Go Simcha Podcast

This weeks episode of Gosimcha : The Podcast kicks off with a very special interview. I sit down with a long time friend from our days in Camp Dora Golding. Today’s guest is Zalman Pollack! About Zalman Pollack From an early age Zalman discusses how he always liked to sing. On the show you can hear him talk about his strong desire to join the Miami Boys Choir. His persistence ultimately paid off when the offered him a spot in the choir. Their he sang along side the likes of our other guests such as Mordachai Shapiro and his brother Duvy. Early Love Of Music Zalman talks about how his early love of music really sparked him to want to sing. Although he never played an instrument he was very musically gifted. Recently for his latest video his good friend and former guest Joey Newcomb showed him a few pointers and now he can play. Zalman also talks about his time in Yeshiva and together with Joey Newcomb and another friend Moshe Avigdor, they would go sing at peoples homes on Shabbat and enhance the evening meals. Havdala Recently Zalman released a music video “Havdala” It is a very moving video capturing the essence of Shabbat and how we ebb it away each week only to return once more with more joy and Simcha for another week. You can watch the video here. Booking Zalman With the release of the video, Zalman is now working on getting into the wedding scene. He brings talent and enthusiasm to every Simcha he does. If you’d like to book Zalman for your next Simcha you can give him a call at 718) 612-0116 Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today. *This weeks episode of Gosimcha : The Podcast is sponsored in part by Kosherica Kosher Travel Kosherica is the leader in kosher luxury travel all around the world. Experience kosher travel like never before. With Kosherica, you can travel in comfort and style on of our stunning cruises. You can also experience our Passover programs. To learn more and book your next Kosher luxury vacation visit them today at www.Kosherica.com

After a long summer, we are finally back! In this weeks episode Zeesha sits down with Duvy Burston. Duvy is ONLY 16 years old and has already put out two hit singles. His latest just debuted recently just in time for him to go back to Yeshiva. Life As A Young Musician Duvy talks about how he got his start in music. From the early days singing around the Shabbat table, and than gradually moving into piano and guitar. Duvy Burston displays his talents at a young age. You might wonder how someone can manage a musical career and being in Yeshiva? Duvy explains that Boruch Hashem, his Yeshiva was very keen to his talents and gave him the space he needed. The First Single. Duvy Burston released his first single, “Ki Ata Imadi” after the shooting which claimed the lives of those praying at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. ” I was learning in Yeshiva at the time in Pittsburgh and it needed to be put out.” Burston said of the song. Our Podcast did an interview with Rabbi Chonie Friedman, Shliach in Pittsburgh discuss how you can take tragedy and bring Simcha from it. This was episode sixteen. Searching For You | The Second Single Duvy Burston just debuted his second single at 16 years old. Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today. *This weeks episode of Gosimcha : The Podcast is sponsored in part by Kosherica Kosher Travel Kosherica is the leader in kosher luxury travel all around the world. Experience kosher travel like never before. With Kosherica, you can travel in comfort and style on of our stunning cruises. You can also experience our Passover programs. To learn more and book your next Kosher luxury vacation visit them today at www.Kosherica.com

