Gedalya Folk Rock Rabbi
גדליה פולק רוק רבי
25 episodes 4 shows
Gedalya also known as The Folk Rock Rabbi is an artist firmly embracing the genres of Folk and Roots, his spirituality and faith have provided him with a platform to explore music through a different lens. A teacher and guide exploring themes of faith, morality, and growth, his music is reaching a growing audience around the globe, touching listener’s hearts in every corner of the world. An avid poet from a young age, Gedalya spent his teenage years writing poetry before taking up piano at the age of 17 and putting his words to music. He began performing at open mics around New York City in his early twenties and has been playing live shows for the past twenty years, gaining a dedicated fan base along the way. This year, Gedalya is proud to announce his recent invitation to join the Recording Academy, the prestigious organization behind the Grammy Awards. This honor paves the way for Gedalya to submit his latest album, "This is My World," for Grammy consideration this year. In addition, Gedalya is also the director of A New Song USA, a non-profit organization performing concerts for incarcerated individuals and dedicated to using the power of music to unite, inspire and give strength to people from all walks of life. "Music has the power to heal and transform," Gedalya says. "I believe everyone deserves to experience that, no matter where they are." With seven albums already in the bag Gedalya continues to build his musical catalogue and is looking forward to sharing more of his message with people all over the globe. We can change the world for the better – Move the World with Music - Gedalya
Popular Shows
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Name
Release Date
Duration
1
Constant Running River: The Story Behind the Album
Constant Running River: The Story Behind the Album
Jul 28, 2026
4:30
In this episode, Gedalya, the Folk Rock Rabbi, introduces his new album, Constant Running River, and shares the inspiration behind its title and message. Drawing on the image of a person alone in a boat on a vast ocean, he explores the idea that each of us carries a deep well of wisdom within—but life’s distractions, fears, pride, and struggles often keep us from reaching it. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with that inner source. It also offers a preview of the songs on the album, which explore themes of faith, humility, hope, compassion, prison outreach, and the search for meaning. Over the coming weeks, each episode will take listeners behind another song, revealing the stories and life experiences that shaped the music. Whether you’re discovering the album for the first time or looking for a deeper understanding of its message, this is where the journey begins. Click to listen to the new album on Spotify! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gedalyafolkrockrabbi.substack.com
2
Episode 1 Why I Started A New Song USA: A Musician's Journey from Performance to Purpose
Episode 1 Why I Started A New Song USA: A Musician's Journey from Performance to Purpose
Jul 21, 2026
10:24
For many years, I was simply a songwriter trying to put something positive into the world. I wasn’t chasing fame, fortune, or record deals. I believed music could help people, even if I didn’t fully understand how. That journey eventually led me toward a deeper spiritual life and a growing realization that art carries responsibility. Today, through A New Song USA, I bring original music and messages of hope to people who are often forgotten, including those living behind prison walls. In this first episode, I share my personal story, the values behind the organization, and why I believe every artist has the power to make a difference. Geoffrey Sloshay Director A New Song USA Get full access to A New Song USA Substack at anewsongusa.substack.com/subscribe
3
The Suffering We Forget
The Suffering We Forget
Jul 17, 2026
5:44
This week’s reflection began as an article I wrote for the Nine Days. As I continued thinking about it, I realized there were questions I couldn’t fit onto the page—questions about memory, suffering, gratitude, and hope. In this first episode of Jewish Wisdom Well, I’d like to share those reflections with you in a more personal way. My hope isn’t to answer prophetic questions or offer certainty where our great sages have exercised humility. Rather, it’s to explore how we experience suffering, how easily we become accustomed to both pain and blessing, and how the Nine Days invite us to see our history—and our present—with fresh eyes. Whether you’re listening on a walk, driving to work, or sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, thank you for joining me. I hope this conversation brings you a little closer to the hope that has sustained our people through every generation. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What helps you balance mourning with hope during the Nine Days? -The Jewish Wisdom Well This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com
4
The Gift of Asking
The Gift of Asking
Jul 24, 2026
8:45
Why does Moshe Rabbeinu begin his heartfelt prayer with a request for a "free gift"? Rashi teaches that even the righteous never ask Hashem based on what they deserve, but only through His kindness. In this episode, we explore a question that initially puzzled me: if Hashem says, "I will show favor to whom I will show favor," doesn't that still imply that some people are worthy of receiving His favor? Following Rashi's insight leads us to a deeper understanding of prayer, Moshe's extraordinary humility, and the realization that the purpose of prayer is not to control the outcome, but to learn how to stand before Hashem with truth, gratitude, and trust. -The Jewish Wisdom Well Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com
5
Why Does G-d Rebuke the People He Loves?
Why Does G-d Rebuke the People He Loves?
