Benny Friedman’s new hit single, “Lichtig un Varem,” is actually an underlying blessing for every married couple. The lyrics to this catchy song are the words which the Lubavitcher Rebbe said to Friedman’s parents 50 years ago when they went to receive his blessing before their wedding: “Mach lichtig un varem arum zich, vet der Eibishter bei eich machen lichtig un varem — make it bright and warm around you and Hashem will make it bright and warm for you.”
Benny Friedman approached composer Heshy Weinberger to write a song to these words in honor of his parents’ recent milestone anniversary.
“My father [Rabbi Manis Friedman, author, speaker, and founder and dean of the Beis Chana Institute in Minneapolis] very often mentions this brachah he received from the Rebbe, and he’ll repeat it at grandchildren’s sheva brachos,” says the singer. “The Rebbe’s brachah has been like a promise which my parents fulfilled by dedicating their lives to helping other people. My father travels around the world teaching, counseling, and comforting people, and my mother teaches. And they raised a family of shluchim who continue to dedicate their lives to public service.”
(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 730)
