Meir Kleiner Releases New Balkan-Style Version of Skulen Hasidic Tune for Tu B'Av

Clarinetist and singer Meir Kleiner has released a new version of the traditional Skulen Hasidic melody titled "Od Yishama" ahead of the Jewish holiday Tu B'Av. Kleiner wrote new lyrics and arranged the tune with a Balkan musical style, collaborating with clarinetist Gregy Bercze, a Hungarian immigrant to Israel who specializes in this genre. The project originated from Kleiner's work as a wedding singer seeking fresh additions to his playlist, leading him to adapt the beloved Skulen melody with a Balkan flair. Kleiner shared the release with the public, inviting listeners to share and promote the song for Tu B'Av celebrations.

With about twenty years in the music industry, Kleiner has collaborated with artists such as Biny Landau, Yosef Karduner, Noam Banai, and Yagel Harush. He has a particular affinity for Hasidic court melodies and strives to present them in innovative musical arrangements. The new version of "Od Yishama" exemplifies his approach of blending traditional Jewish melodies with contemporary styles.