yaakov shwekey

YAAKOV SHWEKEY
WE ARE A MIRACLE
credits
Produced by
Yaakov Shwekey and Yitzy Waldner
Recorded at:
PlayMasters Studio – Spotswood NJ
Yaakov’s Studio - Deal NJ
Harel (Kashti) Studio - Gan Yavne IL
Udi Damari Studio - Rishon LeZion IL
Bardo Studio – Ramat Gan IL
Live Studio – Tel Aviv IL
YD Studio – Bnei Brak IL
Ravid Kashti Arrangements
Keyboards and programming:
Ravid Kashti
Piano: Rai Greidi, Amitay Vaisfeld,
Amit Harel
Guitars: Noam Hargol Burg,
Shimon Yichya
Bouzouki and Banjo:
Shimon Yichya
Bass: Avi Ifrach
Drums: Asher Pedi, Gilad Shmueli
Percussion: Golan Kulesh
Trumpet: Adir Kochavi
Udi Damari Arrangements
Keyboards and programming:
Udi Damari
Drums: Asher Pedi, Avi Avidani
Guitars: Shimon Yichya, Arik Choen
Bass: Avi Ifrach
Sax: Dor Assaraf
Clarinet & Flute: Boris
Violins: Chen Shenhar
Cello: Noah Ayali
Yoeli Dikman Arrangements
Keyboards and programming:
Yoeli Dikman
Israeli Symphony Orchestra
Drums: Barak Aharon
Guitars: Avi Singolda, Arik Choen
Bass: Avi Ifrach
Woods: Noah Rosenzweig,
Dor Assaraf
Brass: Ginadi Litvak, Peter Tkatz
PlayMasters Arrangements
Keyboards and programming:
Evgeni Kitaev
Guitars: Avi Singolda
Bass: Evgeni Kitaev
The Zemiros Group:
Yoel Polatseck - Conductor
Yoel Friedrich
Avrumy Holczler
Amit Harel Arrangements
Keyboards and programming:
Amit Harel
Drums: Gilad Shmueli
Guitars: Shimon Yichya
Bass: Ilan Aviv
Yoeli Dikman Choir:
Yaakov Rotblat
Michael Weinberger
Sinai Barmatz
Moti Rothler
Tzemed Yeled
Idan Shor
Yehuda Menachem
Ariel Golan
Album Design:
KZ Creative
Shwekey Shows - The Team:
Management and Production: Sharon Daniel
Conductor and Musical Director: Rai Greidi
U.S. Musical Production: Yanky Katina
U.S. HASC Productions: Eli Gerstner
New Media: Chezi Rosenboum
Special Productions Israel: Ziv Dali
Lighting Design: Ronen Najar, Speedy Cole
VJ Multimedia: Izeek Daniel
Legal Advisor: Meir Golan, Israel Gur
Travel Arrangements: Yossi Leifer - Travelers
Choice, Goren M - Amex Travel
PR: MediaPRO
SPECIAL THANKS
Yaakov Adelman
Chaya Rochel Bender
Rabbi Avi Berman, OU
Mickey Beyda
Chaim Bublil
Tzvi Bloom and Family
Joey Dayon
R. Shlomo Diamond
Amiran Dvir
Yechiel Fishman
Mati Goldstien
Sarah Leah Guttman & Family
Hidabroot.org
Hilly Hill
David & Shoshana Hillel
Elan & Nomi Jafa
Mark & Linda Karasick
Moshe Malka
Mark & Rachel Mishanieh
Kasriel & Dafnah Nojowitz
Avi Roden
Ivyn Sachs
Doron Shapun
Moshe Dovid Shwekey & Family
Menachem Toker
Rabbi Shlolmo Zabihi
My co-producer, Yitzy Waldner
Your love and talent for what you do is obvious, but it's your great
attitude and untiring enthusiasm that makes me love collaborating
with you every day. The amazing journey we took on this special album
together will never be forgotten. Thank you for your intense dedication to
this project, your giving nature and especially your friendship.
My dear friend David Hillel
This small space is not suicient to describe my tremendous feeling of
gratitude towards you - a friend who is more like my brother. Thank you
for being there with me every step of the way.
A Special thanks to our
South African friends
Colin Goldstein & Family
Milton Weinberg & Family
Sean Melnick & Family
It is your cherished friendship
and support that enables
me to spread the joy and
inspiration of Jewish music
to our brothers and sisters in
every corner of the globe.
A special heartfelt thanks to my dear wife Jenine and children for their
constant love and support, I could not do this without you…
The Special Children Center: I am blessed to be a part of this great
organization, the purity of the children and dedication of the staf is
truly inspiring.
To my dear Parents and In Laws: thanks so much for always
giving me the guidance and support it is truly appreciated.
To Yochi Briskman: I truly appreciate your dedication
and eforts throughout many years of great music and
memorable performances around the world, memories
that won't be forgotten.
we feel that life's too hard
-what's about to happen
Another day, another year?
But I smile-not worried
about what will come,
because I have faith.
Chorus:
I believe in miracles
I know there is a G-d
and he created the world
-the power over us all,
Who hears my voice.
I believe in miracles,
I know there is a G-d
and he created the world
-the power over us all,
Send me my miracle!
Give a smile to every person
There are miracles
unfolding all the time
Don't cry
-everything's for the good!
You're not allowed to give up.
Continue asking and
keep your hope alive.
1
Lyrics by:
Miriam Israeli
Composed by:
Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by:
Ravid Kashti
Mixed by:
Ron Tichon
To the man with the
ire in his eyes and the
faith in his heart: We
are all believing along
with you Reb Sholom
Mordechai Ben Rivka
Halevi (Rubashkin).
May this residence be a dwelling and
sanctum for peace. For tranquility to
rest, and fellowship to dwell.
Beneath the shade of this pillar may
the sound of torah sing
At this abode in this corner
may the shechina be present...
2
Composed by: Mordechai Brezel
Arranged by: Ravid Kashti
Mixed by: Ron Tichon
Backing Vocals: Y. Shwekey,
Y. Waldner
Dedicated to my dear friend
Chezi Rosenboum and family.
May you only see happiness
in your home.
3
WE ARE A MIRACLE
A nation in the desert
We started out as slaves
Made it to the motherland,
and then came the Crusades
It’s been so many years
crying so many tears
Don’t you know,
don’t you really know?
We are pushed to the ground
Through our faith we are found
Standing strong
The Spanish inquisition
…wanted us to bow
But our backs aint gonna bend
Never then, and never now
It’s been so many years
crying so many tears
Don’t you know,
don’t you really know?
We are pushed to the ground
Through our faith we are found
Standing strong
Chorus:
We are a miracle
We are a miracle
We were chosen with love
And embraced from above
We are a miracle
Extermination was the plan
When the devil was a man
Ohhh ohhh
But the few who carried on
Live for millions who are gone
It’s been so many years
crying so many tears
Don’t you know,
don’t you really know?
Generations have passed
Only we’re here to last….
Standing strong
Chorus:
We are a miracle
We are a miracle
We were chosen with love
And embraced from above
We are a miracle
This song is dedicated to
very special friends of ours,
Colin and Loren Goldstein
(South Africa)
Thank you for everything!
Yaakov & Jenine
Bridge:
Every day we ight a battle
On the news we are the stars
As history repeats itself
And makes us who we are
Hate is all around us
But we’ll be here to sing this song…
Chorus:
We are a miracle
We are a miracle
Through it all, we remain…
Who can explain?
We are a miracle…
Lyrics by:
Sophia Franco
Composed by:
Yitzy Waldner
Arranged:
PlayMasters Productions
Mixed by:
Ian Freitor
Backing vocals:
Y. Shwekey, Y. Waldner
Kids Choir:
Oren Schwerner,
Raphael Rakosi-Schmidt,
Jona Ruderman,
Ethan Hegyi Ben Hajek S
A special Thanks to
Yanky Katina.
Diana Roth-Fili Studio 13
for providing the background vocals.
Very special thanks to Maestro "Jim Hynes".
4
5
He who told his world enough,
Can surely tell our problems-Enough!
There will be happiness free of troublesMy father-just say ENOUGH!!
How much do I love your Torah?
So much that all day it's my only conversation
Torah, Torah -we learn it today-now
Because it's our whole life and extends our lives
As it leads us day and night
Lyrics: Midrash Tanchuma, Y. Shwekey
Composed by: Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by: Ravid Kashti
Mixed by: Ron Tichon
Backing vocals: Y. Shwekey, R. Kashti
Lyrics: Tehilim 119 / T’ilat Arvit
Composed by: Eli Laufer, Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by: Yoeli Dikman
Mixed by: Ian Freitor
Backing vocals: Zemiros Group / Yoeli Dikman
6
And besides you we have no king
who is A redeemer And savior,
in the way of the King we shall go forever
Lyrics: Nishmas Kol Chai
Composed by: Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by: Ravid Kashti
Mixed by: Ron Tichon
Backing vocals: Yanky Katina,
Y. Shwekey, Y. Waldner, R. Kashti
7
I came before him;
like a student before his master;
His whole essence shone
just like an Angels',
Like a constant sunrise.
