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'''Tamid Ohev Oti''' ("Always Loves Me") is a Hebrew song originally released by Yair Elitzur on 18 June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-02 |title=How 'Tamid Ohev Oti' became an unlikely Israeli anthem of 2024 |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-831529 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> It has become very popular in Israel and among Jews around the world<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarr |first=Cindy |date=2024-11-26 |title=Better and Better |url=https://mishpacha.com/better-and-better/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> and is considered one of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Halfon |first=Ofer |date=2024-11-19 |title=עוד יותר טוב: אחרי חרבו דרבו ולצאת מדיכאון - זה ההמנון החדש של המלחמה |trans-title=Even better: After the sword and out of depression - this is the new anthem of the war |url=https://www.kan.org.il/content/kan-news/newstv/p-591147/826402/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-21 |title='Tamid Ohev Oti' unites Israel in a year of turmoil |url=https://ground.news/article/how-tamid-ohev-oti-became-an-unlikely-israeli-anthem-of-2024-conservative-angle |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Ground News |language=en}}</ref> | {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}'''Tamid Ohev Oti''' ("Always Loves Me") is a Hebrew song originally released by Yair Elitzur on 18 June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-02 |title=How 'Tamid Ohev Oti' became an unlikely Israeli anthem of 2024 |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-831529 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=2024-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220045720/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-831529 |url-status=live }}</ref> It has become very popular in Israel and among Jews around the world<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarr |first=Cindy |date=2024-11-26 |title=Better and Better |url=https://mishpacha.com/better-and-better/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> and is considered one of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Halfon |first=Ofer |date=2024-11-19 |title=עוד יותר טוב: אחרי חרבו דרבו ולצאת מדיכאון - זה ההמנון החדש של המלחמה |trans-title=Even better: After the sword and out of depression - this is the new anthem of the war |url=https://www.kan.org.il/content/kan-news/newstv/p-591147/826402/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he |archive-date=2024-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203204350/https://www.kan.org.il/content/kan-news/newstv/p-591147/826402/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-21 |title='Tamid Ohev Oti' unites Israel in a year of turmoil |url=https://ground.news/article/how-tamid-ohev-oti-became-an-unlikely-israeli-anthem-of-2024-conservative-angle |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Ground News |language=en}}</ref> | ||
The song's view has been widely criticized by rabbis, journalists, and scholars.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-12-01 |title="אפיקורסות" או "אמונה עמוקה": סערה סביב הלהיט שכבש את המגזר החרדי |
The song's view has been widely criticized by rabbis, journalists, and scholars.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-12-01 |title="אפיקורסות" או "אמונה עמוקה": סערה סביב הלהיט שכבש את המגזר החרדי |trans-title="Epicurosity" or "deep faith": A storm surrounding the hit that captured the Haredi sector |url=https://www.bhol.co.il/news/1679870 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216144728/https://www.bhol.co.il/news/1679870 |archive-date=2024-12-16 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Behadrei Haredim |language=he}}</ref> | ||
== Background == | == Background == | ||
Yair Elitzur, an Israeli singer, was asked by his rabbi, ], to write a song using the words that were often said by Arush: "God, blessed is He, may He always love me and may He always be good to me." Arush |
Yair Elitzur, an Israeli singer, was asked by his rabbi, ], to write a song using the words that were often said by Arush: "God, blessed is He, may He always love me and may He always be good to me." Arush added, "Whoever says these words with joy, God will always do him only good, this is a promise! Heaven will guide him to have only good and even better and even better."<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL_J9AJxhRc&feature=youtu.be |title=עוד יותר טוב! הגרסה החסידית // מוטי וייס שמילי אונגר וגרשי אורי בהופעה חיה Od Yoter Tov Live |date=2024-10-29 |last=Yiddishe Ideas - יידישע ידיעות |access-date=2024-12-21 |via=YouTube}}</ref> | ||
Elitzur composed the song, together with Rabbi Oren Levi. Its musical production was handled by Ohad Darshan. In an early performance before the song was released, it was called ''Yesh Emunah'' in reference to his previous song ''Ein Nechama''.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtnGQ8v12eY |title=יאיר אלייצור {{!}} תמיד אוהב אותי {{!}} (לייב באולפן) |date=2024-01-31 |last=הרב שלום ארוש {{!}} הערוץ הרשמי {{!}} BreslevTV |access-date=2024-12-21 |via=YouTube}}</ref> | Elitzur composed the song, together with Rabbi Oren Levi. Its musical production was handled by Ohad Darshan. In an early performance before the song was released, it was called ''Yesh Emunah'' in reference to his previous song ''Ein Nechama''.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtnGQ8v12eY |title=יאיר אלייצור {{!}} תמיד אוהב אותי {{!}} (לייב באולפן) |date=2024-01-31 |last=הרב שלום ארוש {{!}} הערוץ הרשמי {{!}} BreslevTV |access-date=2024-12-21 |via=YouTube |archive-date=2024-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215013138/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=qtnGQ8v12eY |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
