A Jewish Star singing competition previews its contestants: Motti Flikshtein presents "Of Blessed Memory" to the tune of Acheinu.
Contender:
Motti Flikshtein, 24, married with a daughter.
Residence:
Morristown, NJ.
Occupation:
Learning in Kollel full time, writing and performing music full time, while also being a tatty full time. We should only be busy with good things.
Musical Aspirations:
My music is interspersed with my personal story of becoming a Ba'al Teshuva. The goal is to bring Mashiach now by touching one Neshama at a time.
Reality Check:
Born to a secular Russian family, at the ripe age of 20 I began questioning my purpose in life and came to the conclusion that it was time for me to reconnect with my roots.
I studied in various Yeshivas including Mayanot in Jerusalem and Morristown and currently learning Smicha in Tiferes Bachurim, with the goal of going on Shlichus, either on campus or working with youth.
Favorite Singer:
Used to be many different rappers. Now many Jewish musicians, too many to name. If I had to choose one, it would probably be Avremel (Avraham Fried).
Favorite Song:
Daled Bavos is my favorite niggun. It's too bad we can't sing it more often...
A Jewish Star:
I think that this is a wonderful program that's being started. Keep spreading the light that can be found within the art of music. Shkoiach!
How did you like this audition? vote today (Please note: auditions should be judged on the quality of the voice, not the video production)
I found myself crying while listening to it. Great lyrics
(1/7/2010 1:36:27 PM)
3
SO INCREDIBLE]
this song is wow! amazing....
(1/7/2010 1:38:28 PM)
4
WOW!!
Ammaaazing, hes really got talent! !!! He's gonna win for sure!!!! He has a great voice, the lyrics are full of meaning and the music is very moving!
(1/7/2010 1:40:52 PM)
5
Whoa!!
i just sat open mouthed when listening
(1/7/2010 1:45:36 PM)
6
the greatest
motti your great
(1/7/2010 1:47:36 PM)
7
Miami Yeshiva
One of the nights of Chanuka we went to helpout a event by Chabad of Weston Fl, Motti Flikshtein was there to sing, he's amazing.
(1/7/2010 1:49:48 PM)
8
uh ??
This was an amazing piece/song? to listen to, those lyrics must have taken forever to write!!! They rhymed really well and they were actually a high level of vocabulary. Impressive.
(1/7/2010 1:53:08 PM)
9
true talent
much hatzlocho in your future in music, smicha, fatherhood and shlichus
(1/7/2010 2:02:48 PM)
10
amazing this is TALENT
eally touching! the lyrics and the message are very strong . loved it by far one of the top contenders
(1/7/2010 2:03:03 PM)
11
Fantastic
Fantastic, go on make Music. Very Talented,
(1/7/2010 2:22:01 PM)
12
More to life!
i really njoyed it!!!!! from an achoteinu camper........
(1/7/2010 2:35:48 PM)
13
wow!
Original.
This is the kind of music that connects our youth - and you have the chassidishe nigun in the background.
Hatzlacha in music and in your future shlichus.
Motown alumni.
(1/7/2010 2:38:10 PM)
14
to motti:
can u pls upload here the lyrics of the song? tnx
(1/7/2010 2:38:39 PM)
15
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AWESOME
(1/7/2010 2:59:50 PM)
16
luv it!
i just louv it! go man!
(1/7/2010 3:08:27 PM)
17
Lyrics
Hey guys, here are the lyrics - I found them on mortoliferap.com
Of Blessed Memory
Verse 1 Try to envision the time. Convinced to sit for a ride The Nazis tricking us insist to us that it’ll be fine. Within the blink of an eye, we smell the stink of the fire. Sick in the mind the yidden fried for no particular crime.
