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The '''Diaspora Yeshiva Band''' ({{lang-he|להקת ישיבת התפוצות}}) was an Israeli [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] [[Jewish rock]] band founded at the Diaspora Yeshiva on [[Mount Zion]], [[Jerusalem]], by ''[[baal teshuva]]'' students from the United States. In existence from 1975 to 1983, the band infused [[Rock music|rock]] and [[Bluegrass music|bluegrass]] music with Jewish lyrics, creating a style of music it called "Hasidic rock"{{sfn|Tilbury|1989|p=193}} or "Country and Eastern".<ref name=bio>{{cite web |url= http://www.diasporaband.com/biography/|title=Biography|publisher=Diaspora Yeshiva Band|year=2014|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=forward>{{cite web |url= http://forward.com/articles/13320/a-jewish-pop-band-worth-the-wait-/|title=A Jewish Pop Band Worth the Wait|first=Alexander|last=Gelfand|date=8 May 2008|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[The Forward]]}}</ref> The band was very popular on college campuses in the early to mid-1980s, and was well known in Jerusalem for its Saturday-night concerts at [[David's Tomb]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=DJSA - Diaspora Yeshiva Band - Live from King David's Tomb - Cassette |url=https://djsa.dartmouth.edu/albums/2847 |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=djsa.dartmouth.edu}}</ref> It had a considerable influence on [[contemporary Jewish religious music]], inspiring later bands such as [[Blue Fringe]], [[8th Day (Jewish band)|8th Day]], [[Reva L'Sheva]], [[Soulfarm]], the [[Moshav (band)|Moshav Band]], and [[Shlock Rock]]. Fifteen years after it disbanded, band leader Avraham Rosenblum revived the band under the name '''Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora''' and produced several more albums.
The '''Diaspora Yeshiva Band''' ({{langx|he|להקת ישיבת התפוצות}}) was an American-Israeli [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] [[Jewish rock]] band founded at the Diaspora Yeshiva on [[Mount Zion]], [[Jerusalem]], by ''[[baal teshuva]]'' students from the United States. In existence from 1975 to 1983, the band infused [[Rock music|rock]] and [[Bluegrass music|bluegrass]] music with Jewish lyrics, creating a style of music it called "Chassidic rock"{{sfn|Tilbury|1989|p=193}} or "Country and Eastern".<ref name=bio>{{cite web |url= http://www.diasporaband.com/biography/|title=Biography|publisher=Diaspora Yeshiva Band|year=2014|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=forward>{{cite web |url= http://forward.com/articles/13320/a-jewish-pop-band-worth-the-wait-/|title=A Jewish Pop Band Worth the Wait|first=Alexander|last=Gelfand|date=8 May 2008|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[The Forward]]}}</ref> The band had an international following, having become famous after winning three Israel Chassidic Festivals, in 1977, 1978, and 1980 and produced many hit songs. They were very popular with Jewish Youth Groups and tourists in the early to mid-1980s, and became very well known in Jerusalem for their Saturday-night concerts at [[David's Tomb|King David Tomb]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=DJSA - Diaspora Yeshiva Band - Live from King David's Tomb - Cassette |url=https://djsa.dartmouth.edu/albums/2847 |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=djsa.dartmouth.edu}}</ref> DYB had a considerable influence on [[contemporary Jewish religious music]], inspiring later bands such as [[Blue Fringe]], [[8th Day (Jewish band)|8th Day]], [[Reva L'Sheva]], [[Soulfarm]], the [[Moshav (band)|Moshav Band]], and [[Shlock Rock]]. Fifteen years after it disbanded, band leader Avraham Rosenblum revived the band under the name '''Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora''' and produced several more albums.


== Background ==
== Background ==
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Diaspora Yeshiva was established as an [[Orthodox Jewish outreach|outreach]] yeshiva for [[Baal teshuva movement|''baalei teshuva'']].{{sfn|Lange|Diethard Romheld|Weigol|2011|p=330}}{{sfn|Kaplan|2013|p=291}} Unlike traditional rabbinic academies, the yeshiva reached out to young Jewish men who had never been exposed to traditional [[Torah study|Torah]] or [[Talmud]] study. It offered introductory and intermediate courses together with acclimation to an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle.{{sfn|Lange|Diethard Romheld|Weigol|2011|p=330}}
Diaspora Yeshiva was established as an [[Orthodox Jewish outreach|outreach]] yeshiva for [[Baal teshuva movement|''baalei teshuva'']].{{sfn|Lange|Diethard Romheld|Weigol|2011|p=330}}{{sfn|Kaplan|2013|p=291}} Unlike traditional rabbinic academies, the yeshiva reached out to young Jewish men who had never been exposed to traditional [[Torah study|Torah]] or [[Talmud]] study. It offered introductory and intermediate courses together with acclimation to an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle.{{sfn|Lange|Diethard Romheld|Weigol|2011|p=330}}