The song describes hope, a deep and unwavering faith in the relationship between man and God, focusing on His unconditional love. The speaker in the song expresses feelings of affection, compassion, and support that he receives from God both in moments of crisis and weakness and in joy and happiness. He believes that God sees his own good intentions, even when in reality his actions fail. In addition, the speaker asks God for various blessings such as livelihood, good health, and happiness. Arush said in an interview that "God surprised me that the song caught on so well with the entire Jewish people."<ref>{{Cite web |title="השם הפתיע אותי": הרב שלום ארוש על השיר שמשגע את המדינה |trans-title="The Lord surprised me": Rabbi Shalom Arush on the song that is driving the country crazy |url=https://www.tv2000.co.il/video/219664 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Arutz 2000 |language=he}}</ref> | The song describes hope, a deep and unwavering faith in the relationship between man and God, focusing on His unconditional love. The speaker in the song expresses feelings of affection, compassion, and support that he receives from God both in moments of crisis and weakness and in joy and happiness. He believes that God sees his own good intentions, even when in reality his actions fail. In addition, the speaker asks God for various blessings such as livelihood, good health, and happiness. Arush said in an interview that "God surprised me that the song caught on so well with the entire Jewish people."<ref>{{Cite web |title="השם הפתיע אותי": הרב שלום ארוש על השיר שמשגע את המדינה |trans-title="The Lord surprised me": Rabbi Shalom Arush on the song that is driving the country crazy |url=https://www.tv2000.co.il/video/219664 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Arutz 2000 |language=he |archive-date=2024-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209080434/https://www.tv2000.co.il/video/219664 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
== Reception == | == Reception == | ||
{{As of|2024|11}}, the song has more than 3.3 million views. The song |
{{As of|2024|11}}, the song has more than 3.3 million views. The song was voted Song of the Year 2024 by streaming app 24Six<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rewind 2024 is Here & Voting Results |url=https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=7d4285960b7bb3426dbbcb895&id=22dd88a702&e=b854ce833e |access-date=2024-12-26 |publisher=24Six |publication-date=2024-12-25 |via=]}}</ref> and Song of the Year 5784 in the annual music chart of Israeli radio station ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=אתם קבעתם! אלה תוצאות המצעד המוזיקה הגדול לשנת תשפ"ד של "קול ברמה" |trans-title=You've decided! These are the results of the big music list for 5784 by "Kol Berama" |url=https://kol-barama.co.il/item/%D7%90%D7%AA%D7%9D-%D7%91%D7%97%D7%A8%D7%AA%D7%9D-%D7%90%D7%AA%D7%9D-%D7%A7%D7%91%D7%A2%D7%AA%D7%9D-%D7%90%D7%9C%D7%94-%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%A6%D7%90%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%A6%D7%A2%D7%93-%D7%94/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he-IL}}</ref> | ||
On December 17, Elitzur said in an interview on Israeli Patriots show that he created the song at the request of his rabbi in order to fulfill his duty, but he was not impressed by it at first: "And this song, forgive me for telling you, as far as I'm concerned, was very stupid."<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajYG9kx3MRo |title="עוד יותר טוב": אלייצור, הזמר שחתום על הלהיט שהפך את המדינה - מרים את הפטריוטים |date=2024-12-16 |last=עכשיו 14 |access-date=2024-12-21 |via=YouTube}}</ref> | On December 17, Elitzur said in an interview on Israeli Patriots show that he created the song at the request of his rabbi in order to fulfill his duty, but he was not impressed by it at first: "And this song, forgive me for telling you, as far as I'm concerned, was very stupid."<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajYG9kx3MRo |title="עוד יותר טוב": אלייצור, הזמר שחתום על הלהיט שהפך את המדינה - מרים את הפטריוטים |date=2024-12-16 |last=עכשיו 14 |access-date=2024-12-21 |via=YouTube |archive-date=2024-12-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218203839/https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=ioAz0zC3PQVJF6tQ&v=ajYG9kx3MRo&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Kobi Peretz released a ] of the song in which he sang along with Rabbi Arush.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFX4ErUkKYc |title=קובי פרץ & הרב שלום ארוש - שיר האמונה / ה׳ יתברך (Prod. by Yaaqov Lamay & Or Cohen) - קאבר |date=2024-10-13 |last=KobiPeretzOfficial |access-date=2024-12-21 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Itzik Dadya also released a cover of the song.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-8JfR9_LFA |title=Itzik Dadya - Tamid Ohev Oti (Cover) {{!}} איציק דדיה - תמיד אוהב אותי (קאבר) |date=2024-10-20 |last=איציק דדיה - הערוץ הרשמי |access-date=2024-12-21 |via=YouTube}}</ref> A ] cover was performed by Shloime Kolasky together with Yoeli Klein and Levi Falkowitz.<ref>{{Cite web |title=- YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P41jdPhvHoM |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> Singers Yoeli Davidovitz and Shuki Goldstein also released a ] version of the song with lyrics from the original.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=שמחת יום טוב - גירסה מבריקה ל"תמיד אוהב אותי" |url=https://www.tv2000.co.il/article/44660 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website= |
Kobi Peretz released a ] of the song in which he sang along with Rabbi Arush.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFX4ErUkKYc |title=קובי פרץ & הרב שלום ארוש - שיר האמונה / ה׳ יתברך (Prod. by Yaaqov Lamay & Or Cohen) - קאבר |date=2024-10-13 |last=KobiPeretzOfficial |access-date=2024-12-21 |via=YouTube |archive-date=2024-11-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124153630/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFX4ErUkKYc&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Itzik Dadya also released a cover of the song.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-8JfR9_LFA |title=Itzik Dadya - Tamid Ohev Oti (Cover) {{!}} איציק דדיה - תמיד אוהב אותי (קאבר) |date=2024-10-20 |last=איציק דדיה - הערוץ הרשמי |access-date=2024-12-21 |via=YouTube}}</ref> A ] cover was performed by Shloime Kolasky together with Yoeli Klein and Levi Falkowitz.<ref>{{Cite web |title=- YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P41jdPhvHoM |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=www.youtube.com |archive-date=2024-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221232353/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P41jdPhvHoM&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Singers Yoeli Davidovitz and Shuki Goldstein also released a ] version of the song with lyrics from the original.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=שמחת יום טוב - גירסה מבריקה ל"תמיד אוהב אותי" |trans-title=Simchas Yom Tov - A brilliant version of Tamid Ohev Oti |url=https://www.tv2000.co.il/article/44660 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Arutz 2000 |language=he}}</ref> | ||
On September 17, Israeli singer Sasson Shaulov released a cover version of the song, as a single off an album.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgSvk335zis |title=ששון איפרם שאולוב - תמיד אוהב אותי Prod. By Eli Keshet & Shai Reuveni (קאבר) |date=2024-09-17 |last=ששון איפרם שאולוב |access-date=2024-12-21 |via=YouTube}}</ref> His version was more successful than the original, reaching number one on Israeli song charts. Elitzur, the original performer of the song, said he had no interest in honor and that the main thing was that the people of Israel be happy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=עניין אישי והפעם עם יאיר אלִיצוּר |trans-title=A personal matter and this time with Yair Elitzur |url=https://www.inn.co.il/news/654412 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he}}</ref> In an interview with ], he said that after releasing the song, he waited for a cover to be released to publicize the song.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Boker |first=Ran |date=2024-11-25 |title=ששון שאולוב, הזמר החרדי, והרב שכתב - כך נולד להיט המדינה: "העיקר שישמחו" |trans-title=Sasson Shaulov, the Haredi singer, and the rabbi who wrote - this is how the national hit was born: "The main thing is that they be happy." |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/entertainment/article/hjxz4211qkg |access-date=2024-12-21 |work=] |language=he}}</ref> | On September 17, Israeli singer Sasson Shaulov released a cover version of the song, as a single off an album.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgSvk335zis |title=ששון איפרם שאולוב - תמיד אוהב אותי Prod. By Eli Keshet & Shai Reuveni (קאבר) |date=2024-09-17 |last=ששון איפרם שאולוב |access-date=2024-12-21 |via=YouTube |archive-date=2024-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215192143/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgSvk335zis |url-status=live }}</ref> His version was more successful than the original, reaching number one on Israeli song charts. Elitzur, the original performer of the song, said he had no interest in honor and that the main thing was that the people of Israel be happy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=עניין אישי והפעם עם יאיר אלִיצוּר |trans-title=A personal matter and this time with Yair Elitzur |url=https://www.inn.co.il/news/654412 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he |archive-date=2024-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208011410/https://www.inn.co.il/news/654412 |url-status=live }}</ref> In an interview with ], he said that after releasing the song, he waited for a cover to be released to publicize the song.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Boker |first=Ran |date=2024-11-25 |title=ששון שאולוב, הזמר החרדי, והרב שכתב - כך נולד להיט המדינה: "העיקר שישמחו" |trans-title=Sasson Shaulov, the Haredi singer, and the rabbi who wrote - this is how the national hit was born: "The main thing is that they be happy." |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/entertainment/article/hjxz4211qkg |access-date=2024-12-21 |work=] |language=he |archive-date=2024-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220090458/https://www.ynet.co.il/entertainment/article/hjxz4211qkg |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
== Criticism == | == Criticism == | ||
The song is criticized for presenting a distorted image of hope and ]. The song claims that since God loves man, it is inevitable that man will be well, which contradicts the prevailing view in Judaism, expressed, for example, in the words of the ]: "An old error has become ingrained in the hearts of many in the concept of security... It is obligatory to believe - in every case that man encounters and faces an uncertain future... because good will surely come."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-11-25 |title=ויהיה לי עוד יותר טוב? האם מילות הפסקול העכשווי מתכתבות עם שיטת... |trans-title=And It'll Be Even Better? Do the words of the contemporary soundtrack correspond with the method... |url=https://www.kikar.co.il/judaism/sni8l0 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Professor Dov Schwartz wrote that the poem represents the Hasidic approach to the degree of security.