"This is the Strongest Prayer I've Ever Had in My Life. I was Amazed at How Quickly it Brought Salvation"

Pleased to Meet You

"Motti Weiss, 31, single, musician, singer, creator, and writer."

A Distant Memory I Will Never Forget

"From a young age, it was difficult for me to study in the yeshiva, and I was sometimes late to the sessions. One day, I really tried to arrive on time and was only a minute late. As soon as I entered, the supervisor called me out on it. I didn't understand why he'd comment, so I said, 'Until I managed to get here early, you're still remarking on it?' The supervisor listened and asked what I wanted to do in life, and I replied that I wanted to be involved in music.

"I didn't see the connection, and then he asked what would happen if I was supposed to go on stage or a show at seven and went on at a minute past seven, how the promoter would take it, and what I'd think of myself in such a case. At that moment, I understood the depth of the issue, and this was truly the strongest lesson I received in all my years at the yeshiva. Indeed, to this day, I've never been late to a performance. People sometimes joke with me, saying, 'You're already here, and even the sound system hasn't arrived yet.' The message from the yeshiva supervisor has accompanied me everywhere since."

An Important Principle I Won't Forget

"It's very important to me to stay true to myself—in lifestyle, in music, in serving Hashem, in everything. I work very hard on it, and it doesn't always work out. Of course, you also need to consider others, and it's not always right to just do whatever you feel like, but generally, following your heart is very important to me in life.

"I'm afraid of not being myself, becoming someone else, or being who others expect me to be. If I'm not true to myself, if I'm someone else, then it holds no meaning for me. A person needs to find a balance between what is right for them and what others want from them. This encounters me, for instance, when I need to be nice to people and help them, but for various reasons, it doesn't suit me at that moment. Often, I want to give and help but can't, and it's important for me to find that balance within myself."

A Moment of Happiness I Won't Forget

"I love the north very much and try to get there when I can. A few years ago, I studied with Rabbi Jean from Tzfat the special teachings of the Ramchal. In chapter 40 of his book 'Daat Tevunot,' the Ramchal says that Hashem never stops loving us, even when we sin greatly. Of course, we must strive to perform as many mitzvot as possible and avoid sins as much as possible, but we must also remember that Hashem is always with the Jewish people, and He never stops loving us for a moment. Hashem always takes care of us and has promised to redeem us. In this study, I had a great moment of happiness because I suddenly understood a small part of Hashem's greatness and love for us. I often miss that moment and remember that this important study is just a drop in the sea of treasures found in the Ramchal's teachings in particular, and the Torah in general."

A Song I Won't Forget

"Although I don't have children yet, may Hashem grant, the song 'Children' by Eviatar Banai resonates with every fiber of my being. A few months ago, I left a work meeting in Pardes Hanna and drove to Ashdod. The whole way, for over an hour and a half, I listened to this song on loop. I connect to this song because I truly wish what Eviatar sings about for my children and myself—that I will be protected, loved, and close, and that I will always walk in fields of truth, joy, and beauty."

A Difficult Event I Won't Forget

"On Chanukah, I went to visit a woman in the hospital who was ill. A family member called to tell me she loved my songs and requested I come. It was not an easy visit. I asked her which song she wanted me to sing for her, and she answered 'Who Knows.' It's a song I wrote about my personal struggles with matchmaking, and suddenly I realized that everything I went through is small compared to what this woman is going through. She shared that at the peak of her life, family, and career, she suddenly contracted the illness, and I didn't know how to comfort her. People go through very difficult things. After a day of volunteering, it's hard for me to return to routine, but at the same time, it fills me with strength to sing and bring joy, and I learn to appreciate the gifts I've received from Hashem."

A Miracle I Experienced and Won't Forget

"A few years ago, I was returning from a performance, it was pouring rain, and suddenly on a dark road near Beit Shemesh, the car lost control and started spinning wildly. After a few spins, I was thrown against a bus stop near the car and sent it flying several meters. Thank G-d I wasn't hurt at all. I jumped out of the car to check if anyone was at the stop and prayed that no one was, and indeed, thank G-d, no one was hurt. I stood and thanked Hashem for receiving life as a gift, and since then, I pass by that road occasionally, remember what happened that stormy night, and thank Hashem again for the miracle."

A Prayer I Won't Forget

"At the height of one of the toughest periods of my life, I decided to travel to Rabbi Shimon. I was in deep despair over the situation I was in and didn't know how I could get out of it. I prayed there from the bottom of my heart, and a few minutes after I left the tomb, I received an important call that some of the things I was worried about had resolved. This was the strongest prayer I've ever had in my life, and I was amazed at how quickly it brought salvation. Not long ago, I wrote a song about this incident. It's just incredible what the power of prayer can do."

A Meeting I Won't Forget

"When I was 19, I went one night with my father to Jerusalem to meet the Amshinover Rebbe, and we entered at three in the morning. I don't quite remember what happened there, but I remember it was something very strong and significant for me. I immediately felt that this was a wise and very special person. My father went in to ask something related to my grandmother, who is an Amshinover chassid in the United States, and he brought me in with him. I distinctly remember feeling that one day I would really value those moments. When I try to recall what the Rebbe said to me, I think it was something related to matchmaking, but if I don't remember—then perhaps from above, it's meant to be that way."