Jul 31, 2026
8:05
Why would a loving G-d allow us to experience rebuke or hardship? Drawing from a powerful insight by Rabbi Noach Weinberg and the timeless wisdom of Parshas Eikev, this episode explores the Torah's view of discipline as an expression of love rather than rejection. Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and reflections on our generation's search for meaning, we discover how every challenge can become an invitation to reconnect with our purpose—and why the days ahead hold extraordinary hope for all humanity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com
6
Keep Facing the Right Direction
Keep Facing the Right Direction
Aug 5, 2026
3:46
In this episode, we explore a subtle but powerful difference in the Torah’s language about blessing and curse. When speaking about blessing, the Torah says simply, “if you listen.” But when speaking about the opposite, it adds an extra phrase: “and you turn away.” What does that teach us? Perhaps that there is a profound difference between struggling and giving up, between stumbling and walking in the opposite direction. We all make mistakes, but as long as our hearts still seek truth, growth, and closeness to Hashem, we have not turned away. This is an episode about hope, compassion, and the remarkable kindness built into the Torah’s view of human beings. Because blessing is not reserved for perfect people—it is also for those who keep trying, keep returning, and keep facing the right direction. -The Jewish Wisdom Well This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com
7
The Idols We No Longer Recognize
The Idols We No Longer Recognize
Aug 6, 2026
4:45
Why does idol worship seem so unimaginable today? Drawing on the teachings of Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler, this episode explores how the obvious forms of idolatry disappeared, while the deeper challenge of mistaking created things for the ultimate source of power remains. Together we'll look at technology, success, money, and human achievement through a Torah perspective, discovering how to see the Creator behind His creation. -The Jewish Wisdom Well This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com
8
Just One Cigarette
Just One Cigarette
Jul 24, 2026
4:15
Every song has a story. In this first episode of The Stories Behind the Songs, Gedalya, the Folk Rock Rabbi, shares the inspiration behind “Just One Cigarette” — a song that uses smoking as an analogy for the excuses we all make when we know something isn’t good for us. This is not a song about judging others. It’s about looking honestly at ourselves and recognizing the moments when we say, “just this once,” even when we know that excuse can lead us back again and again. Discover the story, the message, and the deeper meaning behind the music. -Folk Rock Rabbi If this story resonated with you, I'd love for you to listen to "Just One Cigarette" on Spotify. 🎵 Pre-Save "Just One Cigarette" on Spotify! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gedalyafolkrockrabbi.substack.com
9
The Road We Can't See
The Road We Can't See
Aug 21, 2026
6:37
In this week's Jewish Wisdom Well podcast, we explore a powerful idea from Parshat Ki Seitzei: sometimes the strongest desires we experience can make it difficult to see where our choices are leading. Through Torah insights, reflections on human nature, and stories from my work visiting people in prison, I explore the difference between immediate gratification and lasting happiness—and the importance of asking one simple question before we choose: Where does this road lead? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com
10
The King Has a King: Wisdom Among the Nations and the Torah's Vision of Leadership
The King Has a King: Wisdom Among the Nations and the Torah's Vision of Leadership
Aug 14, 2026
6:50
In this episode, I think out loud about one of the fascinating passages in this week’s parsha: the Torah’s discussion of appointing a king “like all the nations around me.” Why would the Jewish people look to the nations for something they wanted? Perhaps the answer begins with the idea that Chochmah ba’umot ta’amin — there is wisdom among the nations. We can recognize wisdom outside of Torah without simply adopting the worldview that produced it. From there, I explore why the Torah says that Hashem will choose the king, yet also specifically tells us that he cannot be a foreigner. Why not choose someone who already has years of experience being a king? And once the Torah establishes kingship, why does it place so many restrictions on the king’s horses, wives, wealth, and relationship to Torah? Perhaps the answer is that Torah doesn’t reject the wisdom of leadership. It transforms it. The nations may teach us that a nation needs a king. Torah teaches us that even the king needs a King. -The Jewish Wisdom Well This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejewishwisdomwell.substack.com
Albums
The Stories Behind the Songs: Conversations with the Folk Rock Rabbi
The Stories Behind the Songs: Conversations with the Folk Rock Rabbi
Gedalya Folk Rock Rabbi
גדליה פולק רוק רבי
A New Song USA Podcast
A New Song USA Podcast
Gedalya Folk Rock Rabbi
גדליה פולק רוק רבי
Jewish Wisdom Well Podcast
Jewish Wisdom Well Podcast
Gedalya Folk Rock Rabbi
גדליה פולק רוק רבי
Beyond the Bars - Spiritual insights from prisons and life
Beyond the Bars - Spiritual insights from prisons and life
Gedalya Folk Rock Rabbi
גדליה פולק רוק רבי