Two Treats for the High Holy Days

Audio

Two for the Jewish holidays:

My Newish Jewish Discovery. Craig ‘n Co., Sweet Louise Music BMI. 40 minutes. CD: $14.98; cassette: $9.98. (800) 6-CRAIG-8. For the family. In addition to his dynamic independent children’s releases, Disney albums and TV and film musical credits, kids’ artist Craig Taubman is a longtime creator of original music for Jewish listeners. This impressive, multilayered collection of original family songs from Taubman and his dynamic Craig ‘n Co. band surpasses its prequel, the winning “My Jewish Discovery” album.

Among the many standouts are “Shigaon,” a Hebrew language lesson; “If Only,” a poem about an older man’s wish for a second chance at life, movingly narrated by Ed Asner; and “One World We Share”: “All the do-ers and the dreamers/All the young and the old/All the learners and the teachers/All the shy and the bold. . . .”

Upbeat and soulful, these deft songs of universal affirmation and Jewish celebration prove that Taubman, a witty, high-energy rock ‘n’ roller, is as comfortable with heart as he is with humor.

Shanah Tovah: A Good Year--Songs for Jewish Holidays. Debbie Friedman. Sounds Write Productions. 33 minutes. CD: $17.95; cassette: $10.95. (800) 9-SOUND 9. Ages 3-9. The sweet, gentle glide of Debbie Friedman’s clear folk soprano carries preschool and elementary school-age listeners through this inventive, original musical tour of the year’s Jewish holidays, beginning with Rosh Hashana in the title song. The tour continues through Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover and Shavuot.

Inviting sing-along participation, Friedman, an award-winning, veteran Jewish recording artist, introduces Hebrew words and symbols in these 13 celebratory songs of seasonal traditions and children’s games. Some highlights: Friedman’s sunny “Dreidel Song,” her unexpectedly reggae-style performance in “Mah Nishtanah”--asking the traditional Passover Seder questions--and her thoughtful “A Day Called Yom Kippur.”