Israeli Singer Ben Tzur Reveals How Faith and Prayer Led to His Hit Song “Abba”

Behind every hit song lies a story, and sometimes that story involves years of hard work, disappointment, and perseverance. For Israeli singer Ben Tzur, the road to musical success was also a deeply spiritual journey, shaped by prayer, faith, and a desire to bring people closer to God.

In an interview at the Galgalatz radio studio, Ben Tzur spoke candidly about the difficulties he experienced before his breakthrough, revealing how four months of daily prayer in Safed preceded the creation of his hit song Abba ("Father").

Years of Hard Work and Disappointment

"I worked very hard and released many songs before this one came along," Ben Tzur recalled, describing the frustration of investing so much effort into his music without seeing the results he had hoped for.

"I was on the verge of despair. I felt broken. You create so much music, and nothing happens. You don't understand what's going on with your life."

Despite his growing disappointment, Ben Tzur continued pursuing his musical aspirations. During this difficult period, however, he began turning increasingly toward prayer and spiritual reflection, seeking not only professional success but a deeper sense of purpose.

A Daily Journey of Prayer in Safed

While living in Safed, Ben Tzur committed himself to a daily spiritual routine centered around visits to the resting place of the holy Arizal, Rabbi Isaac Luria.

"I really took it upon myself to go there every single day," he recalled. "I was living in Safed, and I would walk down the steps where we later filmed the music video."

Often accompanied by his guitar, he would spend time alone in the mountainous surroundings, singing, reflecting, and praying. He also made a daily practice of immersing in the mikveh before visiting the Arizal's resting place.

"These were genuine moments," he explained. "I would sit there on the mountain with my guitar, playing and singing. Every day, I would immerse in the mikveh, go to the resting place, pray, and ask Hashem: 'Please, let me finally succeed in bringing hearts closer together.'"

For Ben Tzur, these visits became an expression of his deepest aspirations, providing spiritual strength during a period when his musical future remained uncertain.

"I Just Want to Bring Hearts Closer Together"

Throughout the interview, Ben Tzur emphasized that his ultimate goal was never fame, recognition, or personal glory. Rather, he hoped to use his musical abilities to inspire others and strengthen their connection to God.

"I don't want publicity, I don't want success, I don't want honor. I don't want anything," he said. "I just want to do good for the Jewish people, to be a channel for the abundance of the Holy One, blessed be He, to bring hearts closer together, and to be a messenger of Hashem. That's what I want."

His words reflect the spiritual purpose he sought to bring to his music, seeing it not merely as a career but as an opportunity to touch people's lives and convey messages of faith.

Four Months of Prayer and an Unexpected Breakthrough

For four months, Ben Tzur maintained his daily routine of immersion, prayer, and visits to the Arizal's resting place. Then, unexpectedly, the song that would become his breakthrough hit began to take shape.

"For four months, every day, I would go, immerse in the mikveh, and pray for this. I kept immersing and praying, and suddenly, this song came," he recalled emotionally, referring to Abba.

The music video was subsequently filmed in Safed, in the very locations where he had spent those months seeking spiritual strength. "We filmed it all in that spiritual atmosphere in Safed, in those same places I used to visit. And then the song just exploded."

Looking back, Ben Tzur sees the success of Abba as the culmination of a deeply personal journey of faith and perseverance. What began as a period of uncertainty and discouragement ultimately became a defining chapter in his musical career.

For the singer, the breakthrough carries a significance that extends beyond popularity or recognition. It represents the fulfillment of a heartfelt prayer: to use his music to bring people together, inspire faith, and serve as a messenger of God.