KidTunes: Mama Doni Is Joyfully Jewish
Feeling fahklempt? Get out the boom box and spin Mama Doni’s Shabbat Shaboom, a meshuggenah salute to Shabbat and the best of all breads, challah. Does “Mama Doni” sound like the name of the local pizzeria owner? Sure, but—instead of meatballs‒this Mama Doni is making matzo balls as she rocks Shabbat.
Rocking Shabbat? Is that possible? One listen to Shabbat Shaboom: Mama Doni’s Challah Day Celebration for the Whole Family and you’ll wish you were Jewish (if you’re not you can still have Levy’s rye bread). Mama Doni (and the Mama Doni Band: Eric Lindberg, Alex Tyshkov, and Cliff Ramsay) bring a new sensibility to Shabbat, and—yes—it rocks! With touches of do-wop, funk, disco, The Go-Go’s, and even a little bit country, Shabbat Shaboom sings the praises of Shabbat, family, tradition, and (of course) wild cowgirl Jews (who “don’t chew tobacco [but] chew brisket instead).
For those who need a primer, Shabbat starts a few moments before sunset every Friday night and ends when three stars appear in the sky on Saturday. It is a time to put aside work and spend time with family, a time to consider spiritual matters, and a festive time filled with tradition. (That’s the condensed explanation, by the way.)
Mama Doni is a rock ‘n roll rabbi, teaching the world about Jewish tradition, challah, and fun (which is not restricted by religious beliefs). While Shabbat Shaboom is a Jewish celebration, its appeal is not limited to members of one faith; it’s a party on CD and everyone is invited to sing and dance along. It is so bubbly, silly, and happy, kids will want to hear it again and again. If you haven’t had the opportunity to learn about Shabbat from Grover, spend some time with the Mama Doni Band, you may even pick up a little Yiddish.
Caution: Shabbat Shaboom is for children, but adults may find themselves swept up in its exuberance. There’s only one thing to do: go with the flow. (Shabbat Shaboom will be released March 22, 2011).
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