Sitting Down With Hebro In episode 46 Zeesha sits down with singer, songwriter, rapper and producer Raphael ” Hebro” Fulcher to learn his story. Meet Hebro The youngest of six children born in Crown Heights Brooklyn to African-American Orthodox Jewish parents who converted to Judaism in the early 70’s under the guidance of Rabbi J.J. Hecht, the then-assistant to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Hebro hails from a family of spiritual vocalists. Though born in Brooklyn, the singer, songwriter, rapper and producer spent his formative years in North Carolina, St. Louis and Israel. As an ardent fan and student of music since a very young age, Hebro, who’s full name is ‘Raphael Ohr Chaim Fulcher’, has cultivated a deep appreciation for the colossal power music holds to make positive change in the world. His music is his mission to do just that. His craft touches a wide range of musical genres including Hip Hop, Reggae, Motown, EDM, and R&B. Conscious, meaningful lyrics combine with deep rhythm’s and soulful melodies to create uplifting and inspirational music designed to spread unity, truth, and progress to the farthest reaches of the globe. Having stretched his musical wings on stage with Matisyahu, Nissim Black, Moshav Band, Lipa Schmeltzer, Zusha and others, Fulcher decided three years ago that it was time to share his God given gifts with the world in a debut EP titled Genesis.​ It is an album that is inspired by Tehillim, by King David’s work. “When I imagine Daveed Hamelech performing during his life, I imagine that his music had rhythm and spirit. Put on a Hip-Hop instrumental and read Psalms. It will blow your mind. I personally believe he was the greatest rapper of all time. No disrespect at all but I don’t think it sounded much like the typical ‘Jewish’ music we hear today in the orthodox world”. I want to bring his poetry back to life.” Hebro writes music that sheds light on being fearful of what we don’t control or understand and the responsibility we share to overcome it. “ There is a message there in Cain’s conversation with Hashem, when he says he doesn’t know where his brother is. If we focused on the other person, if we were conscious of one another, and were tolerant of each other, we would be able to bring about the ultimate redemption. Having been the only African-American student in the yeshivos he attended since first grade wasn’t always easy, admitted Fulcher, but it was an experience that prepared him for his future. “It was often challenging for myself and for my peers,” said Fulcher. “It was a reality that none of them had ever dealt with before and it was new for them. Still, growing up as an African-American Jew in a white Orthodox Jewish world gave me the experience to understand the potential of breaking down the barriers of fear and difference while creating an opportunity for growth. B’nei Yisrael come in all shapes and colors and sizes and the sooner we can all handle that the sooner we will all be b’simcha.” The Video Book Hebro If you would like to have Hebro at your next Simcha, you can get in touch here. Inquiries Tel: 347.422.7839 | Live Performance Booking Booking Manager: Naomi Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today. *This weeks episode of Gosimcha : The Podcast is sponsored in part by Kosherica Kosher Travel Kosherica is the leader in kosher luxury travel all around the world. Experience kosher travel like never before. With Kosherica, you can travel in comfort and style on of our stunning cruises. You can also experience our Passover programs. To learn more and book your next Kosher luxury vacation visit them today at www.Kosherica.com

Behind The Scenes With Aryeh Kunstler This week Zeesha sits down with singer, songwriter,and band leader and guitarist extraordinaire Aryeh Kunstler. Aryeh’s musical career has spanned many years. In this weeks episode, we discuss his music, his talents, and many collaborations with some of Jewish musics biggest names. Meet Aryeh Aryeh Kunstler is a rising star in the Jewish music scene. With his virtuoso guitar talent and a collection of eloquently written, soulful, catchy songs, he has captivated audiences both here in the U.S. and in Israel for the last five years. Since the release of his debut album, “From the Depths,” Aryeh and his band have developed a reputation for their energetic live shows and their ability to entertain and captivate audiences across the broad spectrum of Jewish life. Aryeh Kuntsler is also a producer, engineer and current band leader and member of the Kol Play Orchestra He also wrote and sang the famous Chavrusa Break Up Song You can watch the video below: Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today. *This weeks episode of Gosimcha : The Podcast is sponsored in part by Kosherica Kosher Travel Kosherica is the leader in kosher luxury travel all around the world. Experience kosher travel like never before. With Kosherica, you can travel in comfort and style on of our stunning cruises. You can also experience our Passover programs. To learn more and book your next Kosher luxury vacation visit them today at www.Kosherica.com

A New Guest! The past few episodes, we have been sitting down with some of the legends and giants in the Jewish music industry. This week, on Gosimcha: The podcast, we sit down with singer, songwriter and composer, Avrumy Holzcler. in episode 44 Avrumy shares his story with Zeesha on how he got started and how his love of music has helped shape his career. Meet Avrumy Avrumy Holzcler is a singer, songwriter and composer. He has been active in music since he was 14. Singing in various choirs and alongside big names such as Lipa Shmeltzer. Avrumy has sang at many weddings and events both solo and as part of choirs. His big break came at his own wedding when he composed his own version of Eishet Chayal and sang to his new wife. You can listen and view the video here: The New Single Recently Avrumy released a brand new single Zachor. He has told us that this is not the first song he has produced but the first that has been put on a cd. The song brings in so many themes and melodies. You can listen to the song here: Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today. *This weeks episode of Gosimcha : The Podcast is sponsored in part by Kosherica Kosher Travel Kosherica is the leader in kosher luxury travel all around the world. Experience kosher travel like never before. With Kosherica, you can travel in comfort and style on of our stunning cruises. You can also experience our Passover programs. To learn more and book your next Kosher luxury vacation visit them today at www.Kosherica.com

