Meet Yonatan Shahar: Musician, Mentor, and Heartfelt Storyteller

### Get to Know Yonatan Shahar "Yonatan Shahar, 36, married with three children, resides in Jerusalem. An artist and musician, he works with at-risk youth and those dealing with mental health challenges." ### Don't Look Far for Inspiration "My parents became *baalei teshuva*. We were somewhat religious, yet we had a TV at home. At some point during my childhood, my parents delved deeply into religious observance. We lived in Or Akiva—my father was a pioneer in Israel's high-tech industry, and my mother was a social worker. Despite becoming a *charedi* family, in their profound and interesting transformation, my parents decided to stay in Or Akiva, which I find incredible. "Today, I live in the Beit Israel neighborhood of Jerusalem, surrounded by devout *charedim* and many *baalei teshuva*. I witness the complex journeys many families in similar transitions undergo. Today, many rabbis advise *baalei teshuva* to remain close to their familiar environments, not to abandon their former homes, workplaces, or friends unless it directly conflicts with *halacha*. "I believe in deep *teshuva* that emanates internally and integrates with life. Changes are best when emerging from inner work and moderation, rather than sudden upheaval. Such abrupt shifts can leave families, especially children, bewildered by their cultural shift. However, growing up in Or Akiva, we were clear about our boundaries. We kept the outside world close, yet distinct, leading us to face the world in a healthy way. I've spent years at the interface of *charedim* and *baalei teshuva*, helping however I can in this crucial field." ### A Birthday Gift "After the usual path through *talmud torah* and yeshivas, I set off on a spiritual journey that brought me closer to the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, where I found myself. This led me to travel to Uman. Eventually, I moved to Jerusalem, where I built my home. My wife shares a similar background, and she too embraced this path over time. One of my friends wanted to gift me a set of Breslov books for my birthday. However, it didn't work out, and we eventually forgot about it. Months later, the same friend and his wife introduced me to my future wife. When we got engaged, my wife gifted me the very book set my friend intended to give me—it was a beautiful full-circle moment and a heartwarming message from Hashem." ### A Painful Farewell "As a musician, my work serves as my mode of expression. Just as a photographer captures moments with their camera or a painter with their brush, I compose music from my experiences. Throughout my life, I've encountered various realities and challenges, translating these encounters into insights that eventually become songs. Often these songs are born from profound emotions spurred by people and events. "For instance, the line from my song 'All That You Are', 'The memory of a beloved who circled your life and left never to return', was written following a painful goodbye to a dear friend. I generally don't view myself as a professional singer but more as a presenter for my own music. The songs come through me, and I strive to honor them by presenting them authentically." ### Flying High "Initially, I didn't foresee becoming a musician in the full sense. I casually learned music and began composing while strumming my guitar during my early twenties yeshiva days. My personal spiritual journey led me to leave yeshiva, and when I reconnected with friends years later, I was astonished to find my first composition had become a local hit that people cherished singing. My first professionally released single, 'Don't Believe Him', I didn't market it systematically; I simply shared it as an audio file among friends. Hashem willed it, and it started spreading. "Around two weeks later, I received an urgent call saying media personality Yedidia Meir wanted to meet me. The next day, on his morning show, he recounted how he first heard the song on a flight to Los Angeles and felt so moved that he wanted the pilot to turn back to broadcast it in Israel. Upon his return, he played it extensively, including on his joint show with his wife, Sivan, on Galatz radio. Thank God, the song became successful and widely aired, marking the point where I realized my music career needed a serious breakthrough." ### Yonatan Shahar's Latest Release "I'm about to release my debut album, 'All That You Are', named after its title track. The name reflects my belief that who you are now is the accumulation of your life's experiences. Everything you've gone through accompanies you. My childhood, growth, aspirations—they're all within me, shaping who I am today. I've been writing and composing for almost twenty years, and everything converges in this album. It's a reflection of my journey thus