Yoni Rohe: The Beloved Israeli Singer Whose Music, Faith, and Family Shaped His Life Journey

Yoni Rohe is married and a father of four, living in Netanya. "I’m a songwriter, composer, and singer — but first and foremost, I’m a full-time father. Only after that, an artist.”

A Spark of Creativity

“I am registered with ACUM (the Israeli composers’ association) with more than 1,400 songs to my name. Among my well-known songs are: Eizo Medina, Pri Ganech, Zodiac, Kotel HaMizrach, Friends in Many Colors, Yehi Ratzon, Modeh Ani, Bird of the Sun, and more.

Thank God, I had the privilege of eight years of study and professional training in various music fields, including three years of composition study with the musician Dr. Vladimir Shabryov.

I also have extensive experience producing national music competitions, live performances, and large-scale workshops — and I received a ‘Professional Music Instructor’ certification from Bar-Ilan University.”

A Spark of Nostalgia

“For me, nostalgia is mostly about food. I miss my mother, Yasmina — every Friday the smell of couscous fills my home and brings me back to her, to our house, and to the warm neighborhood in Netanya where I grew up.

On holidays, my seven siblings and I remember my mother’s cooking and my father Kalifa Ramu baking in the kitchen.

My grandparents passed away when I was very young, so I hardly remember them — most of what I know about them I heard from my parents. I try to preserve many of the traditions from my childhood home, all out of deep love and longing.”

A Spark of Faith

“In 1982, after finishing my service in the IDF band, I began strengthening religiously and learned for a year in Yeshivat HaTefutzot in Jerusalem.

Since then, I do my best to keep Shabbat and put on tefillin. I try to attend synagogue on Shabbat, and we always make Kiddush on Friday night.

Judaism is one of the most important parts of my life — it is my identity and the meaning of life. In Judaism there is wisdom, understanding, and a path for good living. It provides healing, guidance, and a daily framework — with the awareness that everything comes from God, the Creator of the world.

Judaism is pure — like a spring of living water — inviting, uplifting, and blessed.”

(צילום: דורון עדות)

A Spark of Inspiration

“My inspiration comes from God — He is the source of everything I am, both as a person and as an artist.

On a different level, I was also deeply inspired by Rabbi David Riachi. Beyond being a rabbi, he was a remarkable cantor, and as a child singing in his synagogue choir — I learned so much from him.”

A Spark of Mitzvah

“The mitzvah that is most precious to me is: ‘Honor your father and your mother, so that your days will be lengthened.’

I tried very hard to fulfill this mitzvah while my parents were alive. It is the only commandment in the Ten Commandments where the reward is stated explicitly — in this world.

I am always moved when I see people caring for their parents and doing everything for them. Unconditional love is the truest and most sincere love. Fulfilling this mitzvah brings a kind of satisfaction that can’t be described.”

A Spark of Shabbat

“Shabbat is the source of blessing. Every Friday I feel excited all over again — the cooking, the children, the atmosphere of holiness in the air. Everything stops in honor of Shabbat.

Shabbat reminds you that there is more to life than money, material pursuits, and the daily race. Shabbat says: ‘Come to Me — give yourself a moment of holiness and spirit.’

I connect to Shabbat without negotiations, without conditions, without ego — just feel it, and it embraces you in royal garments.”

Yoni shares a powerful story about a life-changing test of faith involving a business offer connected to Shabbat, financial loss, and ultimately, renewed blessing and spiritual clarity. He describes it as a Divine wake-up call that reshaped his path and returned him to meaningful, honest living.

A Spark of Happiness

“My life motto is: ‘The elixir of life is learning to be moved — again and again.’

Whenever I feel moved — by family, music, or a good deed, it brings me happiness. And especially when I see my wife and children happy and smiling.”

A Spark of Prayer

“When I pray Shacharit with my friends in the ‘Em Kol Chai’ synagogue, they let me chant the entire Korbanot section — up to ‘Hashem Melech, Hashem Malach, Hashem Yimloch LeOlam Va’ed’ — and each time I sing that line to a different melody. I can literally see the light in the faces of the congregants — it’s uplifting beyond words.

One Yom Kippur, the rabbi told me they didn’t have a melody for Kol Nidrei and asked me to compose one. I invited Rabbi Itzik Traub HaKohen to the studio — he loved it — and since then, for many years now, the entire synagogue sings Kol Nidrei to my melody. It brings me to tears every time.”

(צילום: דורון עדות)

A Spark of Strength

“When facing challenges, the first thing I remind myself is that ‘The salvation of God comes in the blink of an eye.’

I focus on gratitude and faith — knowing that everything is from God and ultimately for the good. I try to stay optimistic, to see the full half of the cup, and to remember that when one door closes, another opens.”

A Spark of Divine Presence

“I feel God’s presence every morning when I wake up — but especially in holy places.

His presence grounds me whenever I approach the edge of ego — I think of Him, and everything resets. During the Amidah prayer, His closeness feels especially real — I can’t explain it, and maybe it’s better that way.”

A Spark of Legacy

“I hope to leave behind a good name, good deeds, and a legacy of songs that will continue to bring joy and inspiration to the Jewish people, even after I’m gone.

I want to leave a family that will continue on a path of goodness, kindness, faith, and love — ‘Love your fellow as yourself’ — Judaism that flows from warmth, belief, and a willing heart.”