Michoel’s Flam-Hershy Weinberger, Naftali Schnitzler

To know Michoel was to love him. I consider myself so fortunate to have had such a wonderful relationship with Reb Michoel Schnitzler z”l, a pioneer in the world of Jewish music.

Of the many fond memories I have of our interactions together, one stands out in particular. Michoel approached me wanting to write a song in memory of his father, who he lost at a young age. He envisioned a piece where his father spoke to him and told him what it’s like in the Oilam HaEmes. Feeling like I wasn’t the best fit for the task, I suggested that Michoel approach his nephew, Naftali Schnitzler, and together they could write something powerful—Michoel about his father and Naftali about his grandfather. Sure enough, the song was created, but was never introduced to the world.

Fast forward, and it’s hard to believe we are already approaching the first yahrtzeit of our beloved Michoel. The past months have been painful, and initially, I couldn’t bring myself to express the loss in music. Listening to the song Michoel and Naftali worked on, however, made the emotions flow, and with them, new lyrics. This time, not about Michoel’s father, but about Michoel himself. Piecing together precious recordings Michoel had stored in his archives together with my own vocals and those of Naftali, the song finally felt complete.

It is my fervent hope that “Michoel’s Flam” touches hearts and neshamos just like Michoel was known to do.

Credits:

Vocals: Michoel Schnitzler, Hershy Weinberger, Naftali Schnitzler
Choir: The Shira Choir
Composed by: Naftali Schnitzler
Lyrics by: Hershy Weinberger
Arranged by: Naftali Schnitzler and Hershy Ginsburg
Mixed by: House of Music
Mastered by: Aharon Levy
Post Production: Avrumy Lunger
Video Concept: Zisha
Video Shot & Edited by: TwoTone Media
Thumbnail: Avrumy.com