Rav Amnon Yitzchak has made a name for himself by his fire and brimstone speeches attracting throngs of non-religious Sephardim (mostly) and bringing them back to Judaism, to various degrees.
For some reason, he has now decided to branch out and supervise concerts and the "kashrus" standards of the music industry.
Last week he attacked Yaakov Shwekey for his style and concerts, for performing in front of mixed audiences and for not listening to the rabbonim. Rav Yitzchak called on the public to reject Shwekey and to break his albums.
Rav Amnon Yitzchak is now stepping it up another notch. he is now forming a committee to oversee and supervise the music industry. They will reject any musician/performer who performs in front of mixed crowds. As well, they will hold protests outside of the concert hall of any such performance, as Rav Yitzchak's group "Shofar" held one outside the Ceasaria performance of Shwekey last week. They will also certify performers, songs and albums, giving some sort of a hechsher to approved music and performers.
Despite the fact that such a committee already exists, Rav Yitzchak says he is not satisfied with their performance and the affect it has had on the Jewish music scene, and therefore he is going to get more directly involved in the issue with his new committee.
Personally, I think he should stick to making baalei teshuva and working in that industry instead of spreading out in this way. The way I see it, it can only hurt his main business, and not help.
This _is_ his main business.
ReplyDeleteIt fits in very well with the fire and brimstone approach which he's found to be very successful.
s main thing, and not "baalei teshuva"?
ReplyDeleteI didnt look at it like that. His main involvement until now has been the baalei teshuva, and fire and brimstone was the style used...
If I were cynical, I'd say his business is hellfire, and his chosen team is religion...
ReplyDeletebut I'm not (at least this time).
Let me put it this way. It can only enhance his standing. He's showing that he's not afraid to attack anything that needs attacking, and to stand up for what he (says he?) believes.
Of course, one can also look at it for purer reasons, but my point is that even on a pragmatic level, I think you're concern for his effectiveness is unfounded.
oh, I am not really concerned about his effectiveness. I just think he should stick to that rather than get involved in forming the types of committees everybody hates. Doing this means he is going to start treating adults like children, just like the litvishe and hassidishe already do. What a shame, when he could be making baalei teshuva, he is instead going to be wasting his time copying Mottka Blau
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm glad to see someone addressing this main and horrible problem within the religious community. The influx of religious performers performing religious music to a religious audience, my G-d what will come next?
ReplyDeletePoverty, an overburdened declining in quality education system, extremism and hooliganism, secular/religious conflicts handled in a destructive manner, none of those are worthy of attention.
But religious concerts...yeah, that's stopping the Geulah alright.
Tell me this is a joke, a misunderstanding, a misinterpretation, April Fools day, please.
Does he still go to outside E. Israel to give his speeches.I have not heard from him in a long time.(I am from Canada).
ReplyDeleteMany speakers/leaders/lecturers have joined the "Chumra-a-week club".
ReplyDeleteIt shows our lack of fortitude in providing our children and kehilla with a strong torah foundation. It is a well known fact that it is simplier to pasken a chumra then to research an issue and find the correct/accurate halacha. Oy vey...
Fear not- as my grandmother z"l would say- "the tide goes in, the tide goes out"
ReplyDeleteI like to couple that with Warren Buffet's "you don't know who is swimming naked until the tied goes out."
KT
Joel Rich
Rafi,
ReplyDeletenothing sells an item better than a "BAN". I wouldn't be surprised to find out that some of his backers are the industry themselves
Kudos to R' Amnon!
ReplyDeleteThe Jewish Music industry has indeed spiriled out of control.
The reason R' Amnon has to get involved is, he has a unique ability to persude the public and he has the media strength of his site which is viewed all over the world.
I commend him and hope he succeeds in straighting out this crooked path.