far—the *charedi* world, *baalei teshuva*, at-risk youth, mental health advocacy, devotion to Hashem, family life, and personal challenges. I invite everyone to dive into the album and listen deeply. There are profound things that I hope will resonate with people." ### The Power of a Song "While playing for a spiritually gifted girl with cerebral palsy, I was told that after a tragic accident, the only part of her brain still functioning was linked to music and song. Her father shared this with me after he saw her moved to tears by my performance." ### A Hopeful Melody "My greatest dream is to touch many hearts, to connect with them through my songs and join in a shared prayer. I hope my songs become anthems for people navigating the paths I've traveled and continue to traverse, encouraging listeners to find solace, encouragement, and perhaps a life-changing insight within them." ### Staying True "My biggest fear is losing the inspiration and innocence of those early days. The songs are my words and melodies, originating from my deepest and most natural place. I'm open to new audiences and projects, but I pray to maintain my authenticity and stay true to my principles, boundaries, and beliefs." ### The Meaning of 'Mom' "Most of my work revolves around supporting at-risk youth, a field I've been immersed in for many years. I've served as a guide and mentor in yeshiva settings and beyond. Currently, I primarily accompany young men through music. We talk, write songs together, and I try to draw out insights that can help them. A few months ago, I sat with one of the boys I mentor who wanted to write a song about his mother. I asked him, 'What does your mom mean to you? What would you like to tell her?' His response was so emotional, I found myself in tears. It was incredibly moving. "On weekends, you'll often find me at 'Hatzroni's Hangout'. It's a safe space in central Jerusalem where any teen who needs a hug or a calming spot can come, especially during vulnerable times like Thursday nights and post-Shabbat. Amidst the challenges outside, we're there at the forefront to help these young people find themselves, and the space is tightly supervised. "Music is the heart of what we do there. We gather in a circle, with the room darkened and candles lit, singing and playing music all night. People come and go throughout the evening—some join the circle, some converse, and there's even a creative corner for those inclined. This is a therapeutic haven for lost youth, and our philosophy is not to initiate conversations but to be available for those who want to talk." ### Words That Change Lives "A few years ago, in one of the places I worked, we decided to do something positive one day by hosting a group discussion circle. One of my colleagues spoke individual words of encouragement to each youth, while I dedicated a song to them. When we came to a boy with a particularly challenging background, the staff member told him he believed in him and his immense potential. I dedicated to him the song 'Ben Adam Aleh', by Rabbi Kook. "As we began singing, I noticed him break down, tearing up deeply. After we finished, he confessed it was the first time anyone ever told him they believed in his strength. Recently, I spoke with my colleague, who ran into this boy and was told how profoundly moved he was by that experience and that he'd never forget it. Despite facing challenges, including incarceration and psychiatric hospitalization, it had a tremendous impact on him. Often, we can't fathom the power our words may hold for another." ### Dance in the Water "My passion for *mikvahs*, springs, and immersion sites is well-known. Whenever I'm invited for Shabbat, I always ask first if there's a *mikvah* nearby. Many years ago, I was visiting in Gush Katif and found myself needing to immerse before Shabbat ended. As we spoke with the host about the upcoming evacuation, I suddenly said, 'I need a *mikvah*; I haven't immersed yet!' Unfazed, the host casually mentioned there was none around, then added, 'Except here at my home. You're welcome!' Immersing there was pure joy." ### Unforgettable Desecration "One year during Rosh Hashanah in Uman, I found myself in a local's apartment with friends. After the festive meal, exhausted, I retired early to rise for morning prayers, only to find my friends had left without me, locking the door from outside. Realizing I'd be unable to attend the public prayers, my heart sank. Resolving to pray alone, I aligned my soul with those at the synagogue nearby, coinciding my prayers with theirs. Facing Israel, with my heart attuned to the congregation, I prayed. "What unfolded that morning was beyond my comprehension. It became one of the most profound prayer experiences of my life. When I finished, it turned out an entire hour had passed, filled with heartfelt prayer and tears."