Elkana Marciano: Turning Down a Dubai Sheikh for Shabbat

Meet Elkana

"Hi, I'm Elkana Marciano, 29 years old, engaged, living in Givat Shmuel, singer and songwriter."

Family Flashbacks

"I was born into an ultra-Orthodox family, one sister and seven brothers, all musically inclined. Our Shabbat dinners are like a concert. My father took me to the Moroccan synagogue early on, and as I grew, I became adept in Torah reading. My parents returned to faith in their own unique ways. My mom always had a spiritual inclination, but my dad, surprisingly, returned due to a bet with a friend over a sports game. Now, my mom helps guide others on their spiritual journeys."

Ancestral Roots

"Recently, I lost both grandmothers within a year. My paternal grandmother passed after a long illness, followed by the unexpected death of her eldest son. Soon after, my maternal grandmother, with whom I shared a special connection, passed away. Her humility and generosity shaped me, and I miss her dearly. She loved hearing me sing, so I visited her often, serenading her with my latest numbers."

Jewish Spark

"Raised in the Jewish faith, my connection to Hashem is profound. I keep Shabbat, wrap tefillin, and engage in Torah study, especially with my righteous brother-in-law. This bond with Judaism comes naturally, and it fuels my creativity and spirituality."

Journey to Success

"At 14, I left school to work in construction to help my large family. This job, oddly enough, improved my singing due to its acoustics. An agent noticed me at a family event and insisted I audition for 'The Voice.' Skeptical at first, I eventually participated and promised Hashem that if I won, I'd proclaim His sovereignty. And I did just that when I won, shouting 'Shema Yisrael' live on air."

Inspiration

"The teachings of the Chafetz Chaim about the power of words resonate with me. Actions speak louder, and I strive to make an impact through hard work and dedication to my beliefs."

Love for Learning

"I have a deep passion for studying the Torah, especially the Talmud and 'Duties of the Heart.' While challenging, it reminds me of the spiritual over the material."

Musical Connections

"Music and spirituality intertwine for me. Singing offers an unparalleled joy, akin to my Torah study sessions. My goal is to infuse holiness into my music and elevate faith in every performance."

Acts of Kindness

"I cherish the mitzvah of bringing joy to brides and grooms. Shabbat observance and the morning ritual of washing hands before prayers ground my daily life, completing it with bedtime prayers like 'Shema Yisrael.'"

Shabbat Love

"Shabbat is my sanctuary. Free from technology and daily pressures, it brings family and serenity. My fiancée embraced Shabbat observance after we met, and I stand firm in not performing on Shabbat, even refusing a lavish offer from a Dubai sheikh."

Prayerful Path

"Expressing gratitude to Hashem is my life's motto. Prayer is the cornerstone of my day, ensuring each begins and ends with reflection and acknowledgment of divine grace."