Soul Producer

His songs are universally sung and his music never ceases to inspire. But Naftali Schnitzler is content with taking a background role rather than seeking fame for himself. Because for him, it’s not the music, but the message, that matters. By combining song with spirit, Naftali brings Jews closer to the greatest Composer of them all.

There’s a song that was released in 2019 called “Far Dir,” a beautiful rendition of the Friday night zemer, “Kah Ribon.” Following the low part, there’s a pre-chorus bridge that goes like this:

Far Dir, Far Dir
Nahr Far Dir
Ant hu malka melech malchaya

For you, for you, only for you. You are the King, the King of all kings. 

I’m not in the music review business but take this story for what it’s worth. Yeshiva Ateres Shimon in Far Rockaway, New York, has a Thursday night hachanah l’Shabbos session every week. Loosely defined as “kugel, kishke, roast, and lots of singing,” hachanah l’Shabbos is a weekly highlight for the talmidim — and beyond. A neighborhood boy whom life has thrown a curveball or three  likes to swing by the hachanah l’shabbos and join in the camaraderie.