Finding Hope in Melody: Yohai Moreno's Transformative Journey Through Loss

At just ten years old, musician and songwriter Yohai Moreno first encountered deep loss when his uncle, the Israeli hero Emmanuel Moreno, fell in battle during the Second Lebanon War. Emmanuel left behind a legacy of heroism and mystery, as his identity and image remained classified. "It was a very complex time for our family," Yohai remembers. "Living in Telamim, where Emmanuel also lived, we were very close. At the time, I thought I had moved on, but two years ago, the outbreak of the War of the Iron Swords brought back the pain and memories when my cousin Itai Moreno, Emmanuel's nephew, was killed. It reignited all those feelings of loss and sparked reflections on faith." Yohai Moreno, a talented musician, has spent the last few years writing songs while also mentoring at-risk youth and producing music. "I mostly write about personal stories and insights that come to me," he explains. "For example, I'm currently releasing a new song about the month of Elul and getting closer to Hashem. Writing it felt almost soul-baring, as I grew up in a religious household where keeping Shabbat, going to synagogue, and laying tefillin were givens. But as I grew up, questions arose, and I began to seek out these practices genuinely, not just because I 'had' to." "The song concludes with 'the heart seeks love,' which captures my current feeling. Now, more than ever, I want to connect with Hashem through meaning and love. From the many responses I've received, it seems clear that many others feel the same way." Yohai openly shares, "The song about Elul is my most vulnerable piece. It talks about how Hashem is part of me and my desire never to disconnect. Sometimes it's hard to see how Hashem helps me, and it may seem things are tough, but it's just an illusion. Now, more than ever, I understand that Hashem acts out of pure love." Growing up in a religious home in Telamim, Yohai's life seemed ordinary until the news of Emmanuel's death changed everything. "I was a young boy, oblivious to the secret surrounding his identity and heroism, but his presence in my life was profound, and I deeply felt the absence of the uncle I would never see again." Yohai recalls childhood memories of helping Emmanuel with yard work. "Emmanuel was serious but also had a great sense of humor. He'd come out with a good joke that lightened the mood. At the last memorial gathering, I shared memories of him winking at me in synagogue, trying to make me laugh. His humor was something his wife, Maya, also recognized, describing him as 'half serious and half joking,' a side known to only those close to him." "How did Emmanuel's death impact you?" "I still struggle to articulate it, but I've realized that dealing with loss is a recurring challenge in my life. It's complex, especially when it involves loved ones." Yohai faced loss again with Itai Moreno's death at the war's onset. "Itai was like a brother, the family's glue, connecting us during Shabbat and holidays." Called up for reserve duty during the war, Yohai was busy with the fighting, only fully confronting Itai's loss during a brief break. "I felt a huge void, overwhelmed by the pain of not having Itai around, and memories of Emmanuel's loss came flooding back. I sought help from a therapist, but these losses still feel fresh, unresolved." "Does writing help overcome this struggle?" "Absolutely, that's why I write constantly. It helps express emotions and clarify my thoughts. Songs about life experiences have always brought peace and clarity." "Are you worried about publishing such personal songs?" "Initially, I was very apprehensive. But as singer Evyatar Banai writes, 'Fear is a gateway,' so overcoming it can help not only me but also connect with others. People tell me my song resonates with them, providing perspective and insights, which is incredibly moving." "What was the first song you wrote?" "It was about my uncle Emmanuel. I released it 11 years after his death; I wrote it as a child but only shared it after starting a music career. On Memorial Day 2021, it was played frequently, and family feedback was truly touching." Yohai also co-wrote a song about Itai with Emmanuel's daughter Avia, dedicated to Itai's wife Gal. "In the army, they would look at the moon and feel connected, which we capture in 'When I Miss You.' It's a poignant tribute to Itai's impact on family and friends." "Would you recommend songwriting for healing to others?" "Absolutely. I work with youths, guiding them to write and produce songs. Writing empowers them, even if just for themselves. Hearing their own words turned into music can heal and strengthen them. Music is a powerful, healing gift sent from above."