Are the songs free?

You’re welcome to share these song parodies with your family, friends, and religious congregations. Credit for the lyrics should be given to Barbara Sarshik or anyone else designated as a lyricist. Credit for the graphic design of the songbook and song sheets should be given to Randi Rose.

​

What’s the easiest way to incorporate your song parodies into my Seder?

Just print out our beautiful Haggadah, “Welcome to Our Seder,” for traditional Passover prayers, lovely readings, and several of our favorite song parodies. The PDF is free, printable, and downloadable! Created by my sister Randi Rose, this Haggadah appeals to all ages and levels of Jewish observance. Read our blog post to find out more about it! 

 

How can I find your newest songs?

Our newest songs have the highest numbers on the song index. They’re also at the end of the songbook in the “Additional Songs” section.  

​

Did I hear your song parodies on “Saturday Night Seder”?

Yes! My song parodies were performed on “Saturday Night Seder,” the star-studded virtual Passover Seder that premiered on YouTube on April 11, 2020. Rabbi Dana Benson sang a medley of four of my songs at 39:22 minutes into the show.

​

Are you sure I can’t pay you?

I appreciate your enthusiasm and generosity! In lieu of payment, I’d like to suggest a donation to one of my favorite charities: Temple Rodef Shalom, www.templerodefshalom.org or Feeding America, www.feedingamerica.org.

 

Who should use these songs?

Anyone who wants to make their Passover Seders livelier and more engaging. These songs appeal to every age group: older kids, 20-somethings, millennials, baby boomers, and seniors. The songs create an inclusive feel for non-Jewish Seder guests. They’ve been a hit in congregational Seders and synagogue music programs. If one of your guests is a karaoke star, assign them a song in advance. If your kids are Broadway-bound, let them entertain your crowd with a song-and-dance routine. They’re great for anyone wanting to mix some new music with traditional favorites. At our Seders, we love to sing both “Dayenu” and “Sweet Kosher Wine.”

 

Can I work with the entire songbook at my Seder?

Yes. The songbook follows the order of the Seder and the songs are numbered, making the songbook easy to use as you go along. Print out copies of the songbook for your guests and  choose specific songs in advance or as you go along. For example, if you want a song about the Hebrews’ slavery, choose any song from numbers 21–26. Before starting our Seder, our Seder leader takes requests from our guests, combines them into a written list, and works them into the service. 

 

Can I choose individual songs?

Yes. Use the song index to find songs that will work best for your particular tastes and Seder. Each song is on an attractively formatted song sheet that you can print out for your guests. It’s easy to find the right song. The index is organized by original title, show or artist, genre, number in the songbook, and theme. Click on the top of any column to find the songs arranged alphabetically and/or by song number.

 

I don’t know some of these songs. What do you suggest?

Check out our sample recordings; you’ll be able to sing along with them. Or listen to the original song on the internet or a music streaming service. You’ll find that it’s easy to add the parody words to the original tune. You can also use our instrumental tracks to accompany the singing at your Seder. Or if any of your guests plays guitar or any other instrument, you might ask them to learn a song in advance (it’s easy to find sheet music on the internet).

​

Where else can I find song parodies for Passover?

Lots of creative musicians have written and performed terrific song parodies for Passover. To go beyond these songs, look on the internet to find audio and video recordings and lyric sheets for other songs.

 

Do you want to hear from me?

Sure. It’s always great to hear from people who have enjoyed these songs at their own Seder. If you have created an audio or video file of any of these songs, please share it with me. And feel free to email me with any questions at passoversongparodies@gmail.com.

 

How did the song collection develop?

Many people have asked how this collection of song parodies came about. It got started in the late 1980s at our family seder with the “Singin’ in the Rain” parody, performed by my two young daughters in rain slickers and boots. As my family grew, so did the song collection. Family members and a friend have gotten into the act as lyricists.

​

The song collection has also grown in its reach. Randi Rose, my sister and a talented graphic designer, created the songbook and individual song sheets with their eye-catching graphics. She created the original website, which my son-in-law Ben Honey later took over. My husband, Andy Pike, has provided invaluable lyrical and technical support. Most recently, this website was created by Beth Singer Design and its talented designers, Beth Singer and Amy Billingham. Many thanks to our pianist, arranger, and audio producer Gary Rimar for his terrific instrumental recordings that provide accompaniment to the song parodies. Special appreciation also goes to Janice Zucker, Ed Roberts, and Debbie Tievsky for their beautiful recordings of the vocals, as well as to Barbara and Warren Goodman, Bob Suslowitz, and several friends for their video recordings. I’m grateful that their efforts have helped the songs spread to many homes, schools, and synagogues across the nation.