As a long-time student of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim under Rabbi Henoch Leibowitz, Rabbi Mordechai Goldstein established the Diaspora Yeshiva according to the derech (way) of Chofetz Chaim, following in the footsteps of the Alter of Slabodka and Rabbi Yisroel Salanter, the founder of the Mussar movement, according to which the Diaspora Yeshiva continues to operate to this day, including that it is more important to work on oneself and to become a mentch than it is to adopt a particular dress-code, so students are not required to wear black and white, but may come as they are and feel comfortable to grow at their own pace.<ref>[https://diasporayeshiva.org/about-history-and-significance/ History & Significance, DiasporaYeshiva.com]</ref>
As a long-time student of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim under Rabbi Henoch Leibowitz, Rabbi Mordechai Goldstein established the Diaspora Yeshiva according to the derech (way) of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, following in the footsteps of the [[Alter of Slabodka]] and Rabbi [[Yisroel Salanter]], the founder of the [[Mussar movement]], according to which the Diaspora Yeshiva continues to operate to this day, including that it is more important to work on oneself and to become a ''[[mentch]]'' than it is to adopt a particular dress-code, so students are not required to wear black and white, but may come as they are and feel comfortable to grow at their own pace.<ref>[https://diasporayeshiva.org/about-history-and-significance/ History & Significance, DiasporaYeshiva.com]</ref>


Numerous students were professional or semi-professional musicians, and several musical collaborations were spawned in the yeshiva dorms.<ref name=mish/> In 1975 student Avraham Rosenblum, a rock guitarist who had started his own band in New York in 1970, founded the Diaspora Yeshiva Band.<ref name=mish/>{{sfn|Strom|2011|p=196}} The band became an outreach tool for other hippie students and, later, post-hippie seekers, using [[Jewish music]] to draw them into the milieu of [[Torah study]].{{sfn|Lange|Diethard Romheld|Weigol|2011|p=331}}<ref name=mish/>
Numerous students were professional or semi-professional musicians, and several musical collaborations were spawned in the yeshiva dorms.<ref name=mish/> In 1975 student Avraham Rosenblum, a rock guitarist who led his own bands in Philadelphia and New York in the late 1960s founded the Diaspora Yeshiva Band, along with Moshe Shur and Ben Zion Solomon.<ref name=mish/>{{sfn|Strom|2011|p=196}} The band was conceived as an outreach tool to college and hippie students and, later, post-hippie seekers, using their[[Jewish rock music]] to draw hundreds of them into the milieu of [[Torah study]].{{sfn|Lange|Diethard Romheld|Weigol|2011|p=331}}<ref name=mish/>


The [[yeshiva]] offers programs ranging from basic Judaism to advanced [[Talmud]] – employing a methodology based on [[Moshe Chaim Luzzatto#Bibliography|Ramchal]] (see {{slink|Torah study#The Luzzatto method}}) – and emphasizes ''[[Musar movement|mussar]]'', or character development. Its core programs range from three months to six years, beginner to advanced.
The [[yeshiva]] itself offers programs ranging from basic Judaism to advanced [[Talmud]] – employing a methodology based on [[Moshe Chaim Luzzatto#Bibliography|Ramchal]] (see {{slink|Torah study#The Luzzatto method}}) – and emphasizes ''[[Musar movement|mussar]]'', or character development. Its core programs range from three month introductory programs to six year programs, intermediate to advanced.<ref>[https://diasporayeshiva.com/come-learn-torah/ Programs for Baalei Teshuva, DiasporaYeshiva.com]</ref>

'''Machon Roni''',<ref>[https://diasporayeshiva.com/about-machon-roni/ Machon Roni page]</ref> a [[Midrasha|women's Torah seminary]], operates in parallel.
It was established with similar goals to the yeshiva "to guide young Jewish women on their journey of teshuva".
It has become "a leading seminary" for women seeking [[Jewish conversion]].


==History==
==History==
The Diaspora Yeshiva Band staged its first concert at the [[Gerard Behar Center|Beit Ha'Am]] hall in the [[Nachlaot]] neighborhood of Jerusalem during [[Hanukkah]] 1975.<ref name=mish/> After that, the band became well known for its weekly Saturday-night concerts held in a room adjacent to [[David's Tomb]] (located in the same courtyard as the yeshiva) on Mount Zion.<ref name=mish/>{{sfn|Selavan|1993|p=88}}{{sfn|Sofer|1995|p=92}} These concerts attracted secular American, British, and French youth; yeshiva and seminary students; and Israeli soldiers.<ref name=mish/> Band members continued to perform with the group even after they had married and begun studying in [[kollel]].<ref name=mish/>
The Diaspora Yeshiva Band staged its first concert at the [[Gerard Behar Center|Beit Ha'Am]] hall in the [[Nachlaot]] neighborhood of Jerusalem during [[Hanukkah]] 1975.<ref name=mish/> After that, the band became well known for its weekly Saturday-night concerts held in a room adjacent to [[David's Tomb]] (located in the same courtyard as the yeshiva) on Mount Zion.<ref name=mish/>{{sfn|Selavan|1993|p=88}}{{sfn|Sofer|1995|p=92}} These concerts attracted secular American, British, and French youth; yeshiva and seminary students; tourists, and Israeli soldiers.<ref name=mish/> Band members continued to perform with the group even after they had married and begun studying in [[kollel]].<ref name=mish/>


