The Ka’Eileh Anthem - Yonah Laster | כאלה - יונה לסטר

A Word from Yonah: There’s something magical about the ability for tradition to spring forth from the most unexpected places– even if the tradition is a completely unfounded minhag shtus. Of all the narishkeit we as a people have collectively invented, there’s no minhag shtus so elegant and unifying as “ka’eileh.” Mention “ka’eileh” and most any frum man will either smirk, roll his eyes, burst into chazanus, or some combination thereof, but all will feel something stir deep within the recesses of their souls. It was May 1, 2020, just months after I got married, and right in the heat of the COVID-19 lockdowns, when an idea sprang into my head: “ka’eileh”– the word-trop combo that is arguably the most recognized in the entire Torah– is catchy. Very catchy. Like, chorus of the next hit Jewish song catchy. And so it began. I had my tune by the next day. By November 1, 2020, I had the lyrics fully written and a demo track created. And who better to create this masterpiece with than my legendary friend and producer, Hillel Kapnick? I sent it to him that same day, and pestered him every year since. Months ago, I told Hillel that this would be the year and– long story short– we finally made it happen. And my gosh, did Hillel a spectacular job! We knocked out all the vocals in one day (2 days ago 😆 ), including the choir vocals (just the two of us!), and we had so much fun doing it. I’d like to thank Hillel for his tireless efforts in making this crazy idea become a reality. I’d like to thank my wonderful wife, Chani, for all her support and cheerleading throughout this process. And ultimately, of course, the biggest thank you goes to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, for making any of this even remotely possible. During these hard times, let’s all unite over some lighthearted leitzanus, and give proper recognition to the beautifully extra ”ka’eileh.” - Yonah CREDITS: Written, composed and performed by: Yonah Laster (@YLvids) Produced by: Hillel Kapnick @UptopStudios and Yonah Laster Backing vocals: Hillel Kapnick and Yonah Laster Graphic design and video by: @jlstudiocreations (Yonah Laster) This video is brought to you by Bättr. Premium quality, home baked goods under the strict hashgacha of Tarnopol Kashrus. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @battrbakedgoods, or call/whatsapp us at 917-554-9248. Also brought to you by Meshuga Lipz. If you liked the clip at the beginning of this video, be sure to follow @meshugalipz for tons more like it! #frum #torah #kaeileh @joeynewcomb #joeynewcomb #pesach #passover #jewish #jewishmusic #niggun #leining #davening #shul #jewishcomedy #jewishhumor Lyrics Gabbai: Uh, Rabboisai, before we continue leining, the baal koireh would like to say a few words... I need your full and undivided attention For this shul minhag I need not mention (Gabbai: Well, I don’t know that I would call it a minhag...) There’s a simmering and palpable tension And I think you all know what it is So instinctual no rabbi can stop it So essential every gabbai should klop it (Gabbai: *sigh* I don’t think this was a good idea...) A verse so beautiful no zemer can top it And it goes a little something like this Asher l’olas hatamid Ta’asu es eileh Kaeileh Ta’asu layom shivas yamim Let’s hear de gantze kehilleh Ta’asu es eileh Kaeileh Ta’asu layom shivas yamim De gantze oilam mimeileh Will join together kaeileh Need all the askanim and baalabatim To help educate all the melamdim On all the intricacies and the pratim Of this beautiful minhag shtus (Gabbai: Now that’s a little more accurate...) So all the schmoozers and all the hockers Go call the kiddush-clubbers and the machers ‘Cause if they miss it then they’re off their rockers Let me hear your best chazanus Asher l’olas hatamid Ta’asu es eileh Kaeileh Ta’asu layom shivas yamim Let’s hear de gantze kehilleh Ta’asu es eileh Kaeileh Ta’asu layom shivas yamim De gantze oilam mimeileh Will join together kaeileh Of all the unhelpful interruptions All the questionable shul disruptions All the peanut gallery eruptions This one prominently tops the list It’s the melody of the Toireh An unspoken and unwritten mesoireh For you to belt it out before the baal koireh An opportunity that can’t be missed Asher l’olas hatamid Ta’asu es eileh Kaeileh Ta’asu layom shivas yamim Let’s hear de gantze kehilleh Ta’asu es eileh Kaeileh Ta’asu layom shivas yamim De gantze oilam mimeileh Will join together kaeileh