Baruch Emanuel Erdstein

Putting a Kabbalistic twist on the Motown and funk music of his home town of Detroit, Baruch Erdstein has come up with a uniquely Jewish sound. Based on a mix of the funk, reggae/ska music that strongly influenced him while growing up, Baruch has added a spiritual dimension that is inspired by living in the center of the Old City of Tsfat.

World Traveler

Although Baruch learned to play music as a child, his interest in world cultures and society transformation led him to take a degree in Anthropology at University of Michigan. After finishing college he decided to travel and explore the world. Loving reggae/ska music he spent time living, learning and teaching in the jungles of Jamaica absorbing what the culture had to offer. He also lived and taught in Alaska among the Native Americans people, learning about their society, always searching for the truth. As part of his round the world journey fifteen years ago, he stopped in Israel, spending time in Tsfat, and he has been here more or less ever since.

Studying Judaism And Kabbalah

Since arriving in Tsfat he has spent his time studying Torah and Kabbalah, with a special emphasis on the idea that souls are born into or sent into exile to retrieve "holy sparks" which then help to bring about the Redemption. He has become very knowledgeable about Kabbalah and, apart from playing music, he edits, translates and writes commentaries on works of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism.

The Band

His band "iNGATHERING" consists of seasoned funk/reggae/ska musicians who are relatively recent arrivals in Tsfat. As part of a larger project also called Ingathering, the band plays music that everyone can relate to. Whether they are playing for traveling tourists, inspired Jewish groups, or for youth at festivals, Baruch hopes that his audience will be able to connect with the spiritual insights he is trying to convey.

The CD

The CD "Connection" was recorded by the band locally at Amuka, together with the world famous musician Yonatan Razel. Beautifully packaged, the booklet insert is very comprehensive, not only having the words to the songs, but also detailed footnotes about the origins of the songs. Listeners are encouraged to study the source texts to learn more about the meaning behind the music.

Other Projects

Baruch plays solo and does story telling where he uses stories and teachings from Kabbalah. He also gives walks and talks around Tsfat which he sees as guided spiritual experiences.

Present And Future

Married to Batya, a ceramic artist, with five children, Baruch works at bringing up his family as well as providing Shabbat hospitality to travelers. Inspired by Rav Cook as well as by the great minds of Kabbalah, Baruch wants to help others to also become aware of their rich heritage and tradition. He sees this as "ingathering", which he believes is a necessary part of the process of unification which will bring about the Redemption. He wants the musical gifts he has been given to help "bring light to the Jewish people in the merits of the mystical traditions of the tzadikkim."

Contact

For further details about Baruch's projects, to buy the CD, or to book Baruch and/or the band "Ingathering" contact: Baruch Erdstein on 052 251 5134 or email baruch@ingatheringmusic.com