"The Atmosphere of Elul in the Yeshivas - I Miss It": Ishay Ribo Chosen to Perform at the Knesset Swearing-In Ceremony

Just before his 30th birthday, successful singer Ishay Ribo managed to surprise his fans when he revealed his fourth album 'Elul 5779' on Menachem Toker's show on Radio Kol Chai, which aims to instill in its listeners the atmosphere of the Days of Mercy and Forgiveness.

"I am very proud of this album," Ribo says of this unique and extraordinary creation, which combines songs and piyutim from East - Moroccan style, and West - Rabbi Carlebach, and a collaboration with Motty Steinmetz for 'Seder HaAvodah'. "The atmosphere of Elul in the yeshivas is something I miss. The Elul atmosphere in the yeshivas prepares you properly for the Day of Judgment and the Days of Awe. As we move towards the Ten Days of Repentance, I manage to recreate some of the feelings that Elul's atmosphere brings you and prepares you for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This entire month is an opportunity to come to these holy days much more prepared," he said. 

And one surprise after another: This year, Ribo has been chosen to perform at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Knesset, which takes place tomorrow (Thursday), attended by Knesset ministers and hundreds of employees who will arrive for the reception and witness the swearing-in of the ministers and Knesset members in the customary ceremony. 

Initially, President Reuven (Rubi) Rivlin will be sworn in, accompanied to the Knesset plaza with an honor guard and the IDF orchestra. Then, the new Knesset members will gather with their families in the plenary hall and declare allegiance in the presence of the Prime Minister, the President, the Chief Justice, and more.

The special ceremony, as mentioned, will be accompanied by Ribo's well-known and touching songs such as 'My Heart', 'Kol Dodi,' and songs from his new album 'Elul 5779' - one of the most moving songs included:

"Elul 5779 - I sit with the page, the ink weeps from the pen. Elul 5779, all that remains for me is to beat upon the breast. And what is left to argue? And can a crooked one like me be straightened? What is left to say in judgment? What can I plead, and how can I justify? Draw me after you, and I will run... return me to you, and I will return. Elul 5779. Soon the judgment will be written about me, all the truth. Elul 5779 - I have a chance to truly be saved. And I am ashamed and humiliated, for nothing is hidden from you. And my soul is weary, thirsty for water. Needs the clouds of heaven's mercy."

So how does he explain the great success that has been lasting for a decade?

"I have no logical explanation for my success," he tells Linoy Mishali from 'Srogim'. "It's not a formula that can be written. I think there was a great faith, a desire to do it right and professionally. I am not the only one who thought about it, and not everyone succeeded, unfortunately. But in my case, it was truly great divine assistance. Everything happened in a certain process that suited me the best. I am grateful every day anew and always looking forward. Hashem arranged for me to meet the right people," he concluded. 

To purchase Ishay Ribo's albums, click here:

https://shops.hidabroot.org/category/%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%94-%D7%99%D7%94%D7%95%D7%93%D7%99%D7%AA