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Monitz |first=Shmuel |date=2024-12-03 |title=האם "השם יתברך תמיד אוהב אותי ותמיד יהיה לי רק טוב"? תלוי את מי שואלים |trans-title=Does "God Almighty always loves me and will always have only good things for me" depend on who you ask? |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/judaism/article/sjdfmg5m1l |access-date=2024-12-21 |work=] |language=he}}</ref> | The song is criticized for presenting a distorted image of hope and ]. The song claims that since God loves man, it is inevitable that man will be well, which contradicts the prevailing view in Judaism, expressed, for example, in the words of the ]: "An old error has become ingrained in the hearts of many in the concept of security... It is obligatory to believe - in every case that man encounters and faces an uncertain future... because good will surely come."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-11-25 |title=ויהיה לי עוד יותר טוב? האם מילות הפסקול העכשווי מתכתבות עם שיטת... |trans-title=And It'll Be Even Better? Do the words of the contemporary soundtrack correspond with the method... |url=https://www.kikar.co.il/judaism/sni8l0 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he |archive-date=2024-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209080922/https://www.kikar.co.il/judaism/sni8l0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Professor Dov Schwartz wrote that the poem represents the Hasidic approach to the degree of security.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Monitz |first=Shmuel |date=2024-12-03 |title=האם "השם יתברך תמיד אוהב אותי ותמיד יהיה לי רק טוב"? תלוי את מי שואלים |trans-title=Does "God Almighty always loves me and will always have only good things for me" depend on who you ask? |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/judaism/article/sjdfmg5m1l |access-date=2024-12-21 |work=] |language=he |archive-date=2024-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220064512/https://www.ynet.co.il/judaism/article/sjdfmg5m1l |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
This claim was repeated by Rabbi ] and Rabbi Avraham Deutsch, who also wrote that "the song is heresy."<ref>{{Cite web |title=השלאגר שמעורר סערה במגזר החרדי |trans-title=The hit that is causing a stir in the ultra-Orthodox sector |url=https://www.inn.co.il/news/654891 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-05 |title=מתנגדי השיר 'עוד יותר טוב' מקררים את האמבטיה |trans-title=Opponents of the song 'Even Better' are cooling the bath - Opinion column |url=https://www.bhol.co.il/news/1680222 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Behadrei Haredim |language=he}}</ref> Rabbi Arush responded to his words.<ref>{{Cite web |title=הרב ארוש סיפר: הרב שכתב נגד הלהיט "תמיד אוהב אותי" ביקש סליחה |trans-title=Rabbi Arush said: The rabbi who wrote against the hit "Always Love Me" asked for forgiveness |url=https://www.inn.co.il/news/655278 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-04 |title=שיחת הטלפון בין הרבנים והפיתרון המסתמן לשיר השנוי במחלוקת {{!}} כל הפרטים - |
This claim was repeated by Rabbi ] and Rabbi Avraham Deutsch, who also wrote that "the song is heresy."<ref>{{Cite web |title=השלאגר שמעורר סערה במגזר החרדי |trans-title=The hit that is causing a stir in the ultra-Orthodox sector |url=https://www.inn.co.il/news/654891 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he |archive-date=2024-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208072521/https://www.inn.co.il/news/654891 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-05 |title=מתנגדי השיר 'עוד יותר טוב' מקררים את האמבטיה |trans-title=Opponents of the song 'Even Better' are cooling the bath - Opinion column |url=https://www.bhol.co.il/news/1680222 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Behadrei Haredim |language=he |archive-date=2024-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223194308/https://www.bhol.co.il/news/1680222 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rabbi Arush responded to his words.<ref>{{Cite web |title=הרב ארוש סיפר: הרב שכתב נגד הלהיט "תמיד אוהב אותי" ביקש סליחה |trans-title=Rabbi Arush said: The rabbi who wrote against the hit "Always Love Me" asked for forgiveness |url=https://www.inn.co.il/news/655278 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |archive-date=2024-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208014706/https://www.inn.co.il/news/655278 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-04 |title=שיחת הטלפון בין הרבנים והפיתרון המסתמן לשיר השנוי במחלוקת {{!}} כל הפרטים |trans-title=The phone conversation between the rabbis and the apparent solution to the controversial song {{!}} All the details |url=https://www.bhol.co.il/news/1680180 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205151048/https://www.bhol.co.il/news/1680180 |archive-date=2024-12-05 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Behadrey Haredim |language=he}}</ref> | ||
Dror Rafael criticized the song in ] and claimed that the song represses and ignores reality. Instead of dealing with the harsh reality of the world, it puts the listener into a utopian trance of "everything is fine."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-23 |title=האושר המוחלט: הלהיט שמשרת את המשך שלטונו של נתניהו |
Dror Rafael criticized the song in ] and claimed that the song represses and ignores reality. Instead of dealing with the harsh reality of the world, it puts the listener into a utopian trance of "everything is fine."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rafael |first=Dror |date=2024-11-23 |title=האושר המוחלט: הלהיט שמשרת את המשך שלטונו של נתניהו |trans-title=Absolute Happiness: The Hit That Serves Netanyahu's Continued Reign |url=https://www.maariv.co.il/journalists/article-1149700 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he}}</ref> Jonathan Rons and Aviad Markowitz in a column in ] wrote similar things, and added: "The song produces a much more brutal form of self-acceptance - repression. God becomes a good father who defends his bratty child, whom the singer plays. The metaphor in itself is ancient, but the execution is original. The child's evil here is clumsy and ridiculous: "I want to be good - I just can't." The child not only makes a mistake, but also fails to change, which causes him to try to start over again and again without success."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-29 |title=זאת מדורת השבט החדשה, סביבה הישראלים סוגדים לעצמם במסווה |trans-title=This is the new tribal campfire, around which the Israelis worship themselves in disguise |url=https://www.the7eye.org.il/533212 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241119183130/https://www.the7eye.org.il/533212 |archive-date=2024-11-19 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he-IL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-13 |title=השאלות שקורעות ופער הדורות: מה קורה בציונות הדתית? |trans-title=The questions that tear apart the generation gap: What is happening in religious Zionism? |url=https://www.kan.org.il/content/kan/podcasts/p-8262/824102/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he}}</ref> | ||
Rabbi ] agreed with the arguments but wrote that Elitzur's version is more subtle, according to him his fantasy is a conscious fantasy, his optimism is a prayer and not a general statement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.makorrishon.co.il/opinion/797788/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website= |
Rabbi ] agreed with the arguments but wrote that Elitzur's version is more subtle, according to him his fantasy is a conscious fantasy, his optimism is a prayer and not a general statement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=פנטזיה מודעת לעצמה: הטוויסט המפתיע בפסקול הישראלי |trans-title=Self-aware fantasy: The surprising twist in the Israeli soundtrack |url=https://www.makorrishon.co.il/opinion/797788/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206144640/https://www.makorrishon.co.il/opinion/797788/ |archive-date=2024-12-06 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=]}}</ref> In contrast, Rabbi ] wrote that the song is not a plea to God but a firm declaration, which errs both in placing reward as the focus of faith, and in the absolute assertion that God will always shower only good upon us.<ref>{{Cite web |title=לא תמיד יהיה לי עוד יותר טוב ועוד יותר טוב |trans-title=I won't always have better and better |url=https://www.makorrishon.co.il/opinion/797793/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=]}}</ref> | ||
Ravit Hecht, in a critical article in '']'', wrote that the experimental expectation in the song "reveals the depth of the individual's present-day plight; a well-dug pit, which deprives the solution of human ability."<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/00000193-4f7b-de14-a3b7-6ffbc5c30000 |website=]}}</ref> | Ravit Hecht, in a critical article in '']'', wrote that the experimental expectation in the song "reveals the depth of the individual's present-day plight; a well-dug pit, which deprives the solution of human ability."<ref>{{Cite web |title=עוד יותר טוב, ועוד יותר טוב, ועוד יותר טוב - דעות |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/00000193-4f7b-de14-a3b7-6ffbc5c30000 |website=]}}</ref> | ||
Yarden Avni, in a review column in '']'', wrote that the song is problematic because it relieves the person of self-criticism and activism regarding the situation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=למה ההמנון המרים "תמיד אוהב אותי" הוא בעצם שיר מייאש? |
Yarden Avni, in a review column in '']'', wrote that the song is problematic because it relieves the person of self-criticism and activism regarding the situation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=למה ההמנון המרים "תמיד אוהב אותי" הוא בעצם שיר מייאש? |trans-title=Why is the heartbreaking anthem "Always Love Me" actually a discouraging song? |url=https://www.calcalist.co.il/magazine/article/b1ekuvm7jx |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he}}</ref> | ||
] wrote about the context of the song to Rabbi ] and argued that the principle of security in ] is more complicated and holds that even if difficult things happen to a person, it is still defined as good because of the final outcome.<ref name=":0" |
] wrote about the context of the song to Rabbi ] and argued that the principle of security in ] is more complicated and holds that even if difficult things happen to a person, it is still defined as good because of the final outcome.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
Rabbi Ilai Ofran, in an interview with Ynet, claimed that the song's success stems from both its light music and the person's need to hear that they are loved. He also claimed that the song represents processes in religious society and shows an attitude of extreme individualism, self-interest that replaces values.<ref name=":0" /> | Rabbi Ilai Ofran, in an interview with Ynet, claimed that the song's success stems from both its light music and the person's need to hear that they are loved. He also claimed that the song represents processes in religious society and shows an attitude of extreme individualism, self-interest that replaces values.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
Rabbi Yoni Lavie wrote that the song was successful against a backdrop of despair due to the Iron Sword War . Like his predecessors, he criticized the perception of security and the childishness in the song. He also wrote that the song perceives God as "a protector" in contrast to the position of Judaism.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.inn.co.il/news/655183 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website= |
Rabbi Yoni Lavie wrote that the song was successful against a backdrop of despair due to the Iron Sword War . Like his predecessors, he criticized the perception of security and the childishness in the song. He also wrote that the song perceives God as "a protector" in contrast to the position of Judaism.<ref>{{Cite web |title="ועוד יותר טוב" – אמונה או אשליה |trans-title="And even better" – belief or illusion |url=https://www.inn.co.il/news/655183 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216214339/https://www.inn.co.il/news/655183 |archive-date=2024-12-16 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=]}}</ref> | ||
