On Purim we went upstairs to exchange mishloach manot with our neighbors. They invited us in for a drink.  Our host asked, “Do you know the song Od Yoter Tov!” (“Even Better!”)

I didn’t think so, but when I found it later on YouTube, I realized that I had both heard it and seen its lyrics stuck on car windows and bumper stickers. (“Hashem Ohev Oti” – “G-d loves me!”)  Its catchy tune has a pounding beat.  Depending on the version, you can see in the background smiley emojis or dancing young Israelis waving their arms with abandon.

Hashem Yitbarach tamid ohev oti                            Blessed G-d always loves me

Veyihiyeh li rak tov                                                   Only good will come to me!

Od yoter tov v’od yoter tov v’od yoter tov v’od yoter tov!

Better and better and better and better!

This is repeated. You get the idea.

The song was released in June 2023. Think about that.  And it’s still being sung now.  Think about that.

Listening to this song after spending a few days and nights hearing sirens and running down to a safe room may impart uplift leavened with a dollop of irony. Gee, can it really get any better than this?!

A few hours after we left our neighbors, we hosted family and some friends at a Se’udat Purim. The news reported that missiles and drones from Iran had “severely diminished.”

Good to know. The meal was interrupted four times, once after each course.

Traditional Jewish humor is........

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