Episode #6: Menachem Herman

Episode 6 of the Return Again podcast, hosted by Goel Jasper, titled "Episode #6: Menachem Herman" was published on July 11, 2021 and runs 95 minutes.

July 11, 2021 ·95m · Return Again

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Summary

Menachem Herman is a giant in Jewish music.  Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he grew up in a musical family – presumably with his guitar nearby at all times. Menachem made Aliyah in 1980, landing at the Diaspora Yeshiva, where he began to play with the Diaspora Yeshiva Band. Songs we all know – and maybe even assumed came from much further back than the 70s and 80s – such as Ivdu Et Hashem B’Simcha, Malchutcha and Hu Yiftach – were Menachem’s world – in addition to learning Torah at the Yeshiva.  From there, he simply grew to become one of the leading sounds in Chassidic rock music. Throughout the 80s, 90s, 2000s and all the way up to today, Menachem has played all over the world for Jews looking for music that touches the heart and soul.  Today, Menachem continues to compose and play his music. Menachem and his wife live in Mitzpe Yericho, a gorgeous community on the edge of the Judean hills overlooking the Judean Desert. 00:00 - Intro 02:03 - Growing Up in Winnipeg 18:28 - On the Right Path 29:33 - Culture Shock 37:04 - Discovering Breslev 47:06 - Getting Back to Music 56:16 - Education in Israel 1:07:15 - Aliyah Advice and Perspective 1:17:56 - Rapid-fire Questions

Episode Description

Menachem Herman is a giant in Jewish music.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he grew up in a musical family – presumably with his guitar nearby at all times. Menachem made Aliyah in 1980, landing at the Diaspora Yeshiva, where he began to play with the Diaspora Yeshiva Band. Songs we all know – and maybe even assumed came from much further back than the 70s and 80s – such as Ivdu Et Hashem B’Simcha, Malchutcha and Hu Yiftach – were Menachem’s world – in addition to learning Torah at the Yeshiva.

From there, he simply grew to become one of the leading sounds in Chassidic rock music. Throughout the 80s, 90s, 2000s and all the way up to today, Menachem has played all over the world for Jews looking for music that touches the heart and soul.

Today, Menachem continues to compose and play his music. Menachem and his wife live in Mitzpe Yericho, a gorgeous community on the edge of the Judean hills overlooking the Judean Desert.

00:00 - Intro
02:03 - Growing Up in Winnipeg
18:28 - On the Right Path
29:33 - Culture Shock
37:04 - Discovering Breslev
47:06 - Getting Back to Music
56:16 - Education in Israel
1:07:15 - Aliyah Advice and Perspective
1:17:56 - Rapid-fire Questions