Title: Forever


Author: Phyllis Blackman


 


 


         As Jews, we are all cognizant of the Torah dictum to “honor our father and mother,” yet in our self-centered and fast-paced society, we often neglect to make time to fulfill this important mitzvah. At worst, we find ourselves in contentious relationships with our parents, never really giving them the appreciation and respect they rightly deserve.


         In her new single CD entitled, “Forever,” singer and songwriter Phyllis Blackman speaks of our parents as “a gift from G-d” and it is her fervent wish that her new songs serve as a vehicle to bring people closer to their parents.

 

         Blackman says, “Whatever your relationship is now, it can be so much better with just a little more awareness and effort. It is a decision you make and live every day. The rewards are very great and it is not really as difficult as one might think. No one can make your parents more happy or miserable than you, an awesome position to havemy parents are gone now but their memory and the gifts they gave me will last forever. I wanted to honor their memory by writing these songs and I have dedicated this CD to them and to all our parents.”

 

         The CD was released on Father’s day.

 

         The first song, “Forever,” is written for Phyllis’ mom, Lillian Blackman a”h whom she describes as the embodiment of grace and kindness. It is a sweet stirring melody complete with violins and Blackman’s angelic voice.

 

         In tribute to her late father, Sol Blackman, zt”l, Phyllis’ song “Oh Dad” speaks of their special relationship and her great appreciation of his devotion. Phyllis recalls, “I wrote this song for his birthday and when he was sick in the hospital I brought my guitar and played it at his bedside. When he couldn’t talk, he would tap his foot to it and when he died I read the words as his eulogy. This song is very personal and special to me.”

 

         “Forever” joins “Come Home” – Blackman’s first full length CD released November 2007, which includes 12 tracks of beautiful spiritual folk music asking Jews to return to G-d.

 

         “Forever” can be heard on the musical website CDbaby.com. For more information please e-mail [email protected].

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Fern Sidman is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn.