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VIKAR by Franciska ft. Maayan Davis Choreography (Official Music Video)
04:09

VIKAR by Franciska ft. Maayan Davis Choreography (Official Music Video)

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.
Maoz Tzur by Franciska Featuring Maayan Davis
03:41

Maoz Tzur by Franciska Featuring Maayan Davis

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
Vezakeni Legadel by Franciska
03:58

Vezakeni Legadel by Franciska

“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
Ruth
04:07
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