Very few victims alive. Over six million died Among them were the young men with their kids and their wives It sends chills down my spine, just to picture the times Innocent women and children their last time singing Sh’mah
They never did a thing wrong , babies were ripped from their moms Nazis never said if they’d ever again be kissing their child If they’re not fit for the job, sent to the infamous line Time to shower, final hour victims of genocide
Even if they survived, Sometimes they wished they had died Came home to find mama and papa killed in their prime We gotta strengthen our ties, express our yiddishe pride One step at a time, we’ll help to keep their spirits alive
Chorus I just can’t take no more of this hatred and torture While they’re taking our sons they’re straight slaying our daughters And disgracing our Torah’s, their aim is to slaughter Know there’s no doubt that no how there’s no way they’ll destroy us
Repeat Verse 2 The hatred we’re facing’s not just from past generations. Turn the pages of the paper see in fact it’s still dangerous. Look how tragic our state is, there was a sad indication When the Chabad house in Mumbai was attacked and invaded.
They say immaculate praises about the Rabbi and the Rebbetzin Who went to a location that was spiritually desolate, Helping to better the situation of their fellowman Injecting them a little bit with Yiddishe adrenaline.
Not expecting the end of it to happen as it did Trapped inside the building with guys strapped who want to kill Torahs packed with bullet shells, crooked modern types of nazis This is no good, it’s “Lo Tov,” the final words of Gavi.
Stopped Rivki’s life abruptly. They shot her weren’t sorry . Finally when we saw her find a talis on her body. Nanny heard toddler Moishe sobbing, and got him out the lobby Now he’ll never be answered again when crying out for mommy.
Translation of Hebrew Prayer "Acheinu":
Our holy brothers, members of the house of israel, Who find themselves in trouble or captivity, Whether they are at sea or dry land. May G-d have mercy on them And deliver them from distress to comfort, From darkness to light, from captivity to freedom, And may this all be now, swiftly and speedily in our days!
Chorus 2x
Bridge It isn’t just a matter of something in the past because There’s scum who want our blood who take our sons and they’re still after us. In fact we got our brothers in Israel who are still captured but Don’t know if they’re alive or if they’re dead or of their statuses.
It isn’t sufficient to just remember the cries, Since there’s still a predicament that is threatening our lives. Give a little bit of light during these negative times, Fulfill a mitzvah for the victims keep their spirits alive.
Chorus 2x Outro It isn’t sufficient to just remember the cries, Since there’s still a predicament that is threatening our lives. Give a little bit of light during these negative times, Fulfill a mitzvah for the victims keep their spirits alive.
Repeat
(1/7/2010 3:13:13 PM)
18
THIS IS GOOD!!!!
good music! thank u !!
(1/7/2010 3:46:06 PM)
19
so creative
wow i love how creative this is!!
(1/7/2010 3:46:23 PM)
20
Very nice!
While I can't see him being picked due to the style of music which is more goyish, he certainly has ana amazing talent and he should continue using his amazing talent. A big fan!
(1/7/2010 3:54:18 PM)
21
unexpected
truly refreshing, i dont think many people would appreciate your style. hopfully there is soneone watching this, that could take you to the next level. good luck.
(1/7/2010 4:02:45 PM)
22
THIS GUY IS GOOD!
This song really inspired me! It is all about doing another Mitzvah in honor of our holy brothers and sisters who have been killed Al Kiddush Hashem!
Mor-To-Life, keep doing what you're doing and inspiring our youth!
(1/7/2010 4:06:16 PM)
23
hello??
can this possibly be called music? the guy takes a nice song like achienu and RAPS to it! not only that but about a serious subject like that? i can even understand liking rap but this combo is way to far-out for me.
(1/7/2010 4:08:22 PM)
24
Amazing stuff!!
I just checked out his website at mortoliferap.com and he has some more songs posted on there with lyrics to read along. Really great, meaningful stuff...
Everyone should vote for him, as he is definitely the most creative and original of the bunch.
(1/7/2010 4:29:31 PM)
25
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A jewish star is born. Keep up the great work! You will undoubtably touch many neshamas in a very positive way.
(1/7/2010 4:48:43 PM)
26
Big fan of MORE TO LIFE!
the coolest and nicest guy around, more to life has got the talent and his lyrics are so full of meaning!! Listen to the words and feel the beat...
