Idan Yaniv: Embracing Challenges with Faith

Getting to Know Idan

Idan Yaniv, 33, single, living in Tel Aviv, is a well-known singer and songwriter.

A Spark of Nostalgia

Around age 14, my voice changed. At the time, I was singing as a hobby at family events and ceremonies, and I was really upset about the change. I had gotten used to hearing myself in a certain way, and suddenly it was different. It bothered me so much that I told my parents I never wanted to sing again.

Just two days later, at the back of a weekend newspaper, there was a small black-and-white ad about auditions for a song competition. I debated whether to sign up with my dad, but he reminded me I said I didn't like how I sounded anymore and didn't want to sing, so I dropped it. Little did I know he secretly called the competition organizers on Saturday night and arranged an audition for me.

The competition was a few months later, and I won first place with "The Flower in My Garden." I competed against many singers, and I was the youngest. That win, my first time singing with musicians on stage, made me realize I had something special here. I once thought about leaving music, but now I understand that you can't run away from your destiny. Everyone has their own calling.

Photo by Ronen Akerman

A Spark of Heritage

Thank God, I was raised in a traditional home, where the values I absorbed still influence me today. We celebrate Shabbat with Kiddush, observe holidays, keep kosher, and honor our parents. Blessedly, I put on tefillin every day. We live near my paternal grandparents, and I have a close relationship with them.

A few months before my grandfather passed, I started learning "And Give Us Our Portion," a study of Talmud, Mishnah, and daily law. A friend of mine was strengthening his faith and started learning with Rabbi Kowalsky from Maorot HaDaf Yomi. I told my friend I wanted to join, and he connected us. This study connects me deeply because I want to learn the Talmud, which is greatly valued, but as someone from a traditional but not Yeshiva-educated background, it wasn't simple. However, the explanations make it accessible.

My grandfather and I were very close, and his passing was the first time I lost someone so dear. After he died, I began observing Shabbat and continued for a year and a half. Halfway through, my maternal grandfather also passed, and I wanted to honor his memory with Shabbat observance as well. I embraced Shabbat for their memory and to honor their tradition, my parents, and simply because I wanted to connect with Shabbat. It truly enriched my life.

People from traditional or secular backgrounds who haven't observed Shabbat might fear starting to do so, thinking they will miss things like phones or TV. But when I began observing Shabbat, I didn't miss those things. Joining all the prayers felt great. I genuinely want to establish a home founded on Jewish values.

A Spark of Inspiration

I feel deeply connected to Ecclesiastes 12:13: "The end of the matter, all having been heard: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole person." King Solomon, who wrote this, had wealth, wisdom, and power, yet concluded with this statement. It shows that after everything, there's only one essential thing in the world. Indeed, we're here to fulfill as many mitzvot as possible amidst material distractions and desires. The key is to overcome what blocks us from drawing near to Hashem and doing His will.

A Spark of Action

I believe I have divine assistance in my work, and a special divine protection. My goal is to bring people closer to Hashem through my music, and thank God, it's working. I can share the song "Starting Over," in which I participated. My line is, "Give me the strength to be a little weak to let go." It's vital to reach a point where one recognizes one's own smallness, letting go of ego. From that humble place, it's easier to live modestly and let go. Knowing we can let go, that persistence and struggle aren't always necessary, especially because Hashem's providence watches over each one of us. Hashem knows best what's truly good for us.

Photo by Ronen Akerman

A Spark of a Mitzvah

Lately, I've felt a special connection to the mitzvah of washing hands. Every morning after saying "I thank You," I strive to wash my hands, and I feel it brings blessing, abundance, and purity to my life. I can't really explain it, but that's what it does.

A Spark of Prayer

Blessedly, as I mentioned, I put on tefillin every day. Often, I manage to pray Shacharit properly, and regardless, I pray in my own words for my family's and all of Israel's well-being. Before every performance, I say "Shema Yisrael." There's no way I go on stage without it.

A Spark of Struggle

Everyone faces challenges, and I make an effort to pray to Hashem about my difficulties while also thanking Him. One of my challenges occurred a few years ago. I recorded an entire album over two years, released several singles, and decided to shelve the rest. This caused various struggles, including financial ones. Artistically, it was like a black hole due to a long gap between projects, and it felt like a professional and personal failure. However, I tried to take it positively. In those months, I eased off my ambitions and listened to what Hashem might be telling me. It helped, and several months later, I returned to recording with new material, and it succeeded.

Just recently, I learned in a class about Joseph the Righteous. The rabbi explained that Joseph overcame obstacles by knowing everything was for his benefit. All the hardships and setbacks were ultimately to his advantage. We all sometimes let ourselves down, thinking maybe we didn't do enough or we desire something and don't get it. In those moments, we need to believe everything is for the best, thank Hashem for everything, and patiently await the abundant good that will eventually come, God willing.