Life, Music, and Faith: A Conversation with Yishai Lapidot

Meet Yishai Lapidot

Yishai Lapidot, 50 years old, father of three, and resident of Netanya, is a creator, singer, and media personality. A recipient of the ACUM Award, Lapidot discusses his journey and beliefs.

Creating My Own World

Growing up, I grappled with attention issues that deeply affected my classroom experience. Without readily accessible treatments like Ritalin, I struggled to focus, often turning inward to create my own private universe. My earliest compositions began as classroom doodles, so to speak—my own secret symphony. Although concentration remains a challenge, I've learned to embrace it. Today, I channel my energy into guiding others, particularly children facing similar struggles.

Closest to Hashem

No matter where I am, moments of profound prayer surface—often during flights when I’m alone with my thoughts and my fear of flying, which never quite disappeared.

Returning to Tradition

After leaving yeshiva years ago, I drifted from religious study. Thanks to a friend from synagogue, a renowned legal scholar named Zuri Lavie, I found my way back with weekly Talmud sessions. It has rekindled my passion for Jewish learning and community life in Netanya.

From World Tours to Deep Connections

Whether performing globally or engaging intimately, my career as a musician is defined by profound experiences. Recently, these included performing at a Torah dedication ceremony honoring fallen soldier Amit Ben Yigal, z"l, and singing to Efraim, who suffered immeasurable loss from a car accident. These moments outweigh even meetings with high-profile leaders; they fulfill my calling as an artist.

Living Behind the Scenes

By nature, I am cautious and a bit of a hypochondriac, and the pandemic only added fuel to this fire. Yet, it also pushed me to reinvent myself, launching a children's show and finding solace in faith. Our struggle went beyond just artists; it was for the countless people supporting our work—the technicians and the stagehands—who faced extreme hardship during these times. I am hopeful for meaningful support from the government.

The Faith Within

Hashem is a constant presence in my life, sometimes overwhelming, a balance of love and fear that guides my actions. Even in sin, my consciousness never fully lets go of spiritual consequences. This tension between earthly desires and spiritual duties keeps home in my heart.

Legacy of the Father

Born into a family where my father, a military rabbi, faced grave tasks and helped nurture ties within the community, I witnessed immense hardship and kindness. His work deeply influenced me and taught me resilience.

Highlights and Highs

In the arts, each show is a peak experience—a testament to the thrill of performing. The intimacy of small shows requires capturing the audience in new ways and keeps me thriving off the exhilaration of each event.

Pioneering Jewish Music

Through my work with the band ‘Auff Simchas,’ we brought Jewish music to broader audiences, paving the way for others to sing spiritually rich songs on mainstream platforms. Observing this evolution is a source of pride, seeing my influence in the rise of a new wave of Jewish artists.

The Journey Continues

Life's milestones, including the birth and growth of my children, remind me of how challenges and achievements coexist, much like an interplay of belief and reality that tests our faith. The passing of my sister two years ago profoundly tested this understanding. During her illness, my faith faced the ultimate trial, proving vital in navigating life's adversities.

Simple Tunes, Profound Emotions

The simplest melodies often carry the deepest emotions. Inspirations like Shlomo Carlebach and Meir Banai taught me that music doesn't need complexity to convey heartfelt messages.

Weekly Peace

Shabbat is my sacred retreat, a time when my restless mind finds calm and rejuvenation. Through its serenity, I draw strength for each new week, and it has become indispensable in my life.

Dreams in the Making

My mind brims with ideas, but over the years I've learned to prioritize and focus on a few choice passions. This has led to successful ventures like my past bands and shows, with many more concepts awaiting their moment.

No Smoking, No Drinking

In a world where I am an open book, there are few secrets left. However, not everyone knows I have never smoked or consumed alcohol, not even for Kiddush.

A Self-Affirmed Journey

Despite lacking modesty in the traditional sense, I maintain an awareness of my strengths and limitations. While I cherish the relationships and roles that come with my career, I pride myself in my journey and am open about it when necessary.