(1/7/2010 4:49:27 PM)
27
to #23 - RAP / SHMAP
This is ORIGINALITY!!!!! THE BEST PERFORMER AND ENTERTAINER!!!! Your selection of melodies and lyrics goes directly into heart, mind and soul of EVERY JEW, regardless of level of observants. Thank you for being different.
(1/7/2010 5:15:03 PM)
28
VERY VERY VERY TALANTED
BUT IT IS NOT CHASSIDESHER NIGGUN
(1/7/2010 5:31:57 PM)
29
Huh?
This might work for students but it is totally weird.
(1/7/2010 11:32:22 PM)
30
de haute folie!!
je pense que ce chanteur mérite de gagner!! Les paroles sont magnifiques et la façon de chanter du chanteur est très talentueuse!!!
(1/8/2010 1:10:30 AM)
31
anon
Like many others, i was not expecting this!?! Although i am no teenager, and I don't really understand rap, i must be honest I really enjoyed this. The words were so touching, especially with the photos , he really sounded sincere in what he was saying and i think he had a very good vocabulary (can tell he was not brought up in Lubavitch....) he said the words clearly. Well done!
(1/8/2010 2:11:54 AM)
32
awsome
loved it really talented !
(1/8/2010 3:19:53 AM)
33
Beyond Incredible
Wow wow wow. Not quite sure how anyone can think otherwise. The fact that Mor-to-Life is spreading such a beautiful, meaningful and inspirational messege through such a unique musical means is profound. I agree entirely with Rap/Schmap's comments. The fact that he's different actually makes him -- and therefore his messeges -- stand out THAT MUCH MORE. It's a new and exciting way to touch those who may or may not be touched by the more conventional types of Jewish music, and possibly even other means of spreading the messege. Definitely the top contender in my eye!!! Good luck!!!!
(1/8/2010 3:44:41 AM)
34
realy good but
not for this contest
(1/8/2010 4:15:25 AM)
35
Touched
very beautiful!!! very moving!!! very affective!!
(1/8/2010 4:17:44 AM)
36
WOW!
This is true talent. He is elevating a new kind of music in an amazing way. Although i don't think he will win because most of the voters don't appreciate this style music, but there are many youth out there that could benefit tremendously from more of this.
(1/8/2010 4:31:35 AM)
37
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know he has it in him to win it and our hearts and prayers are with the Shluchim in Mumbai. Beautiful song, beautifully written, and the music is by Melech B'n Arieh. AMAZING!!!!!
(1/8/2010 4:40:29 AM)
38
Proud to be his (Chicagoan) cousin!
Motti!!!!! This is an amazing song!!! The song and lyrics are beautiful and touched my heart deeply!! You deserve to win 100%!
(1/8/2010 5:35:45 AM)
39
MOTTELE REGARDS FROM BUCKS COUNTY
HI MOTTEL YOU ARE THE BEST KEEP IT UP YOU ARE THEEEEEEE BEST
(1/8/2010 7:46:59 AM)
40
amazing
the words to the song is very good
(1/8/2010 8:01:35 AM)
41
amazing
very good buta little blury
(1/8/2010 8:15:01 AM)
42
Awesome/Unique/Inspiring
like comment 36 said.. he is definitely elevating a new genre of music. Very unique with a blend of Jewish melodies and powerful lyrics! I checked out his website and found some other songs along with lyrics and videos, which are all very good.
(1/8/2010 8:29:10 AM)
43
AMAZING MOTTI!!
wow really unexpected motti, but you got the talent boy and your truely amazing!! MOSHIACH NOW! :)
(1/8/2010 8:54:48 AM)
44
????????????
Chassidische Niggun or not, the music is awesome and the lyrics are awesome. The whole thing is awesome!!!!!! Really liked the fact that you used Melech B'n Arieh's Acheinu string part in the beginning. Very well written. GO GET THEM!!!!!
(1/8/2010 4:29:31 PM)
45
Motti
Yasher koach! this video was taken in Mayanot yeshiva in yerushalayim this past summer. Amazing show!
(1/9/2010 9:36:12 AM)
46
Wow
Thant was so amazing. Id buy your cd!