In his room where he sat
with Hashem's Torah,
this was his whole life.
His light radiated from his home
to illuminate the world.
I came before him;
like a son before his father,
He stared so deep into
My eyes and mirrored
there I saw his love.
He treated every Jew this way,
as if they were his only child.
And each one cries
"Oh! my Maran" (Beloved mentor)
Please don't stop praying for me
my Maran. (beloved mentor)
A tzaddik, a pillar of the world,
with so much love for everyone
He gave his soul for his people,
for every Jew
This is worthy of crying and
all we can do is wait
Until Yanon comes
and we will see Him again.
Chorus:
Father of everyone...
I miss you so muchI can hear your voice screaming
"It's my brothers I'm seeking!"
Lyrics by: Udi Damari
Composed by: Yitzy Waldner
Arranged & Mixed by: Udi Damari
Backing vocals: Yitzy Waldner
Chorus:
Father of everyonea world mourns
With intense pain.
Father of us allComfort every friend, every Jew
I miss you so terribly even as I know
You are watching from so far away
Special thanks to Miriam Israeli
for her writing assistance with this song
"When I was a young child
we ate dry bread. We were
extremely poor"
8
Joy, elation, bliss and rejoicing,
love and brotherhood,
peace and afection
Sounds of delight
a wedding is taking place
festivities that last all night long.
Everyone dances and sings with the groom.
Next year we'll all attend their child's bris,
in a rebuilt yerushalayim,
G-d willing!
What a happy day it will be for me
On that wedding day.
Lyrics: Udi Damari
Composed by: Udi Damari, Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by: Udi Damari
Mixed by: Ron Tichon
Choir: Zemiros Group
This song is dedicated to my dear brother Yisroel Meir who is the
ultimate example of selless devotion and care to our beloved parents.
You are a true Tzaddik
May it be your will,
our father in heaven
To pour your sympathies
upon this precious groom and bride
A life of peace, a life of tranquility,
a life wealth and happiness
Lyrics: Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar
(Rishon LeZion & Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem)
Composed by: Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by: Amit Harel
Mixed by: Ronen Hillel - iScream Studio
Backing vocals: Zemiros Group
Yoeli Dikman / Tzemed Yeled
9
10
If you've been feeling sad,
And you're missing the happiness within you;
If you've given up and don't see the hope,
If you feel the sky will always be gray;
You're walking forward
but everything seems to go backwards,
Just listen close and take a lookWorrying won't help you!
Just feel the "kick"
The groove won't end there!
Chorus:
Don't be wasting time!!!!
How good and beautiful the world isDon't be wasting time!!!!
How good is the good He does
lift your eyes to the heavens.
Just dance, sing and be joyful
Because then you'll feel that ireDon't be wasting time!!!
A special Thanks
to my dear friend
Amiran Dvir
for all his eforts
on this song
Lyrics by: Amiran Dvir / Sophia Franco
Composed by: Yitzy Waldner
Arranged by: Ravid Kashti
Mixed by: Ron Tichon
Backing vocals: Y. Shwekey, Y. Waldner, R. Kashti
Angels are watching over us,
escorting us through life
Lighting up the way,
but somehow we don’t see it
Sparks of light fall all around us,
fusing together what’s been broken.
His hidden ways from above;
What do we even know?
Chorus:
These sparks of redemption,
Now as they reveal,
they’ll bring us hope.
There’s no end to the goodness
that will come upon us,
,umumhb, sparks of redemption,
is dedicated to the memory of the
Sasoon children, Eliane, Rivkah,
David, Yehoshua, Moshe, Sarah
& Yaakov.
May these beautiful Neshomos, our
,umumhb, light the way to the Geula,
to the day when the darkness will
dissipate and we will all reunite.
And that good ending
is so close now.
I’m hiding in the stillness
as I wait for this day of great news;
Soon there will come a time
we will all sit here
And all the darkness will be clear.
Chorus:
These sparks of redemption...
Lyrics, Composed, Arranged
& Mixed by : Udi Damari
Backing Vocals: Yitzy Waldner
11
YAAKOV SHWEKEY
WE ARE A MIRACLE
1
2
We Are a Miracle 3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Ma'amin Benisim
Birchas Habayis
We Are a Miracle
Smachot
Mo Ohavti
B'derech Hamelech
Maran Sheli
Inshalla
Chayim Shel Shalom
Chaval al Hazman
Nitzotzot