🌷 Celebrating Mother’s Day Through Song

“אמא (Ima) – Mother”

By Jason Hecht

Mother’s Day invites us to pause and honor the women whose love shapes our lives in ways both gentle and profound.

In Israeli music, few songs capture that devotion as powerfully as “אמא (Ima) – Mother,” performed so movingly by Shlomi Shabat and Yossi Azulai in their unforgettable Caesarea duet. Recorded live in 2006 at the iconic Caesarea Amphitheater, their voices—one warm and soulful, the other steeped in cantorial tradition—blend into a tribute that feels both intimate and universal.

At its heart, “Ima” is a song of gratitude. The lyrics speak of a mother who walks beside her child “for the length of the journey,” offering warmth, protection and unconditional love. She is the one who wraps her child in comfort, who knows the secrets of the heart, who gives endlessly without regret. Even in moments of fear or uncertainty, the mother’s embrace becomes a source of strength and healing.

The Caesarea performance adds another layer of emotion. Under the open sky, with thousands singing along, the song becomes a communal prayer—an expression of appreciation for the women who nurtured us, guided us and helped us become who we are.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day within our FJMC community, “Ima” reminds us that honoring our mothers is not just a personal act—it is a Jewish value. It is kavod, respect. It is hakarat hatov, recognizing the good. And it is a chance to say, in the simplest and most heartfelt way: “Thank you, Ima.”

May this song inspire each of us to reach out, remember and celebrate the women who have given us so much. Here is the translation of the song: https://lyricstranslate.com/en/ima-%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%90-mother.html-1

“Ima” Song:

🎤 Eurovision, Israel, and the Song “Michele”

This month also brings the excitement of the Eurovision Song Contest, where countries across Europe and beyond share their music with the world. Israel continues its proud tradition of participating, and this year’s entry is the emotional and compelling song “Michele.”

“Michele” tells a story of longing, memory and the people who shape our lives — themes that resonate deeply during Mother’s Day. Just as “Ima” honors the love and strength of mothers, “Michele” reflects the powerful impact of those who guide us, support us and stay in our hearts no matter where life takes us.

One of the most exciting aspects of Eurovision today is that people in the United States — and viewers in many other non‑participating countries — can now take part in the voting. Through esc.vote, anyone outside the competing nations can cast a vote for a small fee. This global participation turns the contest into a shared celebration of music, culture, and connection.

As we honor mothers this month, Eurovision reminds us how music can carry our stories across borders. Whether through the timeless beauty of “Ima” or the modern emotional landscape of “Michele,” these songs lift our spirits and connect us to one another.

Jason Hecht is FJMC International’s webmaster and part of the IT team, and also leads the FJMC Israeli and Jewish Music Affinity Group.