tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20370735027753465562024-03-05T07:33:32.765-08:00Todd's ThoughtsTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-36127232159491362962013-05-28T14:35:00.003-07:002013-05-28T14:36:51.354-07:00<div class="p1">
(written Monday, May 27, 2013)</div>
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I am on my way home from the 50th reunion of my a cappella group from college, the Tufts Beelzebubs. It has been an amazing weekend, filled with lots of personal and collective history. It's pretty impressive what returns to the mind after returning to a familiar place and a familiar group of friends, even after 20 years. Music that I had not sung since graduation was once again in my mind and in the muscles of my throat. I found myself remembering events and people from long ago. It had a bittersweet feeling to it... mostly sweet, but it seems that all memories, even the happy ones, have a tinge of sadness for their absence.</div>
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It reminded me of a Jewish idea: we read the same portions from the Torah each year (this is particularly apparent at the High Holidays when we hear the stories of Abraham and Isaac and Jonah and the whale), but even though we read the same text each year, we change as people and so we hear the words anew. I felt the same way returning to my alma mater this year. The songs we sang were the same, the faces as well... perhaps a few more gray hairs (present company included). But I have changed. Since the last reunion, I have had a son who just turned two. That in and of itself has forever changed my perspective on the world. But it is also the mere fact of having spent more years on the earth, and having experienced joy, loss and growth.</div>
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I find these moments of returning to the familiar extremely useful, because I can use them as a yardstick to measure my progress and development. How am I being in the world now that I am older and (hopefully) wiser? How true can I be to myself even at this occasion where it would be so easy to simply follow old patterns of youthful arrogance and blindness? It felt great to see old friends, to hear about their lives and the ways they have accomplished their own goals and dreams. It was fun to reminisce about the good old days, but also deeply satisfying to know that I am no longer that college boy too clueless to really appreciate life and the gifts he has been given.</div>
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May we all embrace the changes in our lives, and give thanks for the old and the new.</div>
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In song,</div>
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Todd</div>
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Todd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-74483547715214294402012-09-16T14:52:00.002-07:002012-09-16T14:54:01.539-07:00New Year, New Projects<br />
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Hello my friends, fans and colleagues,</div>
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First of all, I want to wish a very sweet New Year to the Jews on the list. Rosh Hashanah begins this evening, and I know that many of us will be celebrating.</div>
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Secondly, I wanted to let you know about some exciting things that are going on here:</div>
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<big><strong>Awakened World 2012 Conference - October 13-21, 2012</strong></big></div>
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<big><strong>(</strong></big><b><a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/c/fan_reach/pt?eid=A337719_14563675__lnk1014&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agnt.org%2Fawakened-world-2012" style="color: #bb4a19;"><big>http://www.agnt.org/awakened-world-2012</big></a></b><big><b>)</b></big></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Next month, I will be traveling to Rome and Florence to spend a week in Italy at a revolutionary (and evolutionary) conference that will bring together religious and spiritual leaders from around the world in an effort to bring light and solutions to some of the most challenging issues facing our world today. I am honored to be a part of the musical cohort that will be inspiring the conference and taking part in the panel discussions.</span></div>
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<strong><big>Desert Gathering Arts and Culture Series</big></strong></div>
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Some of you may be aware that for the past year, I have taken part in an entrepreneurial and leadership group called Start Me Up AZ, sponsored by Rabbi Darren Kleinberg and his organization, Valley Beit Midrash. 10 young Jewish leaders from around the Phoenix area gathered to share ideas for bringing meaning and accessibility to the Jewish tradition here in the Valley. My project was selected by the committee to receive a $10,000 grant, which will allow me (with the help of other committee members) to launch a Jewish Music Festival right here in Phoenix in the Spring of 2013. I will keep you posted on further developments as they arise. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to create this new avenue for engagement in the community.</div>
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<strong><big>Songleader Boot Camp - November 10-11 at Temple Solel in Paradise Valley</big></strong></div>
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This Veteran's Day weekend, <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/c/fan_reach/pt?eid=A337719_14563675__lnk1015&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rickrecht.com" style="color: #bb4a19;">Rick Recht</a> and I will be co-leading a songleading conference at Temple Solel that is open to the whole community. This is a regional version of the national conference that I have co-led with Rick in St. Louis for the past three years. It is a powerful, intense weekend filled with hands-on experiences, new repertoire and useful techniques designed to infuse our community with a culture of Jewish music and songleading. Playing an instrument is not required to participate. If you have questions or would like to register for the event, please visit <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/c/fan_reach/pt?eid=A337719_14563675__lnk1016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.songleaderbootcamp.com" style="color: #bb4a19;">www.songleaderbootcamp.com</a>.</div>
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<strong><big>PJ Library CD Release</big></strong></div>
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My CD, Everyday Blessings, was chosen by the PJ Library to be part of their annual holiday music distribution. This December, the CD will go out to 7,500 homes around the country and enjoyed by 6 year-olds and their families. For more information, you can visit their website <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/c/fan_reach/pt?eid=A337719_14563675__lnk1017&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pjlibrary.org" style="color: #bb4a19; font-family: Arial;">HERE</a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div>
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My wish for all of us this year is that we return to the things that make us happy and fulfilled while continuing to learn and grow and push our boundaries in the days to come.</div>
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L'shana Tova,</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Todd</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">PS. If you haven't already "liked" me on Facebook, please do so</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/c/fan_reach/pt?eid=A337719_14563675__lnk1018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftoddherzogmusic" style="color: #bb4a19;">HERE</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">. Thank you as always for your support!</span></div>
Todd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-71342515874719471262012-07-04T18:36:00.001-07:002012-07-04T18:36:17.294-07:00Independence?As we celebrate this 4th of July, I have been thinking a lot about "independence" and what that actually means. The dictionary has several different meanings for the word "independent":<br />
1 free from outside control; not subject to another’s authority<br />
2 not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence<br />
3 capable of thinking or acting for oneself<br />
4 not connected with another or with each other; separate<br />
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Here in the United States, we place a great deal of emphasis on our independence, our ability to chart our own course, to fend for ourselves and to navigate through the world "independently" of anyone else. But in the increasingly interconnected world in which we live, is there still such a thing as true indepence? When the New York Stock Exchange is affected by Greek debt and bailouts in Spain and Italy, when a large percentage of our electronics and consumer goods are made in China, when our national security is put into question because of events in Afghanistan and Iran, can we truly say that we are "independent" in the world?<br />
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For me, two things come to mind. One is that we are quickly recognizing that the world has become woven together in a tapestry of cause and effect, where what I do impacts you and vice versa. This has both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, we are forced to see that we truly need one another. As the saying goes, "no man is an island." So, when we act in our own highest good, we create positive and far-reaching change in the world outside. So, when we conserve energy or plant some new trees in our yard, others benefit from our actions. On the other hand, when we act only in our own interests and neglect those around us, our actions can have unintended but still negative consequences... like illegally downloading music or videos and driving independent artists and record stores out of business.<br />
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Where we do have true independence is in making those difficult choices that confront us each day. We can choose the path of integrity even when it may be a more difficult road and it may take us longer to reach our destination. Regardless of the external circumstances, we have the ability to decide independently of anyone or anything else how we will react. On this day of independence, I choose to express my gratitude to all of you for your support of me and my music. And I encourage all of us to exercise our independence in creating a brighter and more interdependent world.<br />
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Speaking of independence, I thought I'd share a recent photo of my son, Sander, who is expressing his independence by learning to walk... a couple of shaky steps at a time...<br />
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Happy 4th of July to you all,<br />
Todd<br />
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PS. I am happy to announce that my CD, "Everyday Blessings" has been selected to be part of the PJ Library distribution for December. If you have a Jewish or interfaith family, please sign up for their list. This is a free service and provides a monthly children's book 11 months out of the year and a musical selection for 1 month of the year. You can visit them <a href="http://www.pjlibrary.org/">HERE</a>.<br />
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PPS. And if you haven't already "liked" me on Facebook, please do so <a href="http://www.facebook.com/toddherzogmusic">HERE</a>.<br />
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Thank you as always for your support!</div>Todd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-38952627450784394592012-03-28T13:21:00.001-07:002012-03-28T13:25:13.156-07:00Spring UpdateHello everyone,<br /> <br />Just a quick note to let you know I haven't forgotten about you. I have been extremely busy working on a number of different projects. I will have more to share in the coming weeks, but I am working to bring into existence a Jewish music, arts and culture series to the Greater Phoenix Area. This is part of my work with the <a href="http://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/programs/start-me-up">Start Me Up AZ Fellowship</a>, created by Rabbi Darren Kleinberg. There are many worthwhile projects coming out of this group, so keep your eyes open for some exciting things in the future.<br /> <br />I have plans to travel to the East Coast later this year and next year. Please see the show schedule below, and let your friends and family in those parts of the country know that I'll be in their neighborhoods. I'm always happy to play "Jewish Geography." <br /> <br />I am also just getting back into writing and recording some new music, so I will keep you posted about possible new recording projects. As always, I appreciate your support and feedback. It always inspires me to want to create music that will move you. I wish you a very happy Passover and a joyous Easter. <br /> <br />I'll be in touch soon,<br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-25550915206303552922012-02-11T20:34:00.000-08:002012-02-11T20:41:43.339-08:00What's Your White Noise?I love going to bed with the humidifier running. Or in the summertime, the sound of the fan gently humming in the background lulls me to sleep as well. Maybe some of you have these "dream machines" or apps for your smart phone that create some kind of white noise to bring a restful night's sleep.<br /> <br />What is it about these kinds of sounds that puts us at ease? I'm sure science would say that it has something to do with the sound waves and the way our brain interacts with them that facilitates sleep. For me it's all about constancy. It's having a consistent sound that can fill in the holes of all the other activity around me, whether it's dogs barking or people talking or music playing. There's something nice about having a sound that I can count on to smooth out the other cacophony of life.<br /> <br />I started thinking about how that factors into other times in life. It seems to me that we all need a little white noise, a little consistency around us, especially when there are so many other unanswered questions. Are there people you can count on to be there no matter what else is going on in your life or theirs who can help to smoothe out those rough bumps in the road? Is it your friends, your family, your spiritual or religious community? Whoever or whatever it is, we all need something to carry us through those difficult moments. Ironically, their consistency usually causes them to fade into the background of our consciousness. Rather than taking these people or places for granted, every now and then it's nice to recognize them, to embrace them and to tell them how much of a difference they make in creating peace in a sometimes-chaotic world.<br /> <br />Here's wishing you all a little white noise in the days to come...<br /> <br />In wooosh,<br />Todd<br /><br />PS. I am happy to announce that I will be returning to Songleader Boot Camp in St. Louis next week. I will be teaching alongside Rick Recht and Sheldon Low and mentoring over 85 songleaders from around the country. <br /> <br />PPS. In other news, I Just wanted to let you know that I was recently published as a guest contributor on the Jewish Music Voice blog at <a href="">http://<a href="http://jewishrockradio.com/blog/jewish-music-old-wisdomnew-connections/#more-133">jewishrockradio.com/blog/jewish-music-old-wisdomnew-connections/#more-133</a></a> sponsored by Jewish Rock Radio - the first high-caliber, 24/7 internationalJewish rock internet radio station. Please check out my article, make comments, and share! You can also click here to “Like” Jewish Rock Radio on Facebook or follow JRR on Twitter @JewishRockRadio.Todd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-2735567855448311802011-11-18T12:08:00.000-08:002011-11-18T12:09:34.597-08:00Peek-A-Boo: A Game for Adults?Perhaps it's a symptom of spending too much time with babies recently, but I have become fascinated with the game of Peek-A-Boo. It's a fairly simple concept... you cover your face or turn the other direction, then turn back and PEEK-A-BOO! There you are! My son never seems to tire of this game, and I love hearing the sound of his laughter and seeing his smile. You might be tempted to think that this is just a game for infants, but as I thought more deeply about it, I realized that there is more to this game than meets the eye. <br /> <br />First of all, the reason why it's so interesting to infants is that they have yet to acquire the skill of "object permanence" (learned that one in my child study classes). This is the concept that even when we can't see something, it still exists in our world. Infants just don't have that ability. If it's out of sight, it's out of their world. So they really are seeing things at every moment as though they're seeing them for the very first time. What a wonderful thing to be able to experience life in such a vivid and present way. It seems difficult to me sometimes to refresh my images of familiar things, places, people, etc. and to see them again as they truly are without any preconceptions or outdated mental constructions.