''Haaretz'' reporter Josh Breiner criticized the song, which expresses joy against the backdrop of the ] and ignores its 1,800 casualties.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/00000193-de8a-da9f-ad9b-fecb42e40000 |website=]}}</ref> | ''Haaretz'' reporter Josh Breiner criticized the song, which expresses joy against the backdrop of the ] and ignores its 1,800 casualties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1800 משפחות שכולות ועוד מאה משפחות חטופים, אבל השם תמיד אוהב אותי |trans-title=1800 bereaved families and another hundred kidnapped families, but God always loves me |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/00000193-de8a-da9f-ad9b-fecb42e40000 |website=]}}</ref> | ||
Amit Slonim wrote in a column on ] that the reviews of the song are irrelevant, because sometimes a cute song is a cute song that provides comfort to people. He continued by comparing the song to ] ]., which was successful despite its ridiculous lyrics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-19 |title="השם יתברך!": הסיבה האמיתית שבערוץ 14 אוהבים את הלהיט של ששון שאולוב - |
Amit Slonim wrote in a column on ] that the reviews of the song are irrelevant, because sometimes a cute song is a cute song that provides comfort to people. He continued by comparing the song to ] ]., which was successful despite its ridiculous lyrics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-19 |title="השם יתברך!": הסיבה האמיתית שבערוץ 14 אוהבים את הלהיט של ששון שאולוב |trans-title="Glory be to God!": The real reason why Channel 14 loves Sasson Shaulov's hit |url=https://e.walla.co.il/item/3712933 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221024808/https://e.walla.co.il/item/3712933 |archive-date=2024-12-21 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=he}}</ref> | ||
== References == | == References == |
Latest revision as of 03:16, 26 December 2024
2024 single by Yair Elitzur"Tamid Ohev Oti" | |
---|---|
Single by Yair Elitzur | |
Language | Hebrew |
Released | June 18, 2024 (2024-06-18) |
Songwriter(s) | Yair Elitzur, Shalom Arush |
Composer(s) | Yair Elitzur, Oren Levi |
Tamid Ohev Oti ("Always Loves Me") is a Hebrew song originally released by Yair Elitzur on 18 June 2024. It has become very popular in Israel and among Jews around the world and is considered one of the songs inspired by the Israel-Hamas war.
The song's view has been widely criticized by rabbis, journalists, and scholars.
Background
Yair Elitzur, an Israeli singer, was asked by his rabbi, Shalom Arush, to write a song using the words that were often said by Arush: "God, blessed is He, may He always love me and may He always be good to me." Arush added, "Whoever says these words with joy, God will always do him only good, this is a promise! Heaven will guide him to have only good and even better and even better."
Elitzur composed the song, together with Rabbi Oren Levi. Its musical production was handled by Ohad Darshan. In an early performance before the song was released, it was called Yesh Emunah in reference to his previous song Ein Nechama.
The song describes hope, a deep and unwavering faith in the relationship between man and God, focusing on His unconditional love. The speaker in the song expresses feelings of affection, compassion, and support that he receives from God both in moments of crisis and weakness and in joy and happiness. He believes that God sees his own good intentions, even when in reality his actions fail. In addition, the speaker asks God for various blessings such as livelihood, good health, and happiness. Arush said in an interview that "God surprised me that the song caught on so well with the entire Jewish people."
Reception
As of November 2024, the song has more than 3.3 million views. The song was voted Song of the Year 2024 by streaming app 24Six and Song of the Year 5784 in the annual music chart of Israeli radio station Kol BaRama.
On December 17, Elitzur said in an interview on Israeli Patriots show that he created the song at the request of his rabbi in order to fulfill his duty, but he was not impressed by it at first: "And this song, forgive me for telling you, as far as I'm concerned, was very stupid."
Kobi Peretz released a cover of the song in which he sang along with Rabbi Arush. Itzik Dadya also released a cover of the song. A Yiddish cover was performed by Shloime Kolasky together with Yoeli Klein and Levi Falkowitz. Singers Yoeli Davidovitz and Shuki Goldstein also released a Hasidic version of the song with lyrics from the original.
On September 17, Israeli singer Sasson Shaulov released a cover version of the song, as a single off an album. His version was more successful than the original, reaching number one on Israeli song charts. Elitzur, the original performer of the song, said he had no interest in honor and that the main thing was that the people of Israel be happy. In an interview with Ynet, he said that after releasing the song, he waited for a cover to be released to publicize the song.
Criticism
The song is criticized for presenting a distorted image of hope and confidence in God. The song claims that since God loves man, it is inevitable that man will be well, which contradicts the prevailing view in Judaism, expressed, for example, in the words of the Chazon Ish: "An old error has become ingrained in the hearts of many in the concept of security... It is obligatory to believe - in every case that man encounters and faces an uncertain future... because good will surely come." Professor Dov Schwartz wrote that the poem represents the Hasidic approach to the degree of security.
