Rebecca: Reviews/Press

"Hi Rebecca,

I want to thank you so much for playing at Jonah’s service on Saturday night. You are AMAZING!! Having you there gave the service all of the warmth that we wanted. Everyone raved about you and your beautiful voice. As you know, I was on the fence about whether or not it was necessary to have you there. It was the “icing on the cake” - it made a beautiful evening absolutely perfect!!! Thanks so much for being there."

"Hi Rebecca,

I can't stop listening to your new album. You are really connected...WOW!!! I'm even singing D'ror Yikra around the house and I never really sang that before. Only a Matter of Time is simply divine and your Elohai. Everyone loved the Mizmor Shir. Thank you for filling my heart with such inspiration and beauty...it's important for you to know how effective your music is. Everyone is excited to get your cd...keep inspiring us."

"Dear Ms. Schwartz:
On behalf of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Volunteers for Israel, I want to thank you so much for coming to entertain our group recently. It was a real pleasure to listen to you - to your singing and your accompaniment and your explanations. You really held the audience in the palm of your hand. It was a most enjoyable evening, and we thank you so much! This was our first meeting of the season, and you certainly got us off to a delightful start!"

A snippet from a Crane Lake songleaders' song session at Hava Nashira 2007, featuring Rebecca, Nick Burka, Jona Muchin, and Sara Kheel

"Dear Rebecca,
I could not end this night without writing to tell you how much pleasure you gave (us) at tonight's concert. You were absolutely wonderful in every way; your voice, your music and your personality that fuses it together. You are one charming, talented lady!! So please keep writing and singing for us. Congratulations on a great performance!!"

"The music the temple was using was very hard to read, some from an old hymnal copied many times. At first, I started looking through the pianist’s folder and the plan was to replace old copies with good, clean, easy to read music. It also made it difficult for me to read because I could not read the transliteration. The first song I found that was a match was your “Yigdal.” I also liked how you put your inspiration for the song, the English interpretation and the Hebrew on the music. When I heard “Yigdal” I knew that the singer at the temple would probably like it. Sure enough – she LOVED IT! Then I started listening to all the songs I could find that matched the ones in the folder (primarily Shabbat music) and I kept coming back to your music because it was the most singable and easy to learn. I have found others as well, but I have purchased yours the most. The other lady who sings at the temple specifically e-mailed me back about the “Sim Shalom.” She said it was “awesome!” They are excited about all the new music."

2006 Just Plain Folks Music Awards
Winners Announced!

(Rebecca is thrilled to be among the winners for Best Jewish Song.)

"Hi Rebecca,

I have recently been downloading songs from oySongs.com and discovered you. I have downloaded 24 of your songs, mostly from The Light of Shabbat and Ahavah Rabah. You have such a beautiful and inspiring voice and a wonderful talent for writing...simply DIVINE. I facilitate a Kabbalah study group in Maine and I usually sing a lot of the prayers like Y'did Nefesh, Yih'yu L'ratzon and Modim. I'm now learning your tunes so we can have a variety for these age-old songs. I wanted to write you and tell you how inspiring you are and thank you for sharing your gift with the world. With prayer and song I know we can all change it for the better."

"Relaxing and uplifting, Rebecca's music creates a beautiful atmosphere. I was amazed at how the songs can affect even someone who doesn't celebrate the traditions and transport the listener to another place. Whether you are looking for Hebrew music, or just interested in being moved by songs with real spirit, Rebecca will touch your soul. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"

Shalshelet Festival Reviews

"She's got the music in her: Composer Rebecca Schwartz, who teaches music to kids - she even has her own CD of Hebrew tunes out - has been named a winner in Shalshelet's first 'Festival of New Liturgical Music' for her tuneful interpretation of 'Yedid Nefesh.' Schwartz will perform the new work next month, along with 15 other festive winners at a concert in Chevy Chase, MD."

Shalshelet Festival Announcement

"I am finally listening to your beautiful CD ("The Light of Shabbat"). It's perfect. I love the Or Chadash - to me it's the crowning jewel of your collection. Your breathing alone is something to learn from - but your control, your range is just exquisite. I love the Yism'chu. Your range really shines on that one. Guitar playing is strong, and I was convinced you had a hired guy in there, but it's YOU! Awesome! I like the vocal arrangements, the counter melodies and harmonies you employ - the whole production is perfect. I love your Sim Shalom. Simple, emotional, easy to learn, but still wholly original and interesting. Mazal tov, and best of luck with this gorgeous album. It's in my "heavy Shabbat rotation" here in LA."

"Your work ("The Light of Shabbat") is really lovely! It is seldom that someone has the whole package...great songs, memorable melodies, super production and class! I lead a lot of services and know that I will be integrating many of your songs into our services."