The band released its first album in 1976.{{sfn|Strom|2011|p=196}}<ref name=beatles/> In 1977 it was invited to compete in the Hasidic Song Festival, an Israeli competition that ran from 1969 to 1984 and that was broadcast on national television.<ref name=mish/> Diaspora was the first yeshiva band to perform at the largely secular music event, and won first prize for its song "''Hu Yiftach Libeinu''" (He will open our hearts).<ref name=mish/> Interviews in the general media followed, increasing name recognition and visitors to the Saturday-night concerts.<ref name=mish/> The band was invited back for the 1978 Hasidic Song Festival, and won first prize for its song "''Malchutcha''" (Your sovereignty).<ref name=mish/>
The band released its first album in 1976.{{sfn|Strom|2011|p=196}}<ref name=beatles/> In 1977 they were invited to compete in the Chassidic Song Festival, an Israeli competition that ran from 1969 to 1984 and broadcast on national television.<ref name=mish/> Diaspora Yeshiva Band was the first yeshiva band to perform at the largely secular music event, and won first prize for its song "''Hu Yiftach Libeinu''" (He will open our hearts).<ref name=mish/> Interviews in the general media followed, increasing name recognition and visitors to the Saturday-night concerts.<ref name=mish/> The band was invited back for the 1978 Chassidic Song Festival, and won first prize again for its entry "''Malchutcha''" (Your sovereignty).<ref name=mish/>


The band embarked on its first North American concert tour in 1979, visiting 26 cities.<ref name=mish/> It went on to tour the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South Africa on five additional tours.<ref name=beatles/><ref name=shapiro>{{cite web |url=http://jewishtimes.com/17785/diaspora-yeshiva-band-reunites-after-almost-two-decades/#.U8W-W_mSzkU|last=Shapiro|first=Marc|title=Diaspora Yeshiva Band Reunites After Almost Two Decades|work=[[Baltimore Jewish Times]]|date=16 January 2014|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref> The band was highly popular on college campuses in the early to mid-1980s.{{sfn|Strom|2011|p=196}}<ref name=nymag>{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GegCAAAAMBAJ&q=diaspora+band&pg=PA116 |title=Music & Dance|journal=[[New York (magazine)|New York Magazine]]|volume=15|issue=1|date=28 December 1981|access-date=16 November 2014|page=116}}</ref>
The band embarked on its first North American concert tour in 1979, visiting 26 cities.<ref name=mish/> It went on to tour the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South Africa on five additional tours.<ref name=beatles/><ref name=shapiro>{{cite web |url=http://jewishtimes.com/17785/diaspora-yeshiva-band-reunites-after-almost-two-decades/#.U8W-W_mSzkU|last=Shapiro|first=Marc|title=Diaspora Yeshiva Band Reunites After Almost Two Decades|work=[[Baltimore Jewish Times]]|date=16 January 2014|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref> The band was highly popular on college campuses in the early to mid-1980s.{{sfn|Strom|2011|p=196}}<ref name=nymag>{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GegCAAAAMBAJ&q=diaspora+band&pg=PA116 |title=Music & Dance|journal=[[New York (magazine)|New York Magazine]]|volume=15|issue=1|date=28 December 1981|access-date=16 November 2014|page=116}}</ref>


