Yaakov Shwekey: "I Wanted to Introduce the Classics I Grew Up With to the Younger Generation"

Recently, Jewish megastar Yaakov Shwekey released a double album, "There Were Times," which essentially contains classics from all times as well as his greatest hits. The release of this album is a good reason to talk to him, to gather interesting details from the past, and to hear about the future and the present. Shwekey, who lives in the USA but performs frequently in Israel and around the world, is responsible for quite a few hits that resonated powerfully in the entire Jewish world, played during times of joy and moments of sorrow and pain. 'There Were Times,' steeped in nostalgia, is a good moment to pause, and ask him to look back over his musical career so far.

Yaakov Shwekey was born in Jerusalem and spent the first eight years of his life in the Beit Vagan neighborhood. When he was eight, the Shwekey family moved to the United States, and Yaakov began his musical career with the famous children's choir 'Miami Boys Choir.' Most of those boys, like most choir boys anywhere, grew up and pursued other occupations. Shwekey was one of the few for whom the children's choir was a springboard to a brilliant musical future. In 2001, he released his debut album 'Shamati' – and the Jewish music world was astounded. From the very first moment, it was clear: this is not just another singer, this might be the defining singer of the new era in Hasidic music.

Shwekey is a singer of grand hits. From the legendary 'Rachem' that conquered every corner to 'Ani Ma'amin Be'Nissim,' which every child in the Torah school can sing with fervent enthusiasm without missing a word, his albums have a tendency to produce unforgettable songs: not only lively wedding hits but songs that are well etched in memory even as they make way for newer songs on the charts. It's no wonder that the new album, 'There Were Times,' contains, among others, some of those unforgettable tracks. But 'There Were Times' is much more than a journey back through Shwekey's private career: it's an album of pure nostalgia for Hasidic music at the end of the last century.

"This album is a dream I've wanted to fulfill for a long time," Shwekey tells us in a special interview. "We simply wanted to take the classics and hits my generation grew up with and make them accessible for the younger generation, who didn't get much exposure to them. Thank Hashem, not a day goes by since the album's release when I don't receive responses from all over the world. Adults, young people, religious, secular. Truly all of Israel. Many people connect with the new album. It's very exciting."

Responses from all over the world are nothing new in Shwekey's universe. His songs on YouTube receive an almost endless stream of comments, truly from all over the world. When he uploaded the song We are a Miracle, the title track of the album known in Hebrew as 'Ani Ma'amin Be'Nissim', the comments flowing onto the page ranged from Israelis wiping away tears to touching personal stories of people in places far from Israel. 'My ancestors were forced to convert by the Inquisition,' wrote one respondent. 'But I know the truth. Sh'ma Yisrael! I'm one of 14 children, and I'm the only one who returned to Judaism. Indeed, we are a miracle!' Tell me, in which other official singer's channel can you find such moving and intriguing mini-autobiographies, uploaded merely as a response to a successful song?

Out of all your hits, is there one song you particularly love performing?

"Wow. It's a tough choice. There are many good songs, thank Hashem, but I can say I try not to end a performance without 'V'hee She'amda,' 'At Rikud,' and in the past year, also 'Ma'amin Be'Nissim.'"

Speaking of performances, tell us about a special performance you had recently.

"A few months ago, I took part in the prestigious "HASC 30" concert held annually at Lincoln Center in Manhattan (HASC is an American organization for children with special needs, and its annual concert is considered the most prestigious event in Hasidic music in the USA). During the performance, I hosted my dear friend Itzi Waldner, who's also responsible for quite a few of my big hits. This was Itzi's first time on stage, and it was very emotional. Later in the performance, I performed the 'Devikut Medley' from the new album, with talented musician Avraham Fried. It was truly special."

Despite the high demand and many performances in which he stars, Shwekey says he works hard to maintain balance in his life. When it comes to Torah study, for example, he declares that he does not forgo his regular morning study session at the neighborhood study hall. "Even when traveling the world, I catch up on what I need, as it says, 'When you sit in your house and when you walk on the way.' It's very important to me." Also accompanying him is the care for his family: "In my field of work, naturally, there are many trips away from home. However, I always try to return home for Shabbat. There's nothing like Shabbat at home, with the children and family. It's very important to me, to my wife, and to the children."

Among his many international performances, by the way, Shwekey also performed at an event for the Hidabroot organization. "Hidabroot is a holy organization that does a lot for the people of Israel, both in Israel and abroad. A year ago, we did a grand show for the Jewish community in Paris, with honored Rabbi Zamir Cohen, may he live a long life, and I had the privilege to get to know a person of great stature, with many merits in bringing Israel closer to their Father in Heaven."

As a yeshiva graduate who insists on daily study, Shwekey maintains a good connection with several rabbis. But when asked who is the significant spiritual figure in his life, he doesn't hesitate for a moment. "My spiritual figure is, of course, Maran Chacham Ovadia Yosef of blessed memory, in whose Sukkah I had the privilege to sing, and even receive his blessing several times." In the album 'Ani Ma'amin Be'Nissim,' of course, he dedicates the song 'My Maran' to Rabbi Ovadia, of blessed memory.

Alongside life and performances abroad, you perform a lot in Israel. What do you love most about the Holy Land?

"I try during each of my visits to Israel to pray at the Western Wall, the remnant of our Temple. We pray a lot that we will merit the rebuilding of the Holy Temple soon, Amen."

What is your opinion of the new US president?

"It seems the new president is trying to benefit the Jewish people, but we remember that we are believers, the descendants of believers, and we have no one to rely on but our Father in Heaven."

In conclusion – what are your future aspirations in terms of career?

"My aspiration is to reach more and more Jews worldwide and ignite the Jewish spark existing in their hearts. There's no greater satisfaction than seeing people who distanced themselves from Judaism, and even those on the verge of assimilation, return to their roots as a result of the music. Music has immense power, and it's important to use it wisely and with holiness."

Excerpt from the new album: