We hosted a roundtable discussion with the Thank You Hashem Nation crew
Elimelech: Well, this isn’t the usual “Artist releases album to build his career and get more gigs.” Like all of Thank You Hashem’s projects, this is not for profit. This music is born of personal journeys that we, as a chevreh and a community, have been through, and want to share with others. Musically, these songs are a combination of catchy “hooks,” easy singing, and very deep meaning.
Aryeh: People ask us what our secret is to being trendsetters in Jewish music. Funny, because we’re not here to set trends. Like everyone, we’re struggling with life — and yet trying to stay inspired. We’re trying to figure out what works to help us climb upward, and then share that inspiration.
Aryeh: We saw an issue in the music world. When we were kids, if you got a new album, you used to look at the album cover, take out the booklet and read the write-up and dedication while you listened, which helped you connect and made it into an experience. Just downloading your music and moving on doesn’t have the same effect. We wanted to bring the booklet back, to make these songs an immersive experience. We commissioned original art from Shani Levin to depict the message of each song. The Torah teaching for the essence of each niggun, written by Rabbi Yaakov Klein of the Lost Princess Initiative, is printed in the booklet, too, letting the songs really come to life and make an impact through the senses. Rabbi Klein also wrote the introduction to the album and our rav, Rabbi Yussie Zakutinsky, the rav of Khal Mevakshei Hashem in Lawrence, is featured on the opening track, sharing about the avodah of music. Creating an experience around an album amplifies the connection, and our motto is: We’re not after views, but impact.
Aryeh: Elimelech! He’s a phenomenal songwriter. One of my earliest memories is of Elimelech and my father sitting in the succah composing a song. He must have been nine years old. The words were “Yibaneh hamikdash,” and it was quite possibly the worst song I’ve ever heard, but he’s improved a lot since then.
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