(1/9/2010 12:26:51 PM)
47
Cool
(1/9/2010 12:28:26 PM)
48
Cool
U got talent. Ur more of a writer than a rapper... But i enjoyed it
(1/9/2010 12:30:22 PM)
49
Tiferes bochur
Great Motti very nice continue the good job spreading light to the world
(1/9/2010 12:46:07 PM)
50
good luck!!!!!
morto life IS awesome!!! u gave us an amazing performance full of life -swerdlows program this song is really nice
(1/9/2010 1:32:39 PM)
51
original stuff really talented
(1/9/2010 2:48:58 PM)
52
keep it up!!!
i voted for you awesome keep it up!!!
(1/9/2010 3:25:33 PM)
53
Incredible !!!!!!!!
Are we looking for a cantor or entertainer??? This is reel Jewish Star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1/9/2010 4:53:06 PM)
54
like
(1/9/2010 5:40:38 PM)
55
Benyomin "Down Under" in Sydney Australia
Really enjoyed it Mordechai. Can't wait to see you again in Bucks County next Yomin Naroim. You really have talent to energize people to do that one extra Mitzva to bring Moshiach. Keep it up!
(1/9/2010 8:00:03 PM)
56
I really like rap
Blown away
(1/10/2010 3:22:20 AM)
57
Great job!
Wow! That was great,keep it up. Good luck!
(1/10/2010 7:45:50 PM)
58
CHABAD WAY
Touch the heart and connect to: One Jew at the time' One room of Jews at the tine Concert Hall of Jews at the time.....
YOU CAN DO IT !!!!!!!
(1/11/2010 1:06:55 AM)
59
good on ya !!!
you got a talent use it well!
(1/11/2010 4:09:44 AM)
60
Huh???
How can u all tell his voice from his song, to me there didn't seem any real tune! And i thought u would all think the same! I guess that rapping just isnt my style or I'm not very musical then huh?
(1/12/2010 8:06:59 AM)
61
to #60 (huh?)
i guess you aren't really musical or maybe you just don't understand this aspect of music. this guy wrote this song by himself put it to a beautiful tune and sang the words perfectly and that in anyones book should be known as talent.
(1/12/2010 12:12:27 PM)
62
bocher
amazing lyrics
(1/12/2010 12:31:24 PM)
63
nice
i like rap but i like choni titlebuams equally ill have a hard time choosing
(1/12/2010 1:11:12 PM)
64
To #60 (Huh????)
Some people just too-too much. How can you not see the real talent? THE REAL STUFF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1/12/2010 4:48:09 PM)
65
THE BEST
#1 A WINNER ! #1 #1 #1 #1
(1/12/2010 5:29:26 PM)
66
CHADISH RAPPER ?
It is not rap. It is new, It is different, IT IS AMAZING! What a lyrics! What a performance! GET THEM MORETOLIFE.
(1/12/2010 6:15:24 PM)
67
A+A+A = U
Amazing lyrics + Amazing music selection +Amazing performance -------------------------------------- =Unbelievable entertainment
(1/13/2010 3:24:53 PM)
68
WOW
all those nigguns we sing every shabbat and forbrangen (without fancy equipment). Motti, you outshined all the contestants.
(1/15/2010 4:00:38 AM)
69
Who's Got Soul?
Mor-To-Live!
(1/17/2010 2:13:32 PM)
70
Igniting and inspiring one soul at a time brings light to the world!
This song definitelly ignites the soul - the lyrics and delivery makes the whole body full of goose bumps - soo inspirational - definitelly what the wold needs right now - Keep spreading the light - it comes through sooo intense - a GREAT TALENT -Mazal Tov!
(1/20/2010 10:54:00 AM)
71
A true light!
Well i hope you win your message can be heard to many jews who need an awakening. You have such great talent. I wish you for you to forfill what you were meant to do. Mazal Tov Big Fan!
Great lyrics
He's gonna win for sure!!!! He has a great voice, the lyrics are full of meaning and the music is very moving!
Impressive.
go on make Music.
Very Talented,
from an achoteinu camper........
This is the kind of music that connects our youth - and you have the chassidishe nigun in the background.
Hatzlacha in music and in your future shlichus.