In the 1980s, [[Lynyrd Skynyrd]] drummer [[Artimus Pyle]] came to study in the Diaspora Yeshiva for several years.<ref name=arutz/> He played with the band and bequeathed his drum set to the yeshiva.<ref name=arutz>{{cite web |url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/181355#.VFLBH_mUeHg|title=The Lynyrd Skynyrd Connection to Mount Zion & King David's Tomb|first=Ben|last=Bresky|work=[[Arutz Sheva|Israel National News]]|date=3 June 2014|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=harris/> In 1987 the Diaspora Yeshiva Band performed and was interviewed on [[MTV]]'s Musical Passport series, ''Rock Israel'', as part of the coverage of the visit of [[Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers]] to Israel and Egypt.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=131506273571990&story_fbid=728705840518694|title=Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Rock Israel 1987 (video)|publisher=Diaspora Yeshiva Band |access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=exponent/> Band leader Avraham Rosenblum was filmed accompanying [[Tom Petty]], [[Benmont Tench]], and [[Roger McGuinn]] at the [[Western Wall]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gruntig.net/2012/07/avraham-rosenblum-with-non-jewish-rock.html |title= Avraham Rosenblum with non-Jewish rock stars (video)|date=25 July 2012|access-date=16 November 2014|publisher=gruntig.net}}</ref>
In the 1980s, [[Lynyrd Skynyrd]] drummer [[Artimus Pyle]] came to study in the Diaspora Yeshiva for several years.<ref name=arutz/> He played with a later band and bequeathed his drum set to the yeshiva.<ref name=arutz>{{cite web |url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/181355#.VFLBH_mUeHg|title=The Lynyrd Skynyrd Connection to Mount Zion & King David's Tomb|first=Ben|last=Bresky|work=[[Arutz Sheva|Israel National News]]|date=3 June 2014|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=harris/> In 1987 the Diaspora Yeshiva Band performed and were interviewed on [[MTV]]'s Musical Passport series, ''Rock Israel'', as part of the coverage of the visit of [[Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers]] to Israel and Egypt.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=131506273571990&story_fbid=728705840518694|title=Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Rock Israel 1987 (video)|publisher=Diaspora Yeshiva Band |access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=exponent/> Band leader Avraham Rosenblum was filmed accompanying [[Tom Petty]], [[Benmont Tench]], and [[Roger McGuinn]] at the [[Western Wall]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gruntig.net/2012/07/avraham-rosenblum-with-non-jewish-rock.html |title= Avraham Rosenblum with non-Jewish rock stars (video)|date=25 July 2012|access-date=16 November 2014|publisher=gruntig.net}}</ref>


The Diaspora Yeshiva Band released a total of six albums.<ref name=mish/><ref name=sun/> It disbanded in 1983<ref name=bio/><ref name=sun/> as its members began pursuing both solo careers and careers in Torah learning and [[Orthodox Jewish outreach|outreach]].<ref name=mish/>
The Diaspora Yeshiva Band released a total of six albums.<ref name=mish/><ref name=sun/> They disbanded in 1983<ref name=bio/><ref name=sun/> as its members began pursuing both solo careers and careers in Torah learning and [[Orthodox Jewish outreach|outreach]].<ref name=mish/>


===Reunions===
===Reunions===
In December 1992 the band reconvened for a month-long<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/diasporayeshivaband|title=Live at Carnegie Hall &ndash; The Reunion|publisher=Sameach Music|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref> reunion tour beginning with a performance at [[Carnegie Hall]].<ref name=beatles/><ref name=back>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-107976992.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042710/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-107976992.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2015|title=Back From Musical Diaspora|first=George|last=Robinson|work=[[The Jewish Week]]|date=11 March 2005|access-date=16 November 2014}} {{subscription}}</ref> It reunited again in 1996 with a show at [[The Town Hall (New York City)|The Town Hall]] in [[New York City]].<ref name=exponent>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-2379407.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042701/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-2379407.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 March 2015 |title= It's the Rockin' Rabbi: Avraham Rosenblum attuned to power of true music|first=Michael|last=Elkin|work=[[The Jewish Exponent]]|date=15 December 1995|access-date=16 November 2014}} {{subscription}}</ref>
In December 1992 the band reconvened for a month-long<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/diasporayeshivaband|title=Live at Carnegie Hall &ndash; The Reunion|publisher=Sameach Music|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref> reunion tour beginning with a performance at [[Carnegie Hall]].<ref name=beatles/><ref name=back>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-107976992.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042710/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-107976992.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2015|title=Back From Musical Diaspora|first=George|last=Robinson|work=[[The Jewish Week]]|date=11 March 2005|access-date=16 November 2014}} {{subscription required}}</ref> It reunited again in 1996 with a show at [[The Town Hall (New York City)|The Town Hall]] in [[New York City]].<ref name=exponent>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-2379407.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042701/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-2379407.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 March 2015 |title= It's the Rockin' Rabbi: Avraham Rosenblum attuned to power of true music|first=Michael|last=Elkin|work=[[The Jewish Exponent]]|date=15 December 1995|access-date=16 November 2014}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


In 2014, Rosenblum, Simcha Abramson, Gedaliah Goldstein, Ruby Harris, and Menachem Herman performed at the [[Hebrew Academy for Special Children#A Time for Music|HASC]] 27 concert at Lincoln Center.<ref name=mish>Besser, Yisroel. "We All Get Another Chance". ''[[Mishpacha]]'', March 12, 2014, pp. 48-58.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=1&ARTICLE_ID=45577|title=HASC Donor Pays $300,000 for an Avraham Rosenblum Song|date=16 January 2014|access-date=16 November 2014|work=Baltimore Jewish Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129021253/http://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=1&ARTICLE_ID=45577|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> That same year, the group held another reunion concert at [[Congregation Shomrei Emunah (Baltimore)|Congregation Shomrei Emunah]] in Baltimore, where Rosenblum is a member.<ref name=shapiro/>
In 2014, Rosenblum, Simcha Abramson, Gedaliah Goldstein, Ruby Harris, and Menachem Herman performed at the [[Hebrew Academy for Special Children#A Time for Music|HASC]] 27 concert at Lincoln Center.<ref name=mish>Besser, Yisroel. "We All Get Another Chance". ''[[Mishpacha]]'', March 12, 2014, pp. 48-58.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=1&ARTICLE_ID=45577|title=HASC Donor Pays $300,000 for the band to perform their hit song “Ivdu Et HaShem B’Simcha, written by Moshe Shur. Song|date=16 January 2014|access-date=16 November 2014|work=Baltimore Jewish Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129021253/http://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=1&ARTICLE_ID=45577|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> That same year, the group held another reunion concert at [[Congregation Shomrei Emunah (Baltimore)|Congregation Shomrei Emunah]] in Baltimore, where Rosenblum is a member.<ref name=shapiro/>


===Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora===
===Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora===
In 1998 band leader Avraham Rosenblum and his son, drummer Moe Rosenblum, revived the band under the name '''Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora''' and produced the album ''Jerusalem is Calling''.<ref name=back/><ref name=av>{{cite web |url=http://rockinrabbi.com/bio.php|title=Biography/Information|publisher=Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora|year=2014|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-94584732.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042714/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-94584732.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 29 March 2015|title=Like Father, Like Son|first=Steve|last=Lipman|date=26 March 2004|access-date=16 November 2014|work=The Jewish Week}} {{subscription}}</ref> The pair went on to produce ''The Diaspora Collection'' (2000), a digitally-remastered double-CD of Diaspora Yeshiva Band hits, and ''Kedem'' (2003), an album featuring solo material by Avraham Rosenblum.<ref name=back/><ref name=av/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-93680585.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042716/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-93680585.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2015|title=Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora: Kedem|first=Ben|last=Jacobson|date=21 April 2004|access-date=16 November 2014|work=The Jerusalem Post}} {{subscription}}></ref>
In 1998 band leader Avraham Rosenblum and his son, drummer Moe Rosenblum, revived the band under the name '''Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora''' and produced the album ''Jerusalem is Calling''.<ref name=back/><ref name=av>{{cite web |url=http://rockinrabbi.com/bio.php|title=Biography/Information|publisher=Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora|year=2014|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-94584732.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042714/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-94584732.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 29 March 2015|title=Like Father, Like Son|first=Steve|last=Lipman|date=26 March 2004|access-date=16 November 2014|work=The Jewish Week}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Moe went on to produce ''The Diaspora Collection'' (2000), a digitally-remastered double-CD of Diaspora Yeshiva Band hits, and ''Kedem'' (2003), an album featuring solo material by Avraham Rosenblum.<ref name=back/><ref name=av/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-93680585.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042716/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-93680585.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2015|title=Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora: Kedem|first=Ben|last=Jacobson|date=21 April 2004|access-date=16 November 2014|work=The Jerusalem Post}} {{subscription required}}></ref>


==Music style==
==Music style==
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|quote="They started putting their music talents together in a religious way ... You remember that song "[[Joy to the World (Three Dog Night song)|Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog]]"? Well, it was the same sound, but they were singing about how wonderful God is". |source=Shelley Lang, promoter<ref name=sun/>
|quote="They started putting their music talents together in a religious way ... You remember that song "[[Joy to the World (Three Dog Night song)|Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog]]"? Well, it was the same sound, but they were singing about how wonderful God is". |source=Shelley Lang, promoter<ref name=sun/>
}}
}}
The band members viewed their music as a means of expressing their newfound connection to God, the Jewish people, and the Land of Israel in a medium that they were familiar with.<ref name=bio/><ref name=report>{{cite web |url=http://jewishmusicreport.com/2009/11/17/ethnomusicology-the-americanization-of-niggunim/|title=Ethnomusicology &ndash; The Americanization of Niggunim|date=17 November 2009|access-date=16 November 2014|work=Jewish Music Report}}</ref> Their arrangements reflected the musical trends of secular American culture in the late 1960s and early 1970s.<ref name=mish/> The band's repertoire included [[Rock music|rock]], [[soft rock]], [[acid rock]], [[Country music|country]], [[Bluegrass music|bluegrass]], [[blues]], [[Folk music|folk]], [[jazz]], [[klezmer]], and [[Yiddish language|Yiddish]] ballads.<ref name=beatles>{{cite web |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-12-18/features/9204250297_1_king-david-rock-diaspora-yeshiva-band |title='Jewish Beatles'|first=Anthony |last=DeBartolo|date=18 December 1992|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref name=nymag/>{{sfn|Ledgin|2004|p=52}}<ref>Cohen, Judah M. (2006). [https://books.google.com/books?id=ZnbXkSNJa1gC&pg=PA107 "Exploring the Postmodern Landscape of Jewish Music”], in '' 'You Should See Yourself': Jewish Identity in Postmodern American Culture", Vincent Brock, ed. Rutgers University Press, {{ISBN|081353996X}}, p. 107.</ref>{{sfn|Heilman|1986|pp=183-184}} [[Yale Strom|Strom]] describes their music as blending "a San Francisco rock 'n' roll sound with Israeli, Middle Eastern, and Hasidic music".{{sfn|Strom|2011|p=196}}
The band members viewed their music as a means of expressing their newfound connection to God, the Jewish people, and the Land of Israel in a medium that they were familiar with.<ref name=bio/><ref name=report>{{cite web |url=http://jewishmusicreport.com/2009/11/17/ethnomusicology-the-americanization-of-niggunim/|title=Ethnomusicology &ndash; The Americanization of Niggunim|date=17 November 2009|access-date=16 November 2014|work=Jewish Music Report}}</ref> Their arrangements reflected the musical trends of secular American culture in the late 1960s and early 1970s.<ref name=mish/> The band's repertoire included [[Rock music|rock]], [[soft rock]], [[acid rock]], [[Country music|country]], [[Bluegrass music|bluegrass]], [[blues]], [[Folk music|folk]], [[jazz]], [[klezmer]], and [[Yiddish language|Yiddish]] ballads.<ref name=beatles>{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/12/18/jewish-beatles/ |title='Jewish Beatles'|first=Anthony |last=DeBartolo|date=18 December 1992|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref name=nymag/>{{sfn|Ledgin|2004|p=52}}<ref>Cohen, Judah M. (2006). [https://books.google.com/books?id=ZnbXkSNJa1gC&pg=PA107 "Exploring the Postmodern Landscape of Jewish Music”], in '' 'You Should See Yourself': Jewish Identity in Postmodern American Culture", Vincent Brock, ed. Rutgers University Press, {{ISBN|081353996X}}, p. 107.</ref>{{sfn|Heilman|1986|pp=183-184}} [[Yale Strom|Strom]] describes their music as blending "a San Francisco rock 'n' roll sound with Israeli, Middle Eastern, and Hasidic music".{{sfn|Strom|2011|p=196}}


Instrumentation included [[electric guitar]], [[rhythm guitar]], [[bass guitar]], [[saxophone]], [[fiddle]], [[banjo]], and [[Drum kit|drums]].<ref name=mish/><ref name=sun/> The band was noted for its guitar harmonies<ref name=shapiro/> and "virtuoso" instrument playing.<ref name=shapiro/><ref name=klig/>
Instrumentation included [[electric guitar]], [[rhythm guitar]], [[bass guitar]], [[saxophone]], [[fiddle]], [[banjo]], and [[Drum kit|drums]].<ref name=mish/><ref name=sun/> The band was noted for its guitar harmonies<ref name=shapiro/> and "virtuoso" instrument playing.<ref name=shapiro/><ref name=klig/>


The lyrics, in contrast, expressed Jewish values. Lyrics were both original and drawn from the [[Torah]] and [[Book of Psalms]].<ref name=beatles/><ref name=sun>{{cite web |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1992-12-26/news/9203080643_1_band-members-rock-band-reunion-tour|title=Jewish Band Takes Rock To Higher Level|first=Kirstin Norling|last=Walker|date=26 December 1992|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[Sun-Sentinel]]}}</ref> The band sang in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Yiddish language|Yiddish]], and [[English language|English]].{{sfn|Tilbury|1989|p=193}} Their on-stage presence also belied the traditional rock band image: they sported full beards, ''[[payot]]'', and ''[[tzitzit]]'',{{sfn|Heilman|1986|pp=183-184}} and dressed in the dark-colored attire typical of yeshiva students.<ref name=bio/><ref name=mish/>
The lyrics, in contrast, expressed Jewish values. Lyrics were both original and drawn from the [[Torah]] and [[Book of Psalms]].<ref name=beatles/><ref name=sun>{{cite web |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1992-12-26/news/9203080643_1_band-members-rock-band-reunion-tour|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129022507/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1992-12-26/news/9203080643_1_band-members-rock-band-reunion-tour|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 29, 2014|title=Jewish Band Takes Rock To Higher Level|first=Kirstin Norling|last=Walker|date=26 December 1992|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[Sun-Sentinel]]}}</ref> The band sang in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Yiddish language|Yiddish]], and [[English language|English]].{{sfn|Tilbury|1989|p=193}} Their on-stage presence also belied the traditional rock band image: they sported full beards, ''[[payot]]'', and ''[[tzitzit]]'',{{sfn|Heilman|1986|pp=183-184}} and dressed in the dark-colored attire typical of yeshiva students.<ref name=bio/><ref name=mish/>


==Influence==
==Influence==
The Diaspora Yeshiva Band was considered an influential group in the history of contemporary Jewish religious music.<ref name=klig>{{cite journal |url=http://www.bjpa.org/Publications/details.cfm?PublicationID=14722 |title=Contemporary Jewish Music in America|first=Mark|last=Kligman|year=2001|journal=American Jewish Yearbook|publisher=[[American Jewish Committee]]|page=109}}</ref> Bands that name them as an inspiration include [[Blue Fringe]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-87056408.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042706/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-87056408.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2015|title=New Jewish Band Makes Waves|first=Michael|last=Freund|date=11 November 2003|access-date=16 November 2014|work=The Jerusalem Post}} {{subscription}}</ref> [[8th Day (Jewish band)|8th Day]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kessertorah.nsw.edu.au/events/8thday.html|title=About 8th Day|publisher=Kesser Torah College|year=2012|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref> and [[Shlock Rock]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jta.org/2012/01/25/arts-entertainment/25-years-later-shlock-rock-is-still-rockin|title=25 years later, Shlock Rock is still rockin'|first=Michael|last=Feldstein|date=25 January 2012|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[Jewish Telegraphic Agency|JTA]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-92661010.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042704/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-92661010.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 29 March 2015|title=Solomon Keeps On Schlockin'|first=Ben|last=Jacobson|date=25 March 2004|access-date=16 November 2014|work=The Jerusalem Post}} {{subscription}}</ref> Besides Rosenblum, other original band members who pursued solo careers include Ruby Harris, founder of the Ruby Harris Electric Violin Blues Band in Chicago,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.juf.org/interactive/default.aspx?id=75039 |title= AUDIO: Paul Wieder interviews Ruby Harris |date=3 February 2009|access-date=16 November 2014|publisher=[[Jewish United Fund]]}}</ref> [[Adam Wexler]], co-founder of [[Reva L'Sheva]],<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jpost.com/Arts-and-Culture/Music/Reva-LShevas-seven-year-itch-336804|title=Reva L'Sheva's seven-year itch|first=David|last=Brinn|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=1 January 2014|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref> and Rabbi Moshe Shur, founder of the Moshe Shur Band and Moshe Shur and Sons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.qchron.com/editions/north/rabbi-moshe-shur-a-renaissance-man/article_f2b55433-69ac-55de-9d60-8dee638f1fb8.html|title=Rabbi Moshe Shur: A renaissance man|first=Jason|last=Cohen|date=3 March 2011|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[Queens Chronicle]]}}</ref> Sons of original band member [[Ben Zion Solomon]] include [[Noah Solomon]] of [[Soulfarm]], [[Yehuda Solomon]] of [[Moshav (band)|Moshav Band]], and Nachman Solomon of [[Hamakor (band)|Hamakor]].<ref name=forward/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-117460491.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042708/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-117460491.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 29 March 2015|title=Two Start-Up Bands Step Up|first=Ben |last=Jacobson|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=13 January 2006|access-date=16 November 2014}} {{subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/music/article/the_source_of_haumlmakor_its_all_in_the_family_20080625|title=The source of häMAKOR &ndash; It's all in the family|first=Paula|last=Roth|date=26 June 2008|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles]]|archive-date=23 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223094515/http://www.jewishjournal.com/music/article/the_source_of_haumlmakor_its_all_in_the_family_20080625|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The Diaspora Yeshiva Band was considered an influential group in the history of contemporary Jewish religious music.<ref name=klig>{{cite journal |url=http://www.bjpa.org/Publications/details.cfm?PublicationID=14722 |title=Contemporary Jewish Music in America|first=Mark|last=Kligman|year=2001|journal=American Jewish Yearbook|publisher=[[American Jewish Committee]]|page=109}}</ref> Bands that name them as an inspiration include [[Blue Fringe]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-87056408.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042706/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-87056408.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2015|title=New Jewish Band Makes Waves|first=Michael|last=Freund|date=11 November 2003|access-date=16 November 2014|work=The Jerusalem Post}} {{subscription required}}</ref> [[8th Day (Jewish band)|8th Day]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kessertorah.nsw.edu.au/events/8thday.html|title=About 8th Day|publisher=Kesser Torah College|year=2012|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref> and [[Shlock Rock]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jta.org/2012/01/25/arts-entertainment/25-years-later-shlock-rock-is-still-rockin|title=25 years later, Shlock Rock is still rockin'|first=Michael|last=Feldstein|date=25 January 2012|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[Jewish Telegraphic Agency|JTA]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-92661010.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042704/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-92661010.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 29 March 2015|title=Solomon Keeps On Schlockin'|first=Ben|last=Jacobson|date=25 March 2004|access-date=16 November 2014|work=The Jerusalem Post}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Besides Rosenblum, other original band members who pursued solo careers include Ruby Harris, founder of the Ruby Harris Electric Violin Blues Band in Chicago,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.juf.org/interactive/vPlayer.aspx?id=75039 |title= AUDIO: Paul Wieder interviews Ruby Harris |date=3 February 2009|access-date=16 November 2014|publisher=[[Jewish United Fund]]}}</ref> [[Adam Wexler]], co-founder of [[Reva L'Sheva]],<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jpost.com/Arts-and-Culture/Music/Reva-LShevas-seven-year-itch-336804|title=Reva L'Sheva's seven-year itch|first=David|last=Brinn|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=1 January 2014|access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref> and Rabbi Moshe Shur, founder of the Moshe Shur Band and Moshe Shur and Sons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.qchron.com/editions/north/rabbi-moshe-shur-a-renaissance-man/article_f2b55433-69ac-55de-9d60-8dee638f1fb8.html|title=Rabbi Moshe Shur: A renaissance man|first=Jason|last=Cohen|date=3 March 2011|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[Queens Chronicle]]}}</ref> Sons of original band member [[Ben Zion Solomon]] include [[Noah Solomon]] of [[Soulfarm]], [[Yehuda Solomon]] of [[Moshav (band)|Moshav Band]], and Nachman Solomon of [[Hamakor (band)|Hamakor]].<ref name=forward/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-117460491.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042708/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-117460491.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 29 March 2015|title=Two Start-Up Bands Step Up|first=Ben |last=Jacobson|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=13 January 2006|access-date=16 November 2014}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/music/article/the_source_of_haumlmakor_its_all_in_the_family_20080625|title=The source of häMAKOR &ndash; It's all in the family|first=Paula|last=Roth|date=26 June 2008|access-date=16 November 2014|work=[[The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles]]|archive-date=23 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223094515/http://www.jewishjournal.com/music/article/the_source_of_haumlmakor_its_all_in_the_family_20080625|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Personnel==
==Personnel==

Latest revision as of 03:29, 25 October 2024

Diaspora Yeshiva Band
OriginJerusalem
GenresJewish rock, bluegrass, country, folk, blues, jazz, klezmer
Years active1975 (1975)–1983 (1983)
Past members
  • Avraham Rosenblum
  • Simcha Abramson
  • Ruby Harris
  • Menachem Herman
  • Gedaliah Goldstein
  • Amram Hakohen
  • Beryl Glaser
  • Todros Glaser
  • Ben Zion Solomon
  • Adam Wexler
  • Yochanan Lederman
  • Shimon Green
Websitewww.diasporaband.com
rockinrabbi.com/bio.php

The Diaspora Yeshiva Band (Hebrew: להקת ישיבת התפוצות) was an American-Israeli Orthodox Jewish rock band founded at the Diaspora Yeshiva on Mount Zion, Jerusalem, by baal teshuva students from the United States. In existence from 1975 to 1983, the band infused rock and bluegrass music with Jewish lyrics, creating a style of music it called "Chassidic rock"[1] or "Country and Eastern".[2][3] The band had an international following, having become famous after winning three Israel Chassidic Festivals, in 1977, 1978, and 1980 and produced many hit songs. They were very popular with Jewish Youth Groups and tourists in the early to mid-1980s, and became very well known in Jerusalem for their Saturday-night concerts at King David Tomb.[4] DYB had a considerable influence on contemporary Jewish religious music, inspiring later bands such as Blue Fringe, 8th Day, Reva L'Sheva, Soulfarm, the Moshav Band, and Shlock Rock. Fifteen years after it disbanded, band leader Avraham Rosenblum revived the band under the name Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora and produced several more albums.

Background

[edit]

The Diaspora Yeshiva (ישיבת התפוצות) was founded in 1965 by Rabbi Mordechai Goldstein,[5] an alumnus of the Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva in Queens, New York, and a colleague of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach.[6] It was originally named "Yeshiva Toras Yisrael", the name of its American charity,[7] and with the influx of students from the Diaspora after it moved to Mount Zion, Jerusalem following the Six Day War in 1967, it became known as "Diaspora Yeshiva", which the later Israeli charity registration as "Yeshivat Hatfuzot Toras Yisrael" reflects.[8] The current Rosh Yeshiva is Rabbi Yitzchak Goldstein.

Diaspora Yeshiva was established as an outreach yeshiva for baalei teshuva.[6][9] Unlike traditional rabbinic academies, the yeshiva reached out to young Jewish men who had never been exposed to traditional Torah or Talmud study. It offered introductory and intermediate courses together with acclimation to an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle.[6]

As a long-time student of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim under Rabbi Henoch Leibowitz, Rabbi Mordechai Goldstein established the Diaspora Yeshiva according to the derech (way) of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, following in the footsteps of the Alter of Slabodka and Rabbi Yisroel Salanter, the founder of the Mussar movement, according to which the Diaspora Yeshiva continues to operate to this day, including that it is more important to work on oneself and to become a mentch than it is to adopt a particular dress-code, so students are not required to wear black and white, but may come as they are and feel comfortable to grow at their own pace.[10]

Numerous students were professional or semi-professional musicians, and several musical collaborations were spawned in the yeshiva dorms.[11] In 1975 student Avraham Rosenblum, a rock guitarist who led his own bands in Philadelphia and New York in the late 1960s founded the Diaspora Yeshiva Band, along with Moshe Shur and Ben