By Sruly Meyer – COLlive
Singer Eli Marcus released a brand new album, ‘Dugma,’ in May, so you may be asking yourself, how has Marcus released another album so soon? The story behind the new release is a journey that started 3 years ago.
Residing in Crown Heights with his wife Zisi and their four children, Eli Marcus found himself, like countless others, confined to his home during the initial stages of the Covid pandemic. As the Yomim Norayim drew near, numerous Shlichim reached out to explore how the virtual realm could be interwoven with the upcoming Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
This endeavor resulted in “The Spirit of the High Holidays,” a compilation of stories and songs that Shluchim could broadcast to their respective communities. Serving as a prelude to the festive days, it established an atmosphere of Yom Tov during a time when physical gatherings were largely unfeasible.
Reflecting on the inception of the project, Eli recalls, “I met with Dovid Weinbaum, and decided to record this collection and gauge the Shluchim’s response.” The reaction surpassed all expectations, and ever since, this compilation has been employed by Shluchim in private settings to enrich their communities’ experiences. With the current circumstances having evolved, the time has come for the album to be released to the public.
The online version now accessible excludes the stories segment, with Eli emphasizing that the essence lies in the music. He aspires for listeners to find inspiration as the month of Elul begins, leading into Rosh Hashana. The recording took place at the Lubavitch Chai Center of Dix Hills in Long Island, with Rabbi Yaakov and Rebbetzin Zoey Saacks, the dedicated Shlichum, lending their beautiful setting to this recording.
We inquired about Eli’s personal thoughts regarding this production, to which he responded, “What captivates me is the history behind the nigunim, even the origins of the tefilos.” He highlights the inclusion of timeless melodies, ranging from “Aivnu Malkeinu” to “Ki Anu Amecha,” alongside his cherished favorite, “Ki Hinei Kachomer.”
This particular piece resonates with his youth, evoking memories of his father, Rabbi Yitzchok Marcus, the spiritual leader of Chabad in Los Alamitos, leading prayers from the Amud in their Chabad House, Marcus says.
The production was skillfully directed by DW Productions, accompanied by Pinny Ostreicher on the piano, and visually crafted by Rivkin Media. The design and marketing handled by I & Me Media.
Prepare for the Yamim Noraim with the soulful Tefilos! The “Spirit of The High Holidays,” a brand new EP & Video, is now available for streaming worldwide: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyjjxT09h-i2pRDis2C8IceCjt-8wATPv
Eli is the #1 Jewish singer out there!
Keep the music coming!
so hartzig