<br /> <br />Peek-A-Boo has also taken on another meaning to me. I realize that the way that I perceive the world is a direct reflection of my own mental state and how I am being in the world. There really is no such thing as separating the object from the person who is seeing the object. Some people look at a sunset or a baby or the ocean and say... oh yeah, I've seen that a million times before. But are they really seeing it? Or is their perception being clouded by past experience? I find that when I am most present, I see myself being reflected back at me regardless of where I look. In my son's eyes (Peek-A-Boo), in the mountains I hike through (Peek-A-Boo) in the music I create (Peek-A-Boo), it is all connected and all an indication at its deepest levels of God, or nature or life itself.<br /> <br />When I am not being present, that is also reflected back to me in the form of unhappiness, disconnection from family and loved ones and a lack of creativity and passion in my work. That is also a peek-a-boo moment... There I am! Now it's up to me to make the adjustments to bring myself back into the present. It's not always easy, but exercise, music, meditation and time out in nature usually work for me. I think if we all played peek-a-boo with ourselves and those closest to us more often, we might actually benefit a great deal. Sometimes the most worthwhile games are deceptively simple.<br /> <br /> <br />In song,<br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-72026279586384358622011-09-28T11:46:00.001-07:002011-09-28T11:47:16.364-07:00Returning AgainTonight is the beginning of the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. All throughout the month of Elul, we are asked to undergo a process of self-reflection, of asking forgiveness of those we may have harmed in the previous year, and returning to the true essence of who we are at our core.<br /> <br />Whether or not you are Jewish, I believe that a process like this is useful at least once a year. It is so easy to get sucked into what others around us want or expect from us... our jobs, our spouses, our children, our friends, our society. Every now and then it's helpful to go inside of ourselves - to recall that innate light that dwells in each one of us.<br /> <br />This is our birthright as human beings. In order to be able to fully share our light with the world around us, we need to find it again within ourselves. There is a saying in Judaism, "Or zarua latzadik ul’yishrei leiv simchah" which roughly translates to: Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.<br /> <br />My wish for all of us is for us to live in a way that brings light to our souls and joy to our hearts... may each of you (even if you're not celebrating Rosh Hashanah) have a sweet New Year and fulfilling days ahead.<br /> <br />L'shana tova,<br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-50220467555444510052011-09-07T09:30:00.001-07:002011-09-07T09:35:13.722-07:00Life As I Knew It... or it it just lack of sleep?Thank you all for your support on the new album, "A Shelter Of Peace." The emails and personal feedback I have received from many of you has been overwhelmingly positive and soul-nourishing for me. You remind me why I began creating music in the first place. If you have been enjoying the music, I encourage you to share your thoughts with others and post a review of the album on iTunes, Amazon, or CD Baby. These reviews help a great deal in establishing credibility with folks who have not yet heard my music.<br /><br /> <br />Since last we spoke, our baby Sander has also grown... A LOT! He's almost 4 months old now and is over 17lbs. I'm not sure exactly who the father is, but I'm sure he was very tall... (just kidding) He's keeping us very busy and awake for many hours each day and night. I have to credit my wife Karen for being the one to get up to feed him frequently... ie about every hour or two depending on the night. Here's a recent photo of the little guy:<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfCmCAtgaUatVrPDpzmEWQCoW9xwlSIdRURrnX4GIPel-eddv3B1_qITGVgR_NEEYI6G8CPpYZvqD_A2se_quCWf4LkRK8ypSeonhq3A-7A4SRFuwj-kV_Z68z2PEFgmjEYIUW6gCQqk/s1600/DSC01928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfCmCAtgaUatVrPDpzmEWQCoW9xwlSIdRURrnX4GIPel-eddv3B1_qITGVgR_NEEYI6G8CPpYZvqD_A2se_quCWf4LkRK8ypSeonhq3A-7A4SRFuwj-kV_Z68z2PEFgmjEYIUW6gCQqk/s320/DSC01928.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649656401836433522" /></a><br /> <br /> <br />Maybe it's being a father, or maybe this lack of sleep just lends itself to an altered state of consciousness... but life as I knew it has definitely changed. It's no longer just about me. There's this other little being that depends on me to protect him and take care of him. It is a huge responsibility, but also an amazing opportunity to pass the things that I love about life onto someone else. And in the process, I learn to appreciate them again. I can't wait to see the things he is passionate about and the person he becomes. I can already tell that he is a joyful soul, and his laughter fills our sleep-deprived home...<br /> <br />Some other good news to share... I was recently chosen to participate in the Start Me Up AZ Fellowship. This is a group of young professionals in the Phoenix area who are committed to making a difference in the Jewish community. The group is led by Rabbi Darren Kleinberg, founder of <a href="http://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/start-me-up">Valley Beit Midrash</a>. This promises to be an exciting opportunity to create some very real engagement in our community and beyond. <br /> <br />I am grateful for your support. I will keep you posted on new musical offerings as soon as they become available...<br /> <br />In somnia,<br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-71883784910343345562011-06-17T23:29:00.001-07:002011-06-17T23:33:05.583-07:00Two New BabiesYou haven't heard much from me over the past couple of months, but rest assured... I've been busy! I've had two babies recently. One was human, and his name is Sander Leo Herzog. He arrived on May 9, 2011 and has been eating, sleeping, pooping and looking adorable ever since. Here's a recent photo:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAfHwJSg-jwevlxZQpHAyHSM9cg2AnMAx7dbM_ppRfX8n0gC8BK-54dYMH-0JPbltUAgyxB_nwRcxZGeuelacCMCM-F_eUjvGKC_nk8-DmSosQ8e2neeWT5-FNCKLzWJZrhB4qp690HM/s1600/DSC01870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAfHwJSg-jwevlxZQpHAyHSM9cg2AnMAx7dbM_ppRfX8n0gC8BK-54dYMH-0JPbltUAgyxB_nwRcxZGeuelacCMCM-F_eUjvGKC_nk8-DmSosQ8e2neeWT5-FNCKLzWJZrhB4qp690HM/s320/DSC01870.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619443573934083474" /></a><br /><br />The second baby was my new album, "A Shelter Of Peace." This album includes my versions of many of the prayers contained in the Friday night Jewish prayer service. It also has my versions of a couple of well-known songs, like Train's "Calling All Angels" and Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." I am very proud of this recording and want to let people know about it. I realize that the best way for me to do that is to let YOU do that... by posting a review of the album on iTunes.com, CDBaby.com, Amazon.com, Rhapsody.com or wherever else you listen to music. In fact, this is so important to me that I am offering a FREE copy of the new CD to the first 10 people who respond to this newsletter and who promise to post a review of the CD online. Here's a recent photo of that baby:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo6ZWX477j5GnFgPEG4hJwqWydNwkqWsVrimAqMilU1kFoNPw4l7Z2oVYvGFffEsrbkiiRD262nN_aMHglNE8nnbCVizdwCAeg7a-uvOg1Jf4AzlMEDXaC0TTAY67MwURkBZ-P66t_xQ/s1600/A+Shelter+Of+Peace+Cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo6ZWX477j5GnFgPEG4hJwqWydNwkqWsVrimAqMilU1kFoNPw4l7Z2oVYvGFffEsrbkiiRD262nN_aMHglNE8nnbCVizdwCAeg7a-uvOg1Jf4AzlMEDXaC0TTAY67MwURkBZ-P66t_xQ/s320/A+Shelter+Of+Peace+Cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619443297428182018" /></a><br /><br />In other news, I will be heading to St. Louis this weekend to do a concert at United Hebrew Congregation. Rabbi Howard Kaplansky is retiring, and I'll be taking part in the big send-off celebration on Sunday morning. It will also be my first official Father's Day, so happy Father's Day to all of you dads out there.<br /><br />Thank you as always for your support and your positive feedback. I hope you enjoy the new music, and please feel free to drop me an email or post on FB page to stay in touch!