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Benny Friedman
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BennyFriedman FriedmanBenny Many people are of the opinion that only contemporary music appeals to our generation. Think modern pop, with a Jewish twist. They are under the impression that By Chaya Sara Schlussel unless frum music reflects modern culture, it will not resonate with its audience. But one song just toppled that notion in an instant. It proved that people’s neshamos are thirsting for authentic Jewish sound, and genuine music that emanates from the heart, will penetrate the heart – no matter how distant or disheartened the listener may seem. That song is “A Yid.” Sung with all the warmth and sincerity that is quintessential Benny Friedman, the track hit the Jewish world with the force of an emotional firestorm, igniting souls and uniting an entire nation. Center Spirit Magazine met up with Benny Friedman, to get his personal take on the astounding success of “A Yid.” In his signature humble way, Benny deflected the praise and directed his success to the One who is in control. He says, “I could never have predicted or envisioned how this song would take off. It was all Hashgacha.”“I could never have predicted or envisioned how this song would take off. It was all Hashgacha.” “I could never have predicted or envisioned how this song would take off. It was all Hashgacha.”
Benny Friedman doesn’t just sing – he conveys. His dance tracks force us out of our seats, his slow ballads pierce us and bring us to tears. His masterful performances take Friedman Friedman listeners on an unparalleled journey through a full spectrum of emotions. It is unsurprising that Benny has been singing all his life. He reminisces, “My uncle, Avraham Fried, was my childhood hero. At every opportunity, I would belt out his songs, along with my other personal favorites; at the Shabbos table, in yeshiva, at my friends’ simchos, anywhere I found an available stage and a mic.” Eventually, people started sitting up and taking notice when the talented up-and-comer took over a song. He started getting requests to sing at events, and Benny Friedman quickly became a household name. When a yeshiva in California did a show, they asked him to be their opening act. He was happy to comply, and the audience loved every minute of it. His career took on a life of its own, snowballing from ‘singing for fun,’ to singing for organizations, events, and special occasions. When Izzy Taubenfeld a’h, owner and president of legendary production company Sameach Music, heard a recording of a Chicago dinner at which Benny Friedman was the headliner, Izzy offered him the opportunity to record an album. The CD “Taamu” catapulted him further into JM stardom, with hits like “Misod” and “Moshiach.” With the release of “Yesh Tikvah,” Benny rose to the very top of the JM stratum, and that track could be heard blasting from homes and cars throughout every frum community for months. What followed was a cavalcade of spectacular songs, one following another in quick succession: “Bishvili,” “Kulam Sharim,” ”Tatty My King” and the empowering blockbuster, “Ivri “I could never have predicted or envisioned how this song would take off. It was all Hashgacha.” “I could never have predicted or envisioned how this song would take off. It was all Hashgacha.” Anochi.” Bonei Olam featured the stunning “V’zakeini” on their campaign, inspiring 18,000 women to contribute towards the future of Klal Yisroel. When asked what his favorite song is, Benny had to give it some thought. “I’d have to say my favorite is “Charosho.” I wanted to do it for a long time, I worked on it for a long time, and I think it’s the perfect fun-filled, positive energy song. It’s all about appreciating Hashem and the incredible people in our lives.”
“My uncle, Avraham Fried, was my childhood hero. At every opportunity, I would belt out his songs, along with my other personal favorites; at the Shabbos table, in yeshiva, at my friends’ simchos, anywhere I found an available stage and a mic.” “My uncle, Avraham Fried, was my childhood hero. At every opportunity, I would belt out his songs, along with my other personal favorites; at the Shabbos table, in yeshiva, at my friends’ simchos, anywhere I found an available stage and a mic.”
When renowned producer Donny Gross presented the song “A Yid” to Benny, he grew instantly attached to it. Written by skilled songwriter Chayala Neuhaus, “A Yid” was hauntingly beautiful, reminiscent of the Jewish music of old. Benny says, “I never record a song I don’t like. I have to connect with it right from the start, or I won’t use it. Then, as a song develops, it keeps getting better and takes on more layers and dimensions, until it becomes a beautiful, finished product. With ‘A Yid,’ I was immediately hooked.” But Benny was busy, and although he intended to record it, somehow it kept getting kicked to the sidelines. It was 6-7 months before he finally tackled it.
By that time, Corona had come and devastated our collective morale. Although the tragedy had largely passed, its effects lingered in the hearts and psyches of the entire community, as we were left saddened and confused. Benny explains, “I would never have felt comfortable using a crisis as an opportunity to record a song. But Corona was different. It was a crisis that effected everyone, everywhere. It was over, but not forgotten. And I felt that the song would help uplift people’s spirits.” Shortly after it was released, Benny recorded it again in an acapella version, which went instantly viral. “We thought we were releasing a song about something that had passed. But for reasons unknown to man, more disasters hit Klal Yisroel, and the song that was supposed to be a comfort for yesterday’s pain, ended up being like a kind of therapy for a new, current tragedy. Which shows how little we are in control, and how much Hashem is in charge.” With the catastrophe in Meron, we were left reeling. Confusion, pain and despair all fought their way to the surface of our minds and hearts. We desperately needed reassurance and encouragement. We needed to be reminded that our Father loves us, and He has a plan.
Benny admits that although he was really happy with the way “A Yid” came out, he never imagined the extraordinary response it engendered. Even before Lag B’omer, it had become a sensation with people worldwide. After the calamity in Meron, it became a profound source of comfort and support. People reached out to him from across the globe, from every community, telling him how much the song meant to them. Every listener took it as a personal message, an individual dose of much-needed inspiration. “Honestly, I have mixed feelings about the overwhelming reaction towards “A Yid.” I’m grateful to have played a part in heartening so many people. But when people tell me they listen to it all day because it helps them deal with the terrible challenges in their lives… I really wish that wasn’t necessary.”
“A Yid” could have held up half a century ago. It’s real. It has no electronic gimmicks, no synthesized backing – it’s in no way a reflection of secular culture. Instead, it’s an enduring theme song for emunah, a bolstering of the neshama, and an imbuement of faith. Just the way a hartzige niggun was always meant to be. And the fact that it resonates so explosively with such a wide-ranging audience, is truly an accomplishment. It’s a testament to the fact that genuine Jewish music is still very much alive.
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