In this week episode, we go pretty deep behind the scenes and sit down with world renowned arranger and composer Yitzy Berry. Yitzy comes on to discuss his history in the music industry. We discuss everything from arrangement to composition and so much more. How It All Began Yitzy Berry tells us how it all began with his father who worked in an era of big Jewish singers. Hanging around in the studio and listening to the music being made had a deep impact on Yitzy. Yitzy told us, “I only learned to play piano when I was 16, I was getting a late start”. With his music in his genes and abilities to play and arrange, Yitzy talks about how he got more into it. The Big Break Yitzy discusses how he got his big break when Dovid Fadida came calling. “Their was an album coming out from Yonatan Sheinfeld, when he was much younger, Fadida asked us to work a few tracks on the album” This was Yitzy’s big break into arranging. One by one, artists kept coming. Friends We discuss how Yitzy Berry has worked with so many musicians over the years. Zeesha makes the comment that calls them clients, Yitzy than corrects us by saying they aren’t clients they are my firends. “When I go into the studio, we make music but we also sit around shmooze” “It’s nice and fun and these are my friends” Yitzy Berry talks about how each artist he works with brings their own unique story to the studio and brings so much to each session. “I had Benny Friedman in the studio and he is just such a real person” New Music Yitzy Berry’s recent project was with Avraham Fried our guest from Episode 42. The latest single from Avraham fried “Abba”. Yitzy discusses how it was such an amazing piece to arrange because it broke all the rules in Jewish music. You can listen to the track here. Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today. *This weeks episode of Gosimcha : The Podcast is sponsored in part by Kosherica Kosher Travel Kosherica is the leader in kosher luxury travel all around the world. Experience kosher travel like never before. With Kosherica, you can travel in comfort and style on of our stunning cruises. You can also experience our Passover programs. To learn more and book your next Kosher luxury vacation visit them today at www.Kosherica.com

Avraham Fried joins us this week for season 2 Episode 2 of Gosimcha : The Podcast. ” I can finally retire after 40 years now that I have come on Gosimcha : The podcast” Fried opens up the show jokingly! This is a very special interview as we discuss how this music has transcended over 4 decades and still has tremendous influence on the world today. Sit back and listen as we go behind the scenes with Avraham Fried. About Avraham Fried There’s singing, and there’s inspiring. Avraham has been inspiring audiences around the world with his unique blend of Chassidic, contemporary music for over thirty five years. He has released more than twenty five CDs. From NYC’s Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to London’s Wembley Hall and Tel Aviv’s Heichal Hatarbut, Avraham has performed in front of sold out audiences. Avraham’s music is colorful. It is a delightful mix served in Yiddish, Hebrew, and English. There’s upbeat music that will make you want to dance, and inspiring, heartfelt ballads that will make you want to pray and connect to something higher. Avraham lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and family. The Music To date Avraham Fried has put out over 30 full albums and singles for the world to enjoy. Each album and song comes with it’s own unique message to help bring us closer to the coming of Moshiach! You can find all of Avraham Fried’s music available for purchase on his website https://www.avrahamfried.com His latest single, “Abba” was just released and can be listened to here. Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today. *This weeks episode of Gosimcha : The Podcast is sponsored in part by Kosherica Kosher Travel Kosherica is the leader in kosher luxury travel all around the world. Experience kosher travel like never before. With Kosherica, you can travel in comfort and style on of our stunning cruises. You can also experience our Passover programs. To learn more and book your next Kosher luxury vacation visit them today at www.Kosherica.com

Mazal Tov! We have reached season 2 of Gosimcha : The Podcast! With over 40 episodes, streamed on multiple platforms, websites and Jewish radio stations and nearly 60,000 listeners across the world. This is a big milestone for our show! Season 2 kicks off with one of the legends in the Jewish music world. In this weeks episode I sit down with the great Shlomo Simcha to pick his brain and learn his story of how his music has transcended the generations. About Shlomo Simcha One of the greatest Jewish stars to ever come out of Toronto, Shlomo Simcha returns to his roots with both Hebrew and English songs, even evoking the feeling of the “Aish” series, which he recorded with fellow Toronto legend Abie Rotenberg. Shlomo Simcha rose to unprecedented fame by pairing traditional chazanus with contemporary styles. Latest Album Shlomo Simcha has been creating music that has transcended generations. Pairing with some of the top composers and names in the Jewish music world over the years to give your ears an experience unparalleled. His latest album “SHLOMO SIMCHA SINGS PINCHAS WOLF – TATE OY TATENYU” As the Yomim Naroyim are almost upon us, R’ Pinchas felt it was the ideal time to release this stirring new niggun. This was accompanied by an equally stirring performance courtesy of the incomparable Shlomo Simcha. The hit song Avinu Malkeynu will be featured on the upcoming Shirei Pinchas 3 due to be released in time for Chanukah. Album cover for Shlomo Simcha new album with Pinchus Wolf To fully convey the “soul” of the song and ensure it connects with the broadest listener base possible, R’ Pinchas enlisted the talents of David Lennik of Better World Productions. Using the world famous Bialystoker shul as a backdrop , Lennik and his team elevated R’ Pinchas’ already stellar nigun and Shlomo Simcha’s poignant performance into a world class, timeless message of Emunah, and Bitachon that will help the listener gain an invaluable new perspective just in time for the new year. You can purchase the album from Mostly Music and download it on all major music streaming platforms. Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today. *This weeks episode of Gosimcha : The Podcast is sponsored in part by Kosherica Kosher Travel Kosherica is the leader in kosher luxury travel all around the world. Experience kosher travel like never before. With Kosherica, you can travel in comfort and style on of our stunning cruises. You can also experience our Passover programs. To learn more and book your next Kosher luxury vacation visit them today at www.Kosherica.com

This week we mark episode 40 of Gosimcha : The Podcast! To celebrate we brought on a very special guest. SJ The Rapper, Meet SJ SJ, or Shmuel Tannenbaum as he is know is a Rapper and Freestyler who’s been performing for over 12 years. He can rap about any word or topic on the spot without any preparation beforehand, as long as I have a good beat to rap over (whether A Capella or from a device). He keeps his lyrics and subject matter clean and meaningful, while also being fun to listen and party to. “I believe in keeping the great sounds and beats of rappers like G-Eazy, Logic, Eminem, Machine Gun Kelly, Drake, Lil Dicky, and Meek Mill just to name a few, while taking out the subject matter that is dirty and meaningless (i.e. drugs, alcohol, women, etc.).” At parties, bar/bat-mitzvahs, etc. He is able to freestyle on the spot about the bar/bat-mitzvah child, honoree, or anyone who is the subject of the event. This is very entertaining both for the person/s being honored and their guests. Watch The Full Interview Video Player 00:00 35:57 Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today. This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Oorah Since its humble beginning, Oorah developed into a multifaceted nonprofit organization offering social, educational, and religious services to thousands of families throughout the world. Oorah’s dozens of programs have broadened Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s impact, continuing each year to carry out his vision with care and dedication. Bringing joy and Simcha to everyone.

Episode 39 kicks off with Zeesha sitting down with the young singing sensation Dovid Pearlman. Dovid starts off with talking about how it all began. How It All Began Dovid Pearlman’s musical career began at a very young age. His father, was the founder of one of the original Jewish A Capella groups, The Shabbatons. He talks about how his father used to bring him to gigs and he would sing and entertain. From those experiences Dovid tells Zeesha that it sparked his interest to take music to the next level. His career Dovid Pearlman talks about balancing his learning with singing. “I usually don’t have an issue with my schedule” “Most times, weddings are Sunday and we don’t have Yeshiva on Sunday.” “The send a van to my house to the venue, door to door service”. Dovid says he will be taking a pause on his career for the coming year. He discusses how he will be in Israel learning for the year. His Music Dovid Pearlman has number singles out and currently working on an album. Zeesha talks with Dovid about his cover of Boruch Levines song “Lecha Dodi” On the latest Kumzits In The Rain album. Along with that he recently released a new music video of his song Modim Featuring Tzvi Silberstein. What’s Next Dovid Pearlman talks with Zeesha about what’s next for his career. He talks about how he will be taking a year off from music to learn in Yeshiva. Dovid discusses how he is in a very good position in his career being the fact that he is so young. Stay tuned for more exciting thing from Dovid Pearlman. Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today. This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Oorah Since its humble beginning, Oorah developed into a multifaceted nonprofit organization offering social, educational, and religious services to thousands of families throughout the world. Oorah’s dozens of programs have broadened Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s impact, continuing each year to carry out his vision with care and dedication. Bringing joy and Simcha to everyone.