<br /> <br />In song,<br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-26677137523280162762011-02-09T18:04:00.000-08:002011-02-09T18:07:52.980-08:00A Shelter Of PeaceI am currently putting the finishing touches on a new recording which will be called "A Shelter Of Peace." Here are the liner notes to give you a sneak peek into the process and the motivation. I anticipate that the album will be ready by the end of March... I'll keep you posted:<br /><br />When I first began the process of putting together an album for Shabbat, I had to put some time and reflection into the importance of taking some time each week to rest. At first glance, it seemed that the idea of Shabbat was outdated, a relic of earlier times. But as I looked more deeply, I discovered that this concept is more relevant now than perhaps at any other time in history. We are so glued to our computers, our Blackberries and our flat screens (myself included) that we rarely take the time to reconnect with our truest, deepest selves. And if we are not connected to our most authentic selves, then how can we be fully present and appreciate the people and events in our lives?<br /><br />In looking at the Shabbat liturgy, one prayer spoke to me as really encapsulating the essence of Shabbat, and that was the Hashkiveinu prayer. In it, we ask God to spread over us a shelter of peace. Ordinarily, when we think of peace (at least for me), we think of a time when all of the chaos around us has stopped. We are lying on a beach with the waves gently crashing on the shore and all is well in the world. Unfortunately for most of us, life is not like that. There are deadlines to be met, relationships and responsibilities that place demands on us. The pace of life is unyielding. Amidst all of this activity, the concept of Shabbat appears like an oasis in the desert. It's a chance for us to release the burdens of our outer lives and to focus inwardly. It's an opportunity to recharge our souls and emerge renewed into the new week. <br /><br />The image that came to me of Shabbat was the eye of the hurricane. Around this calm center, there are storms swirling. And yet, within this center... our own center... we can experience peace. In fact, the idea of creating a shelter of peace is only meaningful if we are being sheltered from something on the outside. There is no need for us to wait for the world to slow down to begin living our lives with clear intentionality and purpose. We need only to take some time for ourselves each week to unplug, to breathe deeply and to remember who we are. <br /><br />It is my wish that the music on this recording will help in some small way to enhance the celebration and rejuvenation that is Shabbat. May we all lie down in peace and rise up waiting to do God's will.<br /><br />In song,<br />Todd<br /> <br />ps. I will be sharing some new music of mine in Los Angeles on March 12th at 3pm during a yoga class - part of an exciting new conference called Ashkenafard. This conference, put on by Craig N Co., is a cultural celebration of who we are and where we come from featuring the best in Israeli, Sefardi, Persian and Ashkenazi music, dance and cuisine.<br /> <br />Facebook link:<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=8133219870">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=8133219870</a><br /><br />Event web page:<br /><a href="www.LetMyPeopleSing.com">www.LetMyPeopleSing.com</a><br /> <br />Link to reserve tickets:<br /><a href="http://ashkenafardfestival.eventbrite.com/">http://ashkenafardfestival.eventbrite.com/</a>Todd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-89200461818965394512010-12-07T23:05:00.000-08:002010-12-07T23:12:32.658-08:00New Beginnings“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.”<br />-Seneca, mid-first century Roman philosopher<br /> <br /> <br />I've always liked this quote, and always attributed it (until just now) to Semisonic and their song, "Closing Time." The end of the year gives us a chance to review the things that have taken place and to see possibilities for the year to come. There are relationships and lives that have come to an end and others that are just beginning.<br /><br />This year, I lost my Grandma Leah, as I shared with many of you on this list. What I haven't shared publicly until now is that there is a new life that is forming and that will be joining us in the coming year. Karen and I are expecting our first child, a baby boy, sometime in May. It is an exciting and intimidating time in our lives. The thought of being responsible for another human being puts everything into perspective. <br /><br />There are so many things I am looking forward to sharing with my son. I know that in doing so, I will get to experience them again as though for the first time, through his eyes. It is a powerful reminder to me that I have so much to be grateful for. It is easy to become jaded and cynical and to think that life has lost its glow. But when I think of all the incredible experiences I want my son to have, I realize that this world is still a very magical place.<br /><br />I am reminded of another quote... "Wonders never cease as long as you never cease to wonder," although I think that one is attributed to Ziggy (the cartoon strip character). No matter who said it originally, it is still very true. The way you look at life that determines how you experience it. I'll leave you with one last quote, this one from Albert Einstein:<br /> <br />"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."<br /> <br />In this season of miracles, I hope you choose to see life through the eyes of a child...<br /><br />If you have not yet "liked" me on Facebook, I urge you to do so <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Todd-Herzog/15012504234">HERE</a>. Thank you as always for your support!<br /><br />In song,<br />Todd<br /> <br />ps. In other very exciting developments, my music is now being featured on <a href="http://jewishrockradio.com">Jewish Rock Radio</a>, the first Jewish internet radio station in existence - the brainchild of my good friend and mentor, Rick Recht. Please visit the site and listen to the many extremely talented artists found there.<br /> <br />pps. Just for fun, I posted a version of U2's "With Or Without You" on YouTube. You can view it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/voxart#p/u/8/BaMLIjDahOY">here</a>. Let me know your thoughts, and if you have any requests for future covers, email me and let me know.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br />"'Bridging The Gap' wins Best Jewish Album of 2009 in the Just Plain Folks Music Awards!" — Just Plain Folks<br /><br />"Todd's song "You and I" (peformed by saxophonist Michael Lington) reaches #2 on the Smooth Jazz Charts!" — Billboard <br /><br />"I believe Todd is one of the rising stars in the contemporary music scene. His vocals are gorgeous as is his beautiful person and spirit. Temple Beth Avodah loves Todd Herzog." — Cantor Susan Glickman, Temple Beth Avodah<br /><br />"Todd has the voice of an angel. His heart is pure, and he has a unique spirit that wanders into the soul and inspires all who are privileged to hear him." — Craig TaubmanTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-81661345549356779072010-09-22T09:49:00.000-07:002010-09-22T09:51:40.591-07:00Clean Slate?Most religious traditions have a practice of confessing our sins, releasing our guilt, forgiving one another and then moving on with life in a renewed way. In the Jewish religion, we just celebrated the holiday of Yom Kippur, which is designed to do exactly that. One of the aspects that I like about the tradition is that you can't just confess your sins to God and expect that everything is going to be fine with all of your friends and family. The requirement is that for sins against human beings, you actually have to ask for forgiveness before you are granted atonement.<br /><br />For other sins against God however (like you didn't keep all 613 commandments every day during the past year), you can simply ask forgiveness, vow to change your ways and return to the right path, and then take action in the right direction and you will be forgiven. It's a three-step solution - returning to your highest self through prayer, repentance and charity.<br /><br />We often talk about this process as "wiping the slate clean," an ancient reference to those old blackboards that we used to use in school (do they still have those??) What I remember about wiping the slate clean is that even after you erased the board, there were traces of the writing that was there before. Is it the same with us? Even when we forgive those closest to us, are there still reminders of the hurts that they have caused and that we have inflicted upon them? I believe it is possible to forgive, but do we ever truly forget?