Their repertoire encompasses the liturgical, the topical and the poignant and the playful, while their artistic performance is an utterly joyful celebration of Jewish heart and soul. Their message transcends all denominational affiliation." - Rutgers Hillel

" ... Through it's music, humor, passion and sensitivity SAFAM instills in its audience a sense of pride about being Jewish in America." - The Jewish Calendar

"Safam's style is unique and has yet to be successfully imitated. As the original Baby Boomers of the Jewish American sound, they have improved with age." - The Voice

"Safam combines a respect for the tradition with innovative music. They are doing something very valuable. It is also extremely enjoyable." - Theodore Bikel

"Safam brings the house down creating a local Jewish Happening... There was a strong feeling of family to the event. More than one person has left a Safam concert with a renewed sense of pride in their Jewish Heritage" - The Jewish Star

"Thank you for making our fund raising evening a financial and social success. All who attended went away delighted and are still talking about your wonderful and memorable performance." - Alex Klein, Talmud Torah, Manchester England

"Safam's music is indescribably wonderful! The spirit you inspired was nothing short of a miracle. The enthusiasm, and the sheer joy of being Jewish, which you convey have made a tremendous impression on so many. I don't think any single event in my over 20 years as a Rabbi has had the kind of impact that your performance did. An extraordinary evening." - Rabbi Scott Glass, Temple Beth El, Ithaca, New York

"The raves are still coming in. As always you put on a great show. Safam is and always has been the embodiment of exciting, dynamic, contemporary, Jewish Music. The concert was a cultural and a financial success." - Edward Edelstein, Temple Beth El Religious School, Cedarhurst New York

"Spectacular concert!!! You have brought young and old as well as every sect of Judaism together to share in an experience rich in Judaic culture." - Paula Mann, Ohev Shalom of Bucks County, Richboro, PA

"What a wonderful concert! You exceeded even my highest expectations. I love you guys." - Sheila Stern, Beth Israel Congregation, Owings Mills, MD

Isn't it time you brought SAFAM's musical magic to your community?