This claim was repeated by Rabbi Ezriel Auerbach and Rabbi Avraham Deutsch, who also wrote that "the song is heresy." Rabbi Arush responded to his words.
Dror Rafael criticized the song in Maariv and claimed that the song represses and ignores reality. Instead of dealing with the harsh reality of the world, it puts the listener into a utopian trance of "everything is fine." Jonathan Rons and Aviad Markowitz in a column in HaAyin HaShevi'it wrote similar things, and added: "The song produces a much more brutal form of self-acceptance - repression. God becomes a good father who defends his bratty child, whom the singer plays. The metaphor in itself is ancient, but the execution is original. The child's evil here is clumsy and ridiculous: "I want to be good - I just can't." The child not only makes a mistake, but also fails to change, which causes him to try to start over again and again without success."
Rabbi Avraham Stav agreed with the arguments but wrote that Elitzur's version is more subtle, according to him his fantasy is a conscious fantasy, his optimism is a prayer and not a general statement. In contrast, Rabbi Chaim Navon wrote that the song is not a plea to God but a firm declaration, which errs both in placing reward as the focus of faith, and in the absolute assertion that God will always shower only good upon us.
Ravit Hecht, in a critical article in Haaretz, wrote that the experimental expectation in the song "reveals the depth of the individual's present-day plight; a well-dug pit, which deprives the solution of human ability."
Yarden Avni, in a review column in Calcalist, wrote that the song is problematic because it relieves the person of self-criticism and activism regarding the situation.
Haviva Pedaya wrote about the context of the song to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and argued that the principle of security in Breslov is more complicated and holds that even if difficult things happen to a person, it is still defined as good because of the final outcome.
Rabbi Ilai Ofran, in an interview with Ynet, claimed that the song's success stems from both its light music and the person's need to hear that they are loved. He also claimed that the song represents processes in religious society and shows an attitude of extreme individualism, self-interest that replaces values.
Rabbi Yoni Lavie wrote that the song was successful against a backdrop of despair due to the Iron Sword War . Like his predecessors, he criticized the perception of security and the childishness in the song. He also wrote that the song perceives God as "a protector" in contrast to the position of Judaism.
Haaretz reporter Josh Breiner criticized the song, which expresses joy against the backdrop of the Israel–Hamas War and ignores its 1,800 casualties.
Amit Slonim wrote in a column on Walla that the reviews of the song are irrelevant, because sometimes a cute song is a cute song that provides comfort to people. He continued by comparing the song to Rosé's Apt., which was successful despite its ridiculous lyrics.
References
- "How 'Tamid Ohev Oti' became an unlikely Israeli anthem of 2024". Jerusalem Post. 2 December 2024. Archived from the original on 20 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- Scarr, Cindy (26 November 2024). "Better and Better". Mishpacha Magazine. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- Halfon, Ofer (19 November 2024). "עוד יותר טוב: אחרי חרבו דרבו ולצאת מדיכאון - זה ההמנון החדש של המלחמה" [Even better: After the sword and out of depression - this is the new anthem of the war]. Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (in Hebrew). Archived from the original on 3 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "'Tamid Ohev Oti' unites Israel in a year of turmoil". Ground News. 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ ""אפיקורסות" או "אמונה עמוקה": סערה סביב הלהיט שכבש את המגזר החרדי" ["Epicurosity" or "deep faith": A storm surrounding the hit that captured the Haredi sector]. Behadrei Haredim (in Hebrew). 1 December 2024. Archived from the original on 16 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- Yiddishe Ideas - יידישע ידיעות (29 October 2024). עוד יותר טוב! הגרסה החסידית // מוטי וייס שמילי אונגר וגרשי אורי בהופעה חיה Od Yoter Tov Live [COVER]. Retrieved 21 December 2024 – via YouTube.
- הרב שלום ארוש | הערוץ הרשמי | BreslevTV (31 January 2024). יאיר אלייצור | תמיד אוהב אותי | (לייב באולפן). Archived from the original on 15 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024 – via YouTube.
- ""השם הפתיע אותי": הרב שלום ארוש על השיר שמשגע את המדינה" ["The Lord surprised me": Rabbi Shalom Arush on the song that is driving the country crazy]. Arutz 2000 (in Hebrew). Archived from the original on 9 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "Rewind 2024 is Here & Voting Results". 24Six. 25 December 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024 – via Mailchimp.
- "אתם קבעתם! אלה תוצאות המצעד המוזיקה הגדול לשנת תשפ"ד של "קול ברמה"" [You've decided! These are the results of the big music list for 5784 by "Kol Berama"]. Kol BaRama (in Hebrew). Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- עכשיו 14 (16 December 2024). "עוד יותר טוב": אלייצור, הזמר שחתום על הלהיט שהפך את המדינה - מרים את הפטריוטים. Archived from the original on 18 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024 – via YouTube.
{{cite AV media}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - KobiPeretzOfficial (13 October 2024). קובי פרץ & הרב שלום ארוש - שיר האמונה / ה׳ יתברך (Prod. by Yaaqov Lamay & Or Cohen) - קאבר. Archived from the original on 24 November 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024 – via YouTube.
- איציק דדיה - הערוץ הרשמי (20 October 2024). Itzik Dadya - Tamid Ohev Oti (Cover) | איציק דדיה - תמיד אוהב אותי (קאבר). Retrieved 21 December 2024 – via YouTube.
- "- YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "שמחת יום טוב - גירסה מבריקה ל"תמיד אוהב אותי"" [Simchas Yom Tov - A brilliant version of Tamid Ohev Oti]. Arutz 2000 (in Hebrew). 15 October 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ששון איפרם שאולוב (17 September 2024). ששון איפרם שאולוב - תמיד אוהב אותי Prod. By Eli Keshet & Shai Reuveni (קאבר). Archived from the original on 15 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024 – via YouTube.
- "עניין אישי והפעם עם יאיר אלִיצוּר" [A personal matter and this time with Yair Elitzur]. Arutz Sheva (in Hebrew). Archived from the original on 8 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- Boker, Ran (25 November 2024). "ששון שאולוב, הזמר החרדי, והרב שכתב - כך נולד להיט המדינה: "העיקר שישמחו"" [Sasson Shaulov, the Haredi singer, and the rabbi who wrote - this is how the national hit was born: "The main thing is that they be happy."]. Ynet (in Hebrew). Archived from the original on 20 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "ויהיה לי עוד יותר טוב? האם מילות הפסקול העכשווי מתכתבות עם שיטת..." [And It'll Be Even Better? Do the words of the contemporary soundtrack correspond with the method...]. Kikar HaShabbat (in Hebrew). 25 November 2024. Archived from the original on 9 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ Monitz, Shmuel (3 December 2024). "האם "השם יתברך תמיד אוהב אותי ותמיד יהיה לי רק טוב"? תלוי את מי שואלים" [Does "God Almighty always loves me and will always have only good things for me" depend on who you ask?]. Ynet (in Hebrew). Archived from the original on 20 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "השלאגר שמעורר סערה במגזר החרדי" [The hit that is causing a stir in the ultra-Orthodox sector]. Arutz Sheva (in Hebrew). Archived from the original on 8 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "מתנגדי השיר 'עוד יותר טוב' מקררים את האמבטיה" [Opponents of the song 'Even Better' are cooling the bath - Opinion column]. Behadrei Haredim (in Hebrew). 5 December 2024. Archived from the original on 23 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "הרב ארוש סיפר: הרב שכתב נגד הלהיט "תמיד אוהב אותי" ביקש סליחה" [Rabbi Arush said: The rabbi who wrote against the hit "Always Love Me" asked for forgiveness]. Arutz Sheva. Archived from the original on 8 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "שיחת הטלפון בין הרבנים והפיתרון המסתמן לשיר השנוי במחלוקת | כל הפרטים" [The phone conversation between the rabbis and the apparent solution to the controversial song | All the details]. Behadrey Haredim (in Hebrew). 4 December 2024. Archived from the original on 5 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- Rafael, Dror (23 November 2024). "האושר המוחלט: הלהיט שמשרת את המשך שלטונו של נתניהו" [Absolute Happiness: The Hit That Serves Netanyahu's Continued Reign]. Maariv (in Hebrew). Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "זאת מדורת השבט החדשה, סביבה הישראלים סוגדים לעצמם במסווה" [This is the new tribal campfire, around which the Israelis worship themselves in disguise]. HaAyin HaShevi'it (in Hebrew). 29 October 2024. Archived from the original on 19 November 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "השאלות שקורעות ופער הדורות: מה קורה בציונות הדתית?" [The questions that tear apart the generation gap: What is happening in religious Zionism?]. Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (in Hebrew). 13 November 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "פנטזיה מודעת לעצמה: הטוויסט המפתיע בפסקול הישראלי" [Self-aware fantasy: The surprising twist in the Israeli soundtrack]. Makor Rishon. Archived from the original on 6 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "לא תמיד יהיה לי עוד יותר טוב ועוד יותר טוב" [I won't always have better and better]. Makor Rishon. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "עוד יותר טוב, ועוד יותר טוב, ועוד יותר טוב - דעות". Haaretz.
- "למה ההמנון המרים "תמיד אוהב אותי" הוא בעצם שיר מייאש?" [Why is the heartbreaking anthem "Always Love Me" actually a discouraging song?]. Calcalist (in Hebrew). 28 November 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ""ועוד יותר טוב" – אמונה או אשליה" ["And even better" – belief or illusion]. Arutz Sheva. Archived from the original on 16 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- "1800 משפחות שכולות ועוד מאה משפחות חטופים, אבל השם תמיד אוהב אותי" [1800 bereaved families and another hundred kidnapped families, but God always loves me]. Haaretz.
- ""השם יתברך!": הסיבה האמיתית שבערוץ 14 אוהבים את הלהיט של ששון שאולוב" ["Glory be to God!": The real reason why Channel 14 loves Sasson Shaulov's hit]. Walla! News (in Hebrew). 19 December 2024. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.