<br /><br />It's interesting that tonight we begin the holiday of Sukkot, which was traditionally a time of harvest. To me, it's symbolic of the fact that even after you have been cleansed all of your transgressions, you must still reap what you have sown. Perhaps thinking about it in this way will make us less likely to act in hurtful or unthinking ways in the year to come. In any case, I wish all of you renewal and revitalization in all aspects of your lives. I hope to see you soon.<br /><br />In song,<br />Todd<br /> <br />ps. As a follow-up to my last newsletter, my grandmother did pass away last month. Thank you to all of you for your overwhelming words of support and comfort.Todd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-53700934406380122052010-08-04T09:57:00.000-07:002010-08-04T09:59:53.489-07:00Letting GoMy grandmother is dying, and I'm doubtful that I will see her again. It is a sad moment, and also a time to think about letting go. My grandmother and I have been having pretty much the same conversation for the past 20 years or so. She asks how I am. I tell her what's going on and what I've been working on lately. She tells me that "somebody in this family has got to make it one of these days!" I ask how she is. She says, "What can I tell you, Todd? I'm getting older, my _______ hurts (fill in the blank here). It's hard for me to get around. But I don't like to complain... Then she reminds me that "whatever you do, with the RIGHT foot." And our conversation usually includes the old standard, "A person needs money, but money needs a person." I've spent years trying to figure this one out.<br /><br />It is my impression that she has been ready to go ever since my grandfather died in 1980. But she is very stubborn, and despite her complaining, she doesn't give up easily. Now, it seems she has come to the point of no return. She has pneumonia again and is in hospice. They say it could be any day now that she leaves us. I know that I will miss her. And it is a reminder that I am growing older and that life must change and move on to new stages and new developments. I suppose it is also an opportunity and a chance to gain new perspective. I realize that I am now as old as my dad was when his father died. <br /><br />I feel lucky to have had my grandmother this long. And I also know that in order to grow, it is necessary to let go of the life you are familiar with and venture out into the unknown. At this time of the year, as I prepare for the upcoming High Holidays, it's time to take stock of my life and to see what still fits and feels authentic and what no longer applies. It is a time of forgiveness... both of myself for having fallen short of expectations (my own and my grandmother's), and of others who, after all, are only human and are doing the best they can. Besides, holding on to negativity from the past only holds me back from becoming who I am capable of being in the world.<br /><br />So, as I let go of my grandmother, I let go of those parts of myself that I no longer need. I let go of a piece of my childhood and open myself up to whatever comes next. The process is painful sometimes, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Pain is often the best tool for evolution, and it reminds me of what is truly important in life. I wish that kind of clarity and growth for all of us as we approach the New Year. Perhaps it's time for a new conversation...<br /><br />In song,<br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-18941093128920123302010-06-01T12:09:00.000-07:002010-06-01T12:11:16.488-07:00Dissolving Problems AwayDo you have an issue in your body or your life that has been affecting you recently? I would imagine that there aren’t too many of us out there who don’t have any problems at all. I have noticed a tendency for myself that when I have something that’s bothering me, either physically or emotionally, that I tend to tighten or clench around that area. Many times the sensation I feel in my body mirrors another larger experience that’s going on in my life. If I am closing down my emotions, I’ll experience heartburn. If I’m not incorporating lessons from my life into my daily routine, than I may experience indigestion.<br /><br />Recently, I remembered a technique that I learned a few years ago when I took a class in Tai Chi. Tai Chi was originally developed as a martial art, but has been found to have great health benefits because of its ability to move energy through our bodies and relieve stress. The technique I learned was called “dissolving.” The basic idea of dissolving is to mentally scan your body for any area where you might be holding tension. Then you focus your attention on that area, breathing into it and imagining the tension being a piece of ice. As you bring more awareness to the area, you can actually feel the tension changing state… from ice into water and then from water into steam, at which point you can release it from your body.<br /><br />If you agree that these physical issues can be representations of other larger things going on around you, then you can see that the technique of dissolving can be applied to almost anything that is happening in your life. Rather than shutting down and ignoring the unresolved issues (one of my personal favorites…), try breathing into the issue and facing it head on. While at first at may seem intimidating, the rewards are tremendous on many levels. By opening up to the problem and viewing it as a potential for growth, you may find new approaches for resolving the issue and the person or situation that has been causing you the most stress may end up being the one to teach you the most about yourself and about life.<br /><br />In song,<br /><br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-32179378625549654702010-04-28T09:20:00.000-07:002010-04-28T09:23:49.314-07:00Trusting The ProcessI don't know about you, but I seem to have this idea about how my life is "supposed to turn out." And then when things don't look exactly the way I think they should, I start to stress about it and try to control the situation. When I look around at nature, the trees don't seem stressed out about when their leaves will appear again after the winter. The birds don't freak out about when it's time to make their nests, and the lizards all seem to have a perfect sense of when it would be the right time to come out again into the world.<br /><br />How can I be so detached from my own nature that I feel such a need to be "hands on?" Aren't I part of the same world as the birds and the trees? Wouldn't whatever universal laws that have everything else in the world functioning so systematically also apply to me? And yet it's so difficult to trust the process of life as it unfolds.<br /><br />For me, the hardest part is finding the balance between acceptance and action. While I find it helpful to start my day with some time for meditation and reflection, I realize that if I am going to accomplish the goals I have set for myself, I also need to take some action. I think the moments of introspection are important because they allow me to see my life in a broader context. The activities then take on greater meaning because I feel more conscious and aware of WHY I am doing them. <br /> <br />And maybe that broader perspective is the key to feeling peaceful in life. We are taught in this culture especially that there should be no painful moments, no sadness, no frustration. But perhaps those are life's signals to us that we have strayed from our true nature and that we need to refocus ourselves, to take a deeper look at what we're doing and why we're doing it. Maybe the broken road is the one we were meant to walk down, and the lessons we learn along the way are the ones we really needed to experience to have a fuller sense of who we are and why we're here...<br /><br /><br />In song,<br /><br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-24879266527392955262010-03-16T13:33:00.000-07:002010-03-16T13:37:19.401-07:00Identity Versus InclusionIt was inspiring to watch the Olympics last month. So many athletes from hundreds of countries around the world pushing one another to achieve their greatest potential. Seeing all of the different flags being waved around the stadiums made it evident that many of us feel a very strong sense of national pride and patriotism. For me, it also raised the issue of identity. When one feels such a powerful sense of "us," what does that do to "them," the outsiders in the group? Isn't the ultimate goal of the Olympics to bring people together rather than increasing the divisions between people and countries? Does having a strong identity, whether we associate ourselves with a country, or a group or a religion, necessarily mean that we have to exclude others in the process?<br /><br />I've been reading two different books (at the same time) that touch upon this topic. The first is entitled Defending Identity, and it was written by Natan Scharansky, a political dissident in the former Soviet Union. He claims that having a strong identity as a member of the Jewish people made him more resilient and able to withstand the physical and emotional torture inflicted upon him. In fact, he says that he bonded with and drew strength from other political prisoners who had very strong identities, even when those identities were very different from his own.<br /> <br />The other book is entitled The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World, and it was written by the Dalai Lama and Dr. Howard C. Cutler. In this book, the Dalai Lama talks about the paradox of defining one's individuality while still embracing a common humanity with every human being. The Dalai Lama talks about how different cultures develop and adapt to their own unique surroundings, and that differences in language and customs are about as important as the clothes we decide to wear each day. They should be appropriate for the elements, but they don't define who we are at the deepest levels.<br /><br />I like to think of each of us as being made up of different circles of identity. Rather than an either/or situation where we have to say we are either a Jew OR an American OR a teacher OR a musician, I think it might be more productive if we can picture our identities as ripples flowing outward from ourselves. Perhaps we can define ourselves as individuals, AND as members of a family, of a community, of a city, a region, a country, a world... and realize that each of us and every other human being in the world is also made up of these same layers. We might be able to respect and even celebrate our different identities rather than using them to separate us from one another.<br /><br />In song,<br />Todd<br /><br />ps. I had the honor of singing the National Anthem for my first time at an Oakland A's exhibition game this past week. Here's a link to the YouTube video: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb-f-d8TaXI"> www.youtube.com/watch</a><br /><br />I'll be singing again when the A's play the Dodgers on Wed., March 24th at 7:30pm at Phoenix Municipal Stadium if you are in the area and want to catch the game.Todd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-77437054354164175972010-02-18T18:13:00.000-08:002010-02-18T18:22:12.944-08:00Creating A SanctuaryIt can be difficult to create a space in our lives that is safe enough for us to open up, to relax and to experience a connection with something beyond (or within) ourselves. For many of us, there is so much going on in our lives that we rarely have time to appreciate the stillness. If you read this week's Torah portion, it talks about building a Tabernacle in the wilderness. Very specific instructions are given regarding the materials to be used, the dimensions of the space and the way it is to be constructed. <br /><br />Interestingly enough, the materials are things that were already available to the people, or that they had brought with them on their journey. The building is constructed in such a way so that the most sacred areas are deep within the structure, not even visible from the outside. Veils separated one area of the main room from another.<br /><br />Aren't we each built in a similar way? We create our bodies and our minds through the foods we consume and from the sensations and information that surround us. We keep the most precious emotions and aspects of ourselves hidden from the outside, and only share them when we feel safe enough to do so. We segment ourselves into different areas such as work, family, spirituality. And when we look deep enough within ourselves, don't we usually receive the most accurate guidance and wisdom... whether we feel that this originates with God, or the universe, or simply our higher selves. It seems to me that when we can connect with this part of ourselves, we can experience "sanctuary" even during the roughest of storms.<br /><br />I hope that each of us is able to experience that feeling of stillness and peace and get a sense of who we truly are.<br /><br />In song,<br /><br />Todd<br /><br />ps. I had an amazing trip to Newton and Needham, MA a couple of weeks ago. The communities at Temple Beth Avodah and Temple Beth Shalom were extremely welcoming and it was a joy to share my music with you...<br /><br />Here's a link to a video of my "Hinei Mah Tov" performed with Cantor Susan Glickman and MidraShir:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gjbLbgLoxs&feature=sdig&et=1266480398.4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gjbLbgLoxs&feature=sdig&et=1266480398.4</a>Todd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-47205536746126849412010-01-20T10:44:00.000-08:002010-01-20T10:45:44.283-08:00No 'Right' TrackI've been thinking lately about the ways in which our society directs us into particular ways of thinking and acting. Certain things are acceptable, while others are not. Values can come from many different places, such as religion, friends, families, media sources and educators. We have so many opinions coming at us at one time that it's hard to know what to believe. There is the sense though, that there exists a 'right track,' or an ideal way of living that will bring us the peace and fulfillment that we so desire. It reminds me of the song, "No Such Thing," by John Mayer:<br /><br />So the good boys and girls take the so called right track<br />Faded white hats<br />Grabbing credits<br />Maybe transfers<br />They read all the books but they can't find the answers<br /><br />There are certain moral values (thou shalt not kill, rob your neighbor, or illegally download music) that are important for the preservation of order in society. But other things are less clear. Is being a doctor or a lawyer really the way to salvation? If you ask any Jewish mother, of course she will tell you yes. (just kidding, Mom) We each have such unique perspectives and gifts that it seems there must be a better benchmark to determine if we are on our own 'right track.' <br /><br />For myself, I have started asking the question: <br /><br />"Are you doing all you can?" <br /><br />This simple question gets me to focus on my own strengths. Instead of comparing myself to where others are at and feeling jealous (yes, I admit it happens...) this question brings me back to my personal journey. At the end of my life, if I can say 'yes' to this question, I will have fulfilled the purpose of my life. Yes, I wrote the best music I could. Yes, I was the best husband, father, son, friend, co-worker I could have been. Yes, I gave as much as I could to charity. Yes to whatever was truly important to me to the best of my ability. Then, I will know I was successful. Perhaps by asking this question on a daily basis, I will make my corner of the world a better place. I invite you to try it and let me know if it makes a difference for you.<br /><br />If you have something that calls you to be the best person you can be, or if you'd just like to voice your opinion, I invite you to visit my blog page and share your thoughts.<br /><br />I will be heading to the Boston area next week to do concerts and services in Newton and Needham. So, if you or anyone you know is back East, please come out and say hi. Check the performance schedule below for more details. <br /><br />In song,<br /><br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-6979487633222824712010-01-07T22:04:00.000-08:002010-01-07T22:05:36.246-08:00Small AdjustmentsHappy New Year to everyone! With this, my first update of the New Year, I thought it was important to address the topic of resolutions. I am all for taking the opportunity to look back at the past year and seeing how I can improve my habits and attitudes and be a better person in the year to come. But what I notice is that many people (myself included) are overly ambitious with their goals and then within a couple of weeks or a month, we start feeling overwhelmed and we give up on our efforts.<br /><br />I started thinking about the way that pilots (or autopilots) navigate their airplanes to remote destinations. It is not a straight line from point A to point B. There are hundreds of little corrections along the way. The plane's navigation system determines the flight path and then constantly recalibrates the plane's controls based on the current location, altitude, etc. Autopilots also improve fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, since the adjustments made by an autopilot are more subtle and accurate than those made by hand. It's similar to what happens to your GPS route when you accidentally take a wrong turn. Rather than berating you (wrong turn, idiot!) it simply reevaluates the course based on your current location.