It’s a Jewish folk song that has been international hit for decades, primarily because of two non-Jewish singers: an African-American and an Italian-American.
Fast Forward to 4:50 if you don’t want to wait to see who these non-Jews are.
Jul
16
2012
OFF TOPIC: What is ‘Hava Nagila’ and why is it so popular?
wow i had no idea the song originated in the Ukraine and it really is a joyous song.
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Harry Belafonte claimed this was one of his two most successful songs (the other ‘Banana Boat’).
Belafonte explained: “Life is not worthwhile without it (Hava Nagilah). Most Jews in America learned that song from me.
I only remember Neil Diamond, but it appears quite a few famous singers used it.
As a matter of fact, just last night, he sang it at a Bar Mitzvah in a comedy movie about a Jewish family trying to out do another by holding the biggest Bar Mitzvah ever for their son. Can’t remember the name of the movie, but it was funny.
Wow, BNI, great and inspiring video. Thanks for sharing it.
CGW, it seemed like a nice change of pace. I usually get bashed by certain posters when I stray from the format.
SO WHAT!
Totally echo CGW’s sentiments! It was a great little flick (or trailer to an actual documentary movie?) and it filled in many little factoids about that great international Jewish song! (Now, of course, I’ll never get it out of my head… LOL!)
The private school my Catholic mom enrolled me in, in 59-1960, as a Kindergartner I was taught this song. Also I was taught about a dradel. America was proud of our American/Israeli relationship then. My “20 something” kids know the song when they hear it too! As Christians we at Christmas time also light a Menorah. My God is Jewish! Havea Nigila play on!
bm, now that I think of it, we used to have “Christmas” concerts at school. And we sang all the Christmas carols and they always had one Chanukah song. I remember in third grade asking my Jewish mother if it was OK for me to sing the words “Jesus Christ” in the song, ‘Go Tell it on the Mountain.’ Of course, it is, she answered. My favorite song was always ‘Little Drummer Boy.’
I wonder if they even even sing anything more than Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls in school ‘Winter’ concerts today?
Those were the days! Little Drummer Boy, my favorite too!
From a relatively “mixed” home, we always had a Christmas tree (my aunt called it a “Chanukah Bush!”), but didn’t do so much for or with Chanukah, actually. And my Jewish mother always came to our Christmas pagaents in public grade school and (non-sectarian) private high school. (She was always amused when something went awray on stage, of course – and her laughter could be heard over everyone else’s; ye gods, that was embarrassing!)
Yes, indeed, those were the good old days when people didn’t hate or were afraid of religion (Christianity, in particular). What an effin’ mess we’re leaving the next generation – most of whom may never have those great childhood memories, thanks to the PC, lib-prog infested world of today!
Let us REJOICE, That our G-D is ALIVE, and LOVES LIFE~!
I remember H. Belafonte singing that,,, I stopped what I was doing, and just LISTENED, tears streaming down my face, from the emotional impact,,, and yes, the Theme from Exodus,,, Oh, MY~!
What the silent world of islam misses in Joy, and Beauty,,, for they have no idea of the concepts of either one~!
Music is, SUPPOSEDLY, haram,,, but this group knows what “haram” means to the mozlem
At least now I know what one particular somewhat well-known melody that was occasionally haunting me, yet which I only had the tiniest inkling about (other than that it was in pop music), is all about after all!!! Well done, Ms. BNI, from a classical musician…
I learned Hava Nagila at summer camp when I was 9 years old. We sang it around the campfire. Yes, it was a Jewish girls camp. No, I am not Jewish… long story…LOL…
Great, Happy, Song! Thanks, B!
When I was in primary school ,in Bicton primary school Perth, Western Australia Between 1966 to 1972 I was in the school choir and this song was in our repertoire.A great uplifting song.
Wouldn’t know about Hava Nagila, but this song speaks to me
Here’s the Connie Francis rendition along with the theme from Exodus. If you have never read Exodus (by Leon Uris), you should. Although a fictional account, it is a fairly accurate portrayal of some events of the Holocaust and the founding of modern-day Israel, and for me it was life-changing.
Originates in Ukraine among a small group of Hasidic Jews… makes its way around the world among Jews to New York. Then really takes off when a Brotha and a Paisana cover it..
Ain’t AMERICA grand!
DS, yes, it was.
THANK YOU for posting this. I have known and danced to this since High School in 1963, but never was able to find what it meant. I enjoyed this article!
SeaD, me, too, and never knew about it either.
Fun!
My husband walked in as I was listening to this and so I had to stop him and tell him about it. Every once in a while during our 27 years of marriage he has burst out singing this song. He learned it on the Smothers Brothers album his parents had when he was a kid. He can even do the throat clearing and the funny lines they did (like “Hey you just spit on me”). Funny he can remember all that but can’t remember a phone conversation with his mother 5 minutes after he gets off the phone. ( :
Deb, he is suffering what everyone over 40 eventually gets – CRS – Can’t Remember Shit! LOL
Hey..thank you for this inspirational video!! You are terrific..I appreciate your blog so much!
Regards, Regina
TY, Regina.