New Song: Yudi’s Coming Home

By COLlive reporter

In anticipation of the homecoming of Rabbi Yudi Dukes, who has survived a fierce battle with coronavirus, words were composed to the joyous Rosh Chodesh Kislev nigun.

The song was composed by Rabbi Shmuly Metzger, Director of Chabad Sutton in Manhattan and a friend of Yudi Dukes, in anticipation of the joyous day when he will be fully recovered and will finally be heading home.

Singer Eli Marcus and musician Chony Milecki perform the song, and it was released today in honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev.

Rabbi Metzger told COLlive that he spontaneously composed the song during a particularly challenging point in Yudi’s recovery.

“While Farbrenging with Yudi during that difficult time, I began to sing this song, and Yudi’s spirits were greatly lifted by it,” Rabbi Metzger said. “I asked Chony and Eli to record it, which they graciously did.”

Rabbi Dukes, who has survived a 7.5 months-long battle against coronavirus, was released from the hospital to a rehab center a week ago, for the second time after a health setback.

Dukes is now in the Rusk Rehabilitation Center as he continues his recovery. Family, friends, and thousands around the world are praying for his recovery and follow his progress closely, waiting for the news when Yudi will finally be going home to his beloved wife Sarah and 6 children.

“For Hashem, there’s no difference in time, or past, present and future, so we can already start celebrating on Rosh Chodesh Kislev,” Yudi told COLlive.

Please continue to pray for Chaim Schneur Zalman Yehuda ben Hinda Yocheved.