Kol Isha According to OurWorldInData.org, 5 people die every 15 minutes due to addiction. That is 21 deaths every hour. When I wrote this melody to the words of Elokai Neshama, a prayer we say every morning, thanking God for returning our souls back to us to live another day, it made me think of the souls we lose to this fight. The souls who don’t get a chance to wake up another day. Especially because so many die in a sleep like state. The music I create gives me so much joy, strength and purpose. I take the calling with grave responsibility to use my platform and voice to spread more awareness and help prevent any more pain, loss of life to this horrible disease. May the light of Chanukah cast its warmth through the rest of the year. Enjoy this song featuring Bari Mitzmann and please share with your friends and family! Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Kol Isha Video filmed and edited by Chris Cole

KOL ISHA Purim for me always represented a recognition of the smaller wins that make the biggest impact.  Yes, the Jews were saved from being all killed, but there still was a war and they were deeply disliked by the surrounding nations. There was no Purim, until Queen Esther begged for it. I remember growing up learning about the stories of people who tried to celebrate Chanuka, Purim or Pesach with whatever scraps of food and supplies they had in Soviet Times and even in the concentration camps.  Mindset was all they had. An idea, a belief, something to keep their minds off of starvation, survival, pain and death. It reminds me of what is going on today. I saw videos of refugees in tents singing Shabbat Songs together in the freezing cold. Holding on to whatever they can to help bring back any feeling of normalcy. Anyone outside of Ukraine can relate, because that's what we all tried to do during the covid lockdown (at least the first time around). Hearing teachers and Rabbis who are either refugees themselves or volunteering to support them - all focusing on the happiness that Purim can give us. Learning about our history and perseverance.  First, I rush to judge how they can be so foolish. These people just fled their homes, heading to the unknown. But on the other hand,  Purim and Shabbat is familiar and comforting.  There is a program, a sense of order in the midst of chaos. Only then do I understand why it's so crucial to practice spirituality when survival is at stake. The words of the song "Vikar" are taken from a Gemara and Rashi.  מסכת מגילה דף ז׳ ע״א and Esther 8:15 (Text Combination by Dr. Danielle Bloom) The verse refers to Queen Esther who goes to the sages of the time and pleads for them to highlight a day in history to commemorate the selfless life she had committed herself to for the survival of her people.  She wanted the future generations to remember what she did. She said: "Make a day for me and name it for me". And they did.  Sometimes, all we need to step out of our human restrictions is a fresh mindset, a belief that we're writing history and making a difference. Only then can we find the strength to survive the awesome challenges we face as humans. ............................. Kol Isha Disclaimer Voice and Dance by Women for Women A big thank you to my team: Song composed and performed by Franciska, track produced by Kibwe Luke, text/lyrics arranged by Dr. Danielle Bloom, video filmed and produced by Chris Cole, dance choreography by Maayan Davis, dancers: Maayan Davis, Abby Schwartz, Carolina Lopez, Suri Lerman and so many more who helped make this happen.

The song of Maoz Tzur reviews the different stages of Jewish History, it captures our survival despite being persecuted as a nation for so many generations. The song is not complete, even the last verse was written and added in separately later on. This is because history is not over, we are a part of living it, writing it. As important it is to know where we come from as humans, it’s important to recognize that our actions and choices are designing and paving the future. History is not over and we celebrate the significance of our existence. To me, composing a new tune to these ancient texts allows me to partake in future history. This uplifting Jazzy expression of music combines the harsh parts of history with a recognition of the strength and resilience we build as a result. This is something to smile and dance about. We matter!  Our ideas matter! Our choices matter! You are important You are beautiful You are worth celebrating. Happy Chanuka to you all! Wishing you the joys of finding light in everything, even the dark. Thank you to all the incredibly talented people involved in making this project happen. Song composed & performed by Franciska Franciska's makeup by Aliyah Shaw Franciska's hair by J Rio Choreographer and dancer: Maayan Davis Dancers: Shosh Hoberman Rivky Levi Dancers Hair by Sara Mina Barron Dancers Make up by Michal Barron Music produced by 12keyz Kibwe Luke Keyboardist - Rosie Lauer Drummer - Beccy Lauer Saxophone recorded by Azat Bayazitov Video producer director - Chris Cole Location: Studio Kho

Chanuka is my favorite holiday. It's all the fun without the pressure. We don't have to clean out our houses for weeks in preparation for it, nor we do need to build a hut and live in it for a week. Because it is my favorite, it is probably why I have the highest expectations for it. If you know me at all, one of my biggest guilty pleasures is producing and filming music videos. So on this holiday of Light [and gifts], I present to you a song about GRATITUDE - [Tov Lehodot] ft. Maayan Davis. This song is a reminder to focus on the light in our lives and to try to be grateful for all of it, no matter how uncertain the world may be. Through COVID, caring for a newborn and toddler with no access to outside help was one of the biggest ongoing challenges I had to face in my life. No sleep, no help, no brake.....for months..... But music makes me happy. It reminds me of how deeply I desired and waited for my girls and how much I love them. This song serves me as a reminder to be more present and feel pure gratitude as we welcome yet another holiday that we will be celebrating without family and friends.

“There is nothing more complete than a broken heart” - Rabbi Nachman M’breslav I composed and dedicated a new song after experiencing a painful loss. In an interview with Miriam Grunhaus on my podcast one year ago, she introduced me to the concept of kintsugi. “In Japan, when pottery breaks it is often restored with gold, accentuating the flaws and celebrating its imperfections. This makes the pottery more unique, beautiful and strong.” Miriam started a fashion line which reflects the philosophy of kintsugi..”We are each a unique work in progress and are beautiful not despite our circumstances but because of them.” I am wearing the black dress from this fashion line in the music video to convey the journey of life, the gold lines are wrinkles which reflect the passage of time, growth, wisdom, life experience, pain and challenge and sometimes loss. I play a mother to a little girl who grows up as the video progresses. We show the journey of life with the golden kintsugi lines representing age and beauty at the same time. I was inspired by Miriam to embrace my pain and turn it into strength. I chose the words of the prayer we recite every friday during candle lighting as we enter into the Holy Sabbath. This song and this music helped to heal my broken heart. Lighting candles on Friday night is a moment that I always feel deeply connected to G-d along with women all around the world as we pray to the One Above for all our deepest wishes. The idea is, we never stop praying, it can start with praying to have children, but to those blessed with children, the prayer does not end there. Mothers want their children to be healthy, to be good people, learn Torah and practice good deeds. I hope this drama filled short film brings to light the words of "Vezakeni legadel banim uvnei banim….. Ana shma et t’chinati bizchut Sarah v’Rivka Rachel v’Leah - imoteinu". So many feelings, so much love from so many women, yet so much resistance and shame. Dear woman, girl, sister, mother, grandmother maybe even father and husband - I release this to you! Footnote: Quote from MikahFashion.com, The Friday night candle lighting prayer. Song composed, produced & performed by Franciska Edited by Kibwe Luke 12Keyz, Mixed by Hillel Kapnick @ Uptop Studios (Monsey, NY) Video Directed by Chris Cole

The text is from Exodus 15: 20-21 This video is dedicated all the past, present and future female leaders in our nation. Directed by Leah Gottfried Partner: The Layers Project Produced by Dignity Entertainment Franciska is available for your parties/events, to book- please email franciskakay@gmail.com For more info, please go to www.franciskamusic.com Exodus 15: 20-21 וַתִּקַּח֩ מִרְיָ֨ם הַנְּבִיאָ֜ה אֲח֧וֹת אַֽהֲרֹ֛ן אֶת־הַתֹּ֖ף בְּיָדָ֑הּ וַתֵּצֶ֤אןָ כָל־הַנָּשִׁים֙ אַֽחֲרֶ֔יהָ בְּתֻפִּ֖ים וּבִמְחֹלֹֽת: וַתַּ֥עַן :לָהֶ֖ם מִרְיָ֑ם שִׁ֤ירוּ לַֽיהֹוָה֙ כִּֽי־גָאֹ֣ה גָּאָ֔ה ס֥וּס וְרֹֽכְב֖וֹ רָמָ֥ה בַיָּֽם Vatikach Miriam hanevia achot Aharon et hatof b’yada vatetzena kol hanashim achareha b’tupim uvimcholot. Vata’an lahem Miriam shiru la’Hashem ki ga’o ga’a sus verochvo rama vayam. Miriam, the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women came out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam called out to them, Sing to the Lord, for very exalted is He; a horse and its rider He cast into the sea.

Franciska Kosman, singer/composer, https://www.franciskakay.com/ Lisie Michel, ballet dancer, http://tinyurl.com/dancer-lisie Rivka Cohen, video producer, https://www.lrcfilm.com/ Megillat Ruth tells the story of the friendship and commitment between Ruth and Naomi. This Shavuot, the ancient friendship of Megillat Ruth comes to life in a new music video created in a collaboration between three Jewish female artists: singer/composer Franciska Kosman, ballet dancer Lisie Michel, and video producer Rivka Cohen. The video is an expression of the values of Ruth, as well as their dedication to producing quality Jewish art. The lyrics Franciska chose include the famous passage spoken by the righteous Jewish convert, Ruth, “Wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth makes this pledge to her mother-in-law, Naomi as an expression of friendship to Naomi and commitment to the Jewish people. Ruth had the option to return to her family, following her husband’s death, but instead chose to follow Naomi and remain a part of the Jewish community. The second stanza of the song quotes King David, the great grandson of Ruth: “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous” (Psalms 34:16). Ruth’s declaration to Naomi expresses her righteousness. Franciska, Lisie, and Rivka use their arts to express these values of friendship, commitment to Judaism, and righteousness in the “Ruth” video.

Check out Franciska's latest single release: The whole world is a very narrow bridge, but the important​​ thing is not to fear at all. [Orig​inal context in the writings of Rabbi Nachman of Braslav: "Unde​rstand: that when a person must cross a very, very narrow bridge, the most important​​ and essential​ thing is that he not have any fear at all."] Kol Ha'Olam Kulo gesher tzar maod v'haikar lo l'fached klal. כָּל הָעוֹלָם כֻּלוּ גֶשֶׁר צַר מְּאֹד וְהָעִיקָר לאֹ לְפַחֵד כְּלַל

I am not a super woman, I am not naive and I am not in denial. On the contrary, I strive to be present, mindful and grateful. Today, I'd like to focus on gratitude - my number one tool I use to get me through this new life! I present to you "MODIM" my new single (from the upcoming 6th album) A big thanks to Devorah Schwartz for elevating this track with her beautiful voice and inspiring spirit.Thanks to Raquella Raiz for creating the awesome visual! @QreativeEdge Thank you to Hillel Kapnick with Uptop Recording Studios(Monsey, NY) for mixing this track! Yours truly, FRANCISKA - singer, composer, producer, podcaster and coach. www.franciskamusic.com