GOLD Peace Challenge

EARNS YOU THE GOLD PEACE BADGE.
There are so many ways to talk about peace - peace in the world, peace among Jews, peace within our families, peace within ourselves, and more.  This traditional version of this blessing, Shalom Rav, focuses on peace among Jews, and for Jews, though there are other versions that talk of peace for all.  The GOLD Peace Challenge will focus on both!


YOUR TASK:  Listen to six versions of Shalom Rav and decide which composer(s) created music that fits the spirit of the words.  You get to VOTE!

STEP ONE:  Read through these two translations of Shalom Rav so you have an idea of the thoughts behind the blessing.  Know that in this blessing, the word "Israel," really means "the Jewish people, wherever they live."

A MORE TRADITIONAL TRANSLATION: 
Grant much peace to Your people Israel forever,
for You are the supreme God of all peace.

May You be pleased to bless Your people Israel with Your peace,     in every season and moment.

We praise You, Adonai, 
who blesses Your people Israel with peace.

A TRANSLATION THAT TALKS OF ALL PEOPLE:
Grant much peace to Your people Israel and all the world forever,
for You are the supreme God of all peace.

May You be pleased to bless Your people Israel and people everywhere with Your peace, in every season and moment.

We praise You, Adonai, 
who blesses Your people Israel, and all the people of the world, 
with peace.

STEP TWO:  Listen to each of these versions of Shalom Rav; to hear each, click on the name of the performing artists.   Your task is to decide which TUNE best matches the ideas behind this blessing.

• Version #1 - Kol B'seder's tune, sung by the Jewish Funky Monkeys (sorry, no live action with this version!)
• Version #2 - Ben Steinberg's tune, sung by the Moscow Male Jewish Capella Choir; they use what's called Ashkenazic Hebrew - a bit different from what you know - but they are incredible singers!).  Or you may listen to this version sung by Susan Collin (sorry, no live action with this version!)
• Version #3 - Noah Aronson's version, sung by his father (a cantor) and himself (a songleader).
• Version #4 - Meir Finkelstein's version, sung by Varda and Udi Spielman.
• Version #5 - An adaptation of Ben Steinberg's tune, sung by The Shticks.
• Version #6 - Must have been used at a service on Purim!  You'll probably recognize the tune!  Does it fit the meaning behind the words?

STEP THREE:  Vote for the tune that you think best matches the ideas behind this blessing!