The Ruach Series delivers the hottest new Jewish rock tunes. Ruach 5771, the sixth edition in the set, celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Ruach series and the 50th anniversary of the URJ's Religious Action Center in Washington D.C. Many of the 19 tracks included here feature a Social Action theme, and all reflect the spirit, energy, and vibrancy of the Judaism that lives and breathes in the camps, youth groups, and synagogues of the Union for Reform Judaism.

Make It a Bridge: Remembering Steve Meltzer is a very special tribute to a cherished friend. Steve was a beloved teacher, song leader, singer/songwriter, youth group advisor, and active member of the Jewish music community who passed away suddenly on April 7, 2009 at the age of 45. Steve had been working on a new CD of original songs, but was unable to finish the work. His friends and colleagues are honored to complete the project in his memory. Make It a Bridge includes seven of Steve's recorded tracks, and an additional eight tracks contributed by friends Dan Nichols & E18hteen, Sababa, Rabbi Joe Black, Cantor Jeff Klepper, Josh Nelson, Craig Taubman, Beth Schafer, and Eric Komar. All profits from the sale of this recording will go toward the Make It a Bridge Fund, which was established in Steve’s memory to provide scholarships to help aspiring song leaders attend Hava Nashira, the URJ’s annual music and song leading workshop held each summer at the Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute.

THE IDAN RAICHEL PROJECT has changed the face of Israeli popular music with an intriguinging and infectious blend of African, Latin American, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern rhythms, richly poetic lyrics of love and devotion, and state-of-the-art production techniques. This self-titled first recording is a compilation of the best tunes from the band's first two Israeli releases, repackaged for the North American market. These are deeply moving songs, overflowing with rich melodies, engaging poetry, stunning vocal performances, and intricate arrangements.