<br /><br />So, my suggestion is this: rather than taking on unrealistic resolutions and then beating up on ourselves when we cannot live up to them, what about making some smaller, more reachable goals along the way? Instead of "New Year's" resolutions, what about "New Month" resolutions? At the beginning of each month, we have the opportunity to check in with ourselves, take stock of our current locations, or progress, and then make the necessary adjustments... without all of the guilt and drama.<br /><br />I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. If you have something to add to the discussion, I invite you to visit my blog page and let me know what you think. <br /><br />I will be heading to the Boston area in a couple of weeks to do concerts and services in Newton and Needham. So, if you or anyone you know is back East, please come out and say hi. Check the performance schedule below for more details. <br /><br />In song,<br /><br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-43639339969290844212009-12-15T16:16:00.000-08:002009-12-15T21:25:41.370-08:00Contemporary MiraclesDuring this season of holidays, parties, family gatherings and shopping, it's often easy to overlook the origins of the very things we're celebrating. In the Jewish community, it's the Festival of Lights, or Chanukah (however you want to spell it). We're celebrating the victory of the Maccabees over the evil Roman army and Antiochus. We're also celebrating the fact that some oil that was only supposed to last one day ended up burning for eight days - long enough for the Jews to keep the eternal flame in the sanctuary lit until replacement oil could be secured.<br /><br />There is a great deal of religious symbolism found in this story, and we commemorate it in different ways. There are the themes of light, of the triumph of the small over the mighty, of the perseverance of faith and of the miracle of scarcity somehow being overcome through faith. We eat potato latkes and eat soufganiyot - foods that contain lots of oil. We light the chanukiyah and say the prayers. We spin the dreidl containing the letters nun, gimel, hay, and shin which remind us that "nes gadol haya sham" a great miracle happened there.<br /><br />It makes me wonder, though... why is it that all of the miracles that we talk about happened in ancient history? Did God disappear for some reason? Or is it more a question of our perspective, of the eyes through which we see the world? Is it possible that miracles stopped happening because we stopped looking for them, or recognizing them when they occur? Could it be that miracles happen all the time, and that we're too busy on our Blackberrys and iPods to notice them?<br /><br />I was reading a poem this morning by the Israeli poet, Zelda, where she talks about how nature provides signs of the existence of something larger than ourselves:<br /><br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A light, sudden bird<br /><br />prepared my soul for the song of the grasses.<br /><br />There was something startling <br /><br />in the blue of the sky.<br /><br />I was amazed that the treetops<br /><br />swayed gently<br /><br />with no shadow of fear.<br /><br />I wanted to flee from the white sky<br /><br />but the small garden showed me signs<br /><br />that His mercy had not ceased.</span><br /><br /> <br /><br />Perhaps by spending some time in nature, or in silence, we can learn something about our own true nature. And we will see that life is full of innumerable miracles in our own time, perhaps hidden just below the surface of "ordinary" reality. <br /><br />I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. If you have something to add to the discussion, I invite you to visit my blog page and let me know what you think. <br /><br />I'm looking forward to spending this upcoming weekend in CT. I will be doing services on Friday evening and Saturday morning and concerts on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Please check the show listings below for more details.<br /><br />Speaking of modern miracles, my college a cappella group, The Tufts Beelzebubs, will be appearing tonight and (hopefully) tomorrow night and Monday on the NBC show, "The Sing-Off." Check your local listings. If you enjoy a cappella music, or the show, "Glee," you will definitely get a kick of this show. And remember to vote for the Bubs if they make the finals. =-) <br /><br />In song,<br /><br />Todd<br /><br /> <br /><br /> *Please note that all "Shows" listed at Temple Solel are actually Shabbat Services, unless otherwise notated.<br /><br /><br />"'Bridging The Gap' wins Best Jewish Album of 2009 in the Just Plain Folks Music Awards!" — Just Plain Folks<br /><br />"Todd's song "You and I" (peformed by saxophonist Michael Lington) reaches #2 on the Smooth Jazz Charts!" — Billboard <br /><br />"Todd has the voice of an angel. His heart is pure, and he has a unique spirit that wanders into the soul and inspires all who are privileged to hear him." — Craig Taubman<br /><br />"Your CD is a triumph and is easily one of the best Jewish releases of the year." — Sam Glaser, Jewish ArtistTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-90603560051695030962009-12-01T10:57:00.000-08:002009-12-01T11:01:08.287-08:00Practicing LifeIt's hard to believe that we're coming to the end of another calendar year. It seems like the days just fly by. When I was younger, each day seemed to stretch on forever. I remember having a hard time going to sleep without knowing what events were planned for the coming day. These days, it seems difficult to find the time to do all of the things that I WANT to do, while keeping up with the things I HAVE to do.<br /> <br /><br />I realize that one of the most important things I can do with my time is to prioritize those things that really matter to me. I just finished reading a book called "Talent Is Overrated" by Geoff Colvin. In it, he explores what the determining factors are for excellence in any given field. What he finds is that regardless of any myths we have been told about being "born with a gift" in a particular area, without exception it is those individuals who put in countless hours of practice, research and study in a given field are the ones who rise to stardom and notoriety. But beyond just putting in the hours, the type of practice that these people do pushes them beyond their current abilities and outside of their existing comfort zone. They have to be willing to fail repeatedly in order to achieve their highest ambitions.<br /><br /> <br />What would it be like if we applied this philosophy to our relationships? What if we had to go beyond what we knew we were capable of in order to communicate with and support the ones we love? Or what if we applied this same philosophy to the workplace? How many of us are willing to put ourselves out there for possible failure and rejection in order to stretch the boundaries of our professional life? How much time, effort and risk are we willing to put into these areas of huge consequence in our lives?<br /><br /><br />Perhaps the more important question is: what if we DON'T take the risks needed to become the best possible spouses, siblings, parents, creators, workers, human beings we can be? Is playing it safe really that safe in the long run? I encourage all of us to think about not just the time we are putting in, but also how much of our SELVES we are putting into our everyday activities. Perhaps we would be richer for the experience...<br /><br /> <br />I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. If you have something to add to the discussion, I invite you to comment on this post and let me know what you think.<br /><br /> <br />For those of you on the East coast, I will be traveling to Connecticut in a couple of weeks and then to Boston at the end of January. Please check the tour dates below for more information. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving, and I look forward to seeing you soon!<br /><br /> <br />In song,<br /><br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-13322001016470454922009-10-07T11:03:00.001-07:002009-10-07T11:04:06.231-07:00What's It Good For?When I was a teenager and one of my favorite groups put out a new album, I would head out to the mall, get a copy of the record (I know I'm dating myself here, but yes these were the vinyl kinds that are now "retro" popular), put the album on the turntable, pull out the liner notes and start learning the lyrics to all of the songs. I would put my headphones on, or blast the music in my room and immerse myself in the sounds and the messages of the music.<br /><br />Nowadays, it seems like music has to have some sort of utilitarian purpose in order for it to be worthwhile. Music, in and of itself, does not seem to have inherent value. We listen to music while we are driving in the car, working out, while we're doing our homework or having coffee with friends. It has become a "lifestyle choice" rather than simply entertainment for its own sake. <br /><br />I have seen much dialogue in the Jewish world about this type of thing as well. My colleagues on the different listserves are constantly asking one another - "Do you have any good music for Sukkot?" or "What are you using for your High Holiday theme this year?" I admit that I am as guilty of this as the next person. And perhaps there are times when music rightly serves a very specific function as is the case in liturgical music. <br /><br />But what I am wondering is - are there still people who enjoy stopping everything else that's going on in their lives and really focusing in on a beautiful melody or a well-crafted lyric? Or is this a symptom of something larger in our lives? Are we so busy multi-tasking that it has become difficult for us to just do one thing at a time?<br /><br />I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. If you have something to add to the discussion, I invite you to visit my blog page and let me know what you think.<br /><br />I hope you are all having a relaxing and thoughtful week, and I look forward to seeing you in person sometime soon...<br /><br />In song,<br /><br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-41177169902150486312009-09-15T12:44:00.000-07:002009-09-15T12:51:54.050-07:00The Power of MusicRecently, I had the privilege of taking part in the Just Plain Folks Music Awards. I went to the Wild Horse Saloon in Nashville, TN and joined 600 other musicians and industry veterans in a celebration of a widely diverse collection of music, spoken word and instrumental songs. Over 42,000 albums and 561,000 songs were submitted for consideration. I am proud to say that from among this wealth of talent, my 'Bridging The Gap' album was named Best Jewish Album for 2009. And my song "Give Me The Strength" came in #3 in the Best Pop Song category. Beyond the wonderful feeling of recognition for much hard work, this particular awards process means a great deal to me because of the one question judges are asked to answer:<br /><br />"Does the music move you?" <br /><br />A deceptively simple mechanism for screening material, but one that gets at the heart of what music is all about for me. The question of whether the song is a "hit" or whether there is a "market" for the material is secondary to the power that music has to create lasting and profound change in its listeners as well as for its creators. <br /><br />I would like to share with you another piece of positive feedback I received recently that means as much, if not more, to me than any award. It comes from a parent of one the preschool students at Temple Solel where I do music on Thursday mornings:<br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"One important element in our decision to choose Solel for our daughter's care, was the varied stimulation the children receive each day. However, Thursday stands out as "the big day" in our daughters life at Solel - and that is because she gets to dance, watch, and listen to you! I cannot tell you the difference in her personality when I pick her up on Thursday afternoon - she is giggling and full of smiles (and I'd swear she is playing an air guitar).<br /><br />Todd, that is result of the time you provide to the pre-school children and your super personality and talent. I am confident the other children enjoy you as much as (our daughter) (although I think she may be your biggest "little" fan!)"</span><br /><br />To me, this type of feedback reminds me of why I became involved with music in the first place. Music is such an amazing vehicle for conveying the emotions and appreciation of life that are so often difficult to put into words. I am very aware of the awesome responsibility that this power carries with it, and try to do my best to always use that power for good.<br /><br />I wish all of you a very uplifting and musical week. To those of you celebrating the Jewish New Year, a Shana Tova u'mtukah!<br /><br />In song,<br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-89031767430546929742009-08-05T14:15:00.001-07:002009-08-05T14:15:55.627-07:00Timeless MelodiesLast week I attended a conference called Mifgash Musicale on the campus of Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, OH. It was a great opportunity to meet other synagogue musicians, to learn new melodies and to delve more deeply into the liturgy and traditions found in the Jewish religion. One area of study that I found particularly interesting was the concept of 'nusach.'<br /><br />Nusach is the system of musical modes used to identify the particular service or time of year. There are different melodies for each of the festivals, for Friday night and Saturday morning services, and the mode even switches from one part of the service to the next. The idea was for someone just walking into the room to know exactly what time, and what time of year, it was. As we know, music has an amazing power to connect us to one another, to our emotions and immediately transport us back to that time and place where we first heard it. Remember that junior high dance and listening to 'Stairway to Heaven?' Or that party where all your friends shook on the floor to 'Shout?' Or maybe it was the song you shared with your college sweetheart.<br /><br />Music is one of those unique gifts that makes us human. I encourage you to listen to music that makes you feel good and reminds you of good times, past and present. <br /><br />In song,<br />ToddTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037073502775346556.post-43506825909150504212009-07-21T22:19:00.000-07:002009-07-21T22:20:05.886-07:00Leaving TracesLast week I had the opportunity to visit St. Louis to be the artist-in-residence for the Jewish Community Center (JCC) day camp. I worked with kids from ages 4-14, taught them some of my music and had the chance to interact with the community in St. Louis. I had a great time and met a number of new people. I also was able to sample some of the local culture - like tasting Ted Drewe's custard, visiting the downtown area near Washington University, eating at some local restaurants and driving through the neighborhoods that make up this wonderful city on the banks of the MIssissippi and Missouri Rivers.<br /><br />As the name of the town suggests, it continues in the tradition of the French settlers who claimed this area. The names of the streets, the style of the architecture represent a legacy that has descended through the ages. It made me think about the way that the language and culture that surround us really impacts the way we see the world. The words we use express unique ideas and play a large part in shaping who we are. Can we use our words to create the type of world we envision for ourselves?<br /><br />This ties into some ideas from a book I am currently reading - Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. In this book, he talks about how cultures pass down values and traditions from one generation to the next. He explores why some people are wildly successful, while others toil in obscurity. A large part of the success comes from hard work (10,000 hours in a given discipline to be precise), but there are historical and social factors factors which also come into play. Perhaps by becoming aware of the traces of our own heritage, we can bring these things into our consciousness. We can build upon the strengths of our past and hopefully learn from the mistakes of our ancestors to achieve whatever success looks like in our own time and culture.<br /><br />In deep thought,<br />Todd<br /><br />ps. I wanted to share some good news: I am currently nominated for 9 awards (in 6 different categories representing songs from 3 different albums) in the Just Plain Folks Music Awards. This is a wonderful organization which hosts the largest awards process in the world, and I am honored to be among those nominated. I will be heading to Nashville at the end of August for the awards ceremony... so wish me luck! To find out more, please visit www.jpfolks.com.<br /><br />http://www.reverbnation.com/toddherzogTodd Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06733986195931214951noreply@blogger.com0