"I Felt Like My Life Was Taken Away From Me": Itzik Orlev Reflects on the Pandemic Era

"I am so thrilled to return to life in recent months, to perform, to move and bring joy to people," says singer Itzik Orlev, summarizing a complex pandemic period. "Just a week ago, I released a new, upbeat, and refreshing song along with a very invested and colorful video called 'New World.' In this post-pandemic world, people understand more that it is only Hashem's supervision that determines the reality we wake up to. What was – is not guaranteed to be. A world where all hopes, dreams, and strengths cling to prayers to the Creator, in faith that nothing goes against His will."

(Photo: Moshe Biton)

"I went through a very difficult time during the pandemic, and I truly pray for a new and better world. When the pandemic began, in many ways my world collapsed. I thought it was all over. There was a great darkness. I'm used to performing almost every evening at weddings, releasing touching songs alongside joyful ones, holding performances in Israel and abroad. In fact, I don't know how to do anything else. Suddenly everything changes when you're told you can't do it anymore, and there's no way to know when you can again. You reach situations where you gather all of your faith believing that it will be good, and the evil inclination makes it difficult for you. I felt like my life was taken away from me."

Itzik Orlev (Photo: Moshe Biton)

"I Decided to Continue, for My Son"

When the pandemic broke out, did you immediately understand where this was heading, or did the intensity surprise you as well?

"I was definitely surprised. Initially, there was a cancellation or two, and I said – okay, we'll live with it. Then the wave of cancellations intensified, and from there it only worsened. At some point, given all the hardships, I decided to quit music. The pain was too great for me. I prepared a post intended for social media, writing in great pain that I was leaving the music I loved so much. Those who know me know that my son is my best friend. I sometimes share personal things with him. I told him I was thinking of leaving the music and shared my struggles with him. I didn't really know how he would react, and his response moved me deeply. He asked, 'Dad, how will we have money? What will my friends say? I won't join you for weddings anymore? Will you not release new songs anymore?' I could really see the pain in his eyes. It truly gave him life to feel that his father is someone people respect.

"A few hours before I planned to post, my brother Roy, who is also my personal manager, called and offered me a new song called 'My Child.' I informed him I wasn't interested in performing or even listening to the sketch, but my curiosity got the better of me, and I listened to it with my son, as tears filled our eyes. With every word in the song, I felt the deep connection we have, but more than anything, I felt our Father in Heaven saying the song's words to me: 'My child, know that sometimes life is like a riddle, at times you may fall but then rise, gaze at the heavens, my child, know that I will always believe in you, in good and bad I will be by your side to watch over you.' From that moment, everything turned around. I felt that Hashem was telling me that my mission with music wasn't over despite the difficulties.

"Beyond that," Orlev continues, "I realized that even if I don't want to continue singing for myself, I need to continue for my child. I called Roy, told him I'm taking the song with all my might, and said that if there are brides and grooms getting married in such a difficult time, whether it's in backyard weddings, under buildings, or anywhere else, I'm willing to come and move them even voluntarily. For me, the main thing is to bring them a bit of good, and to feel my audience back. I really did it, and finally, the light returned to my eyes."

A Mission of Singing

It seems that despite the difficulties, the pandemic also brought some good into your life

"Absolutely. The pandemic, for instance, taught me to relax a bit more. To let go. To stop my pursuit of achievements. To understand there's another way. To grasp that it's not my strength and ability that bring success, but that Hashem is the one running the show."

Alongside the insights Orlev describes, which seem to have indeed sunk into his heart, he now appears ready to face forward, eager to pursue the next goals. "What interests me now is especially to return to large stages. Thank God, since events returned we resumed performing almost nightly at weddings, and I hardly have time for anything else, but I want to make time for concerts as well. There's a large audience waiting for these shows. Thank Hashem, throughout my 14-year career, I've released many songs that succeeded in both the Haredi and general sectors. In recent years, I've performed many times abroad, and now I want to do it more here. In these performances, the audience doesn't sit for a moment, people are on their feet for an hour and a half."

(Photo: Lior Pinxon)

Speaking of singing, how important is it for you to be involved in the songs you release?

"It's very important to me. Even though I don't write or compose the songs, it's important for me to be involved in the production and arrangement, and beyond that – the performance and delivery of the song are very significant. The way I perform my songs, it's also a kind of composition. I give the songs my special light. I don't sing according to the sketch, but try to bring my creativity and soul into the singing. This is my art. This is a big part of what I have to give.

"Moreover," Orlev continues, "in addition to performances and releasing songs, when you know Hashem gave you a gift, you can't just use it for yourself, but you are obligated to give of yourself to others. Thank Hashem, to this day I've had the merit to help and bring joy to many people, some of whom sadly are no longer with us.

"One of the stories that remains etched in my mind is about a healthy and smiling woman who was happily married, who suffered a brain hemorrhage during the fifth month of her pregnancy. The hemorrhage posed a life threat to both her and the baby, but thank God, the infant was born healthy and whole, although sadly, the mother was left paralyzed in most of her body and unable to speak. Her parents contacted my brother Roy and told him that what gives their daughter the strength to live and fight is my music, which she listened to on repeat, especially the wedding song 'Surrounded by Angels,' and asked if I could come to support her.

"I immediately replied in the affirmative. I went to them with my guitarist, and for over an hour we sang, talked, and laughed, but when I sang her the song 'Surrounded by Angels,' there was not a dry eye in the house. I cried as well, of course. She began making sounds, tried to speak unsuccessfully, and her eyes simply shone with happiness. I hope Hashem grants me the privilege to bring joy and move many more people. I feel this is my mission in the world. If I could wish for myself, I would say I pray to get married again this year. As known, I am divorced and very much want to find my soul's match soon. There is nothing more important than a home and family."