Motown alumni.
Of Blessed Memory
Verse 1
Try to envision the time. Convinced to sit for a ride
The Nazis tricking us insist to us that it’ll be fine.
Within the blink of an eye, we smell the stink of the fire.
Sick in the mind the yidden fried for no particular crime.
Very few victims alive. Over six million died
Among them were the young men with their kids and their wives
It sends chills down my spine, just to picture the times
Innocent women and children their last time singing Sh’mah
They never did a thing wrong , babies were ripped from their moms
Nazis never said if they’d ever again be kissing their child
If they’re not fit for the job, sent to the infamous line
Time to shower, final hour victims of genocide
Even if they survived, Sometimes they wished they had died
Came home to find mama and papa killed in their prime
We gotta strengthen our ties, express our yiddishe pride
One step at a time, we’ll help to keep their spirits alive
Chorus
I just can’t take no more of this hatred and torture
While they’re taking our sons they’re straight slaying our daughters
And disgracing our Torah’s, their aim is to slaughter
Know there’s no doubt that no how there’s no way they’ll destroy us
Repeat
Verse 2
The hatred we’re facing’s not just from past generations.
Turn the pages of the paper see in fact it’s still dangerous.
Look how tragic our state is, there was a sad indication
When the Chabad house in Mumbai was attacked and invaded.
They say immaculate praises about the Rabbi and the Rebbetzin
Who went to a location that was spiritually desolate,
Helping to better the situation of their fellowman
Injecting them a little bit with Yiddishe adrenaline.
Not expecting the end of it to happen as it did
Trapped inside the building with guys strapped who want to kill
Torahs packed with bullet shells, crooked modern types of nazis
This is no good, it’s “Lo Tov,” the final words of Gavi.
Stopped Rivki’s life abruptly. They shot her weren’t sorry .
Finally when we saw her find a talis on her body.
Nanny heard toddler Moishe sobbing, and got him out the lobby
Now he’ll never be answered again when crying out for mommy.
Translation of Hebrew Prayer "Acheinu":
Our holy brothers, members of the house of israel,
Who find themselves in trouble or captivity,
Whether they are at sea or dry land.
May G-d have mercy on them
And deliver them from distress to comfort,
From darkness to light, from captivity to freedom,
And may this all be now, swiftly and speedily in our days!
Chorus 2x
Bridge
It isn’t just a matter of something in the past because
There’s scum who want our blood who take our sons and they’re still after us.
In fact we got our brothers in Israel who are still captured but
Don’t know if they’re alive or if they’re dead or of their statuses.
It isn’t sufficient to just remember the cries,
Since there’s still a predicament that is threatening our lives.
Give a little bit of light during these negative times,
Fulfill a mitzvah for the victims keep their spirits alive.
Chorus 2x
Outro
It isn’t sufficient to just remember the cries,
Since there’s still a predicament that is threatening our lives.
Give a little bit of light during these negative times,
Fulfill a mitzvah for the victims keep their spirits alive.
Repeat
thank u !!
good luck.
Mor-To-Life, keep doing what you're doing and inspiring our youth!
Everyone should vote for him, as he is definitely the most creative and original of the bunch.
THE BEST PERFORMER AND ENTERTAINER!!!!
Your selection of melodies and lyrics goes directly into heart, mind and soul of EVERY JEW, regardless of level of observants.
Thank you for being different.
very moving!!!
very affective!!
Really liked the fact that you used Melech B'n Arieh's Acheinu string part in the beginning. Very well written. GO GET THEM!!!!!
This is reel Jewish Star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep it up!
One Jew at the time'
One room of Jews at the tine
Concert Hall of Jews at the time.....
YOU CAN DO IT !!!!!!!
How can you not see the real talent?
THE REAL STUFF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A WINNER !
#1 #1 #1 #1
It is new,
It is different,
IT IS AMAZING!
What a lyrics!
What a performance!
GET THEM MORETOLIFE.
+ Amazing music selection
+Amazing performance
--------------------------------------
=Unbelievable entertainment
Motti, you outshined all the contestants.
Mazal Tov
Big Fan!