Earlier this week, we aired an interview with Museum of Jewish Heritage curator Melissa Martens about the song "Hava Nagila." Martens told us about the song's origins as a "nigun" (a Jewish wordless melody), how it earned its reputation as a party song, and how it's been adapted by different cultures over time. Heck, host John Schaefer even sipped on a "Hava Tequila."
We asked our listeners to share thoughts on "Hava Nagila," and as it turns out, you all not only had a lot to say about the song, you had a little bit to sing about it as well.
Listener Sylvia, from Morningside Heights left us this voicemail about the New York Yankees' use of "Hava Nagila" for player Dave Winfield:
Steve, from Manhattan, gives us some new background information about Harry Belafonte's version of the "Hava Nagila," and shares his own personal favorite version of the song:
John, from Brooklyn serenaded us with the version of the "Hava Nagila" that he grew up with -- "Have-A Banana":
And an anonymous caller also pointed out a rather unique version of the song from Bob Dylan:
