Kitka’s Daily Wintersongs 2021 Offering for December 31, 2021

SZOMBATESTE BÚCSÚZTATÓ Hungarian Jewish, traditional, arr. Juliana Graffagna, Cookie Segelstein & Joshua Horowitz, from the repertoire of Márta Sebestyén
Recorded on the album Kitka: Sanctuary available here and here

Although the origin of this tune is uncertain, it is likely a women’s devotional song sung to bid farewell to the Sabbath. “My mighty one, in my suffering, I call to you. The Lord is mine and I shall not fear. Thus, you are my hope and I seek your salvation. The Lord is the strength of my salvation.”
Lead vocals: Juliana Graffagna

A GUTE VOKH Yiddish from Bratslav, Ukraine, melody by R. Kalmanovsky, from the singing of Gershn Eisenberg, via Gerry Tenney, Lorin Sklamberg, and Adrienne Cooper, arr. Shira Cion, Joshua Horowitz, and Cookie Segelstein
Recorded on the album Kitka: Evening Star available available here and here

In the Jewish tradition, the Sabbath ends on Saturday evening after the first three stars appear in the sky. The Sabbath greeting and blessing, A gute vokh (“a good week”) is spoken after Havdalah, a ritual marking the separation of sacred Sabbath or holiday time and the workweek to come. The Havdalah ceremony involves burning a multi-wicked candle, blessing a cup of wine, and smelling sweet spices. “A good week, a healthy week! Oy, we wish to all Jews, and to all fine good people who are gathered here that we should all be healthy. We will drink wine until the dawn. Oy, may God give to everyone what they need, according to their desire. Oy, bread to eat, clothes to wear, and Kiddush wine for Havdalah.”
Shira Cion, lead vocals

Performed by Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble: Kelly Atkins, Briget Boyle, Shira Cion, Erin Lashnits Herman, Juliana Graffagna, Janet Kutulas, Maclovia Quintana, and Katya Schoenberg

with special guests Cookie Segelstein (violin, viola) and Joshua Horowitz (cimbalom and chromatic button accordion)

Recorded live in concert on December 11, 2021 at The Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, CA

Audio by Brian Walker / Mixed and mastered by eO (Eric Oberthaler)
Video by Kent Kessinger
Produced by Kelly Atkins