I was contacted by my friend, Jonathan
Settel, regarding some friends of his who had recently completed a
Messianic CD. He wondered if we would listen to it for consideration of
being featured on www.messianicmusic.com
. After receiving and listening to “ Zeal For Zion”, I knew
why Jonathan wanted me to give an ear. This CD is a fine example of the
great zeal that both Stella and her husband Jeff have for Yeshua.
Scriptures mention to “prepare skillfully unto the Lord”, and
this musical offering lives up to the call. Whether listening to the
almost childlike beauty of Stella’s pure vocal style, or singing along
to songs that employ Jeff’s vast musical abilities and arranging
talents, you will bless God for these anointed and focused servants.
Stella’s musical training, along
with her sensitivity in singing from her heart, makes this a great CD to
have in your collection. Jeff boldly goes that extra mile to put zip in
the praise and sweetness in the worship. There is something special when
married couples work together in honoring the Lord in song, and “
Zeal For Zion” exemplifies a special anointing, showing Stella’s
heart through her beautiful voice, as well as Jeff’s love of the Lord
through his skillful musicianship.
One of my all-time favorite songs of
praise is “The Mighty One Of Israel”. This has got to be one
of the best arrangements that I have heard. Stella commands this mighty
praise to the Lord. Give a listen to the great use of the brass section
throughout this lively praise song. Boy does this song praise the Lord
with finesse! Great song!
“L’chi Lach” by Deborah
Friedman & Savina Teubal, is the second song sample chosen. This
great song, taken from Genesis 12: 1-2, makes God’s everlasting
covenant with the Jewish people come to life in song. By the way, you
will enjoy listening to special guest artist, Jonathan Settel, who
blends so well with Stella’s voice on this song.
Finally, “Ani Ma’amin”, written
by Jeff Kruh, will convince you to add this great CD to your collection.
Having faith in Yeshua is what this song is all about. I
believe with perfect faith in the coming of Messiah Yeshua, and although
He may tarry, I will wait for His return.
I leave you with the fact that you
will be blessed to order this CD. It is truly a pleasantly unique
musical offering.
BIOGRAPHY
Stella Kruh was born in Flushing,
Queens, New York. She graduated from Hofstra University in 1978 with a
BS degree in Music Education. Stella received a Master’s degree from
Adelphi University in Aesthetic Education in 1984. Stella currently
teaches chorus and general music at the West End Elementary School in
Lynbrook, Long Island, New York.
As a young girl, Stella had a deep
feeling that eternity was much more important than the temporary world
that she saw in front of her and wanted to make sure that she would
spend eternity with Jesus and God. She learned prayers, and even
considered becoming a nun, thinking that would insure her going straight
to Heaven and escaping purgatory where she had heard people had to
suffer until their sins were paid for. After Stella’s mother received
salvation upon listening to a Christian radio program, she began sharing
the gospel with Stella. However, Stella was bored with the retelling of
Bible stories that she already knew in her head, but not in her heart.
Upon accepting an invitation from her mother to attend a local church
function where a Canadian college Choir was ministering, Stella’s life
was changed. Stella was deeply moved by one of the songs that the Choir
sang, and she went forward to accept the gift of salvation. She has
never been the same since. Stella is proud to have been grafted into the
vine and honored to call God Abba. (Daddy)
Stella is truly a modern day Ruth.
Stella is a Zionist and has a deep desire for God’s chosen people to
know their Messiah. She is a gentile born-again believer who loves the
Jewish people and the state of Israel with a passion. Stella’s new
release, "Zeal For Zion", under the Pillar of Fire records
label, was born out of her expression of God’s passionate love for the
Jewish people and God’s faithfulness to Israel. Stella is an anointed
leader of praise and worship and a teacher of Jewish dance. In addition,
Stella is a gifted speaker and bible teacher. She speaks on a variety of
topics relating to Israel, the Jewish people, and the church.
Jeff Kruh, producer/vocal arranger and
pianist for “Zeal for Zion”, is a native-born New Yorker. Jeff began
his piano studies at six years of age. At seven, he became a piano major
and scholarship recipient at the Julliard School of Music in Manhattan,
New York City where he continued his formal training for seven
additional years. Jeff has also studied with jazz artists Cedar Walton,
Roland Hanna, Stanley Cowell, Jimmy Heath and Michael P. Mossman. Jeff
received a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Queens College (Flushing,
New York) in 1972 and earned his Master’s degree in Music Education
from Lehman College (Bronx, New York) in 1984. In 1998, Jeff was awarded
a grant from the Queens Council on the Arts for composing and performing
original jazz works.
Jeff Kruh has been a featured jazz
artist for many years. He has performed with Bobby Johnson, Richard
Davis and Dave Jackson. For several years Jeff appeared nightly at the
Neville and Concord Hotels in upstate New York. Jeff has also made guest
appearances On WNYC radio, channel five television and Queens Cable TV.
Jeff performed with Demetrios Kastaris,
Bobby Sanabria and Harold Ousley at the "Genesis of Jazz" at
Flushing Town Hall’s Jazz Café in an evening featuring many legendary
all-star jazz performers.
Jeff Kruh is a messianic Jew and
Zionist. He has been actively sharing his gifts for more than twenty
years as a musician, speaker and teacher. Jeff has ministered at
concerts, conferences, churches and messianic congregations, radio
programs, cable television and various outreaches. Jeff and his wife
Stella have also ministered together now for more than ten years,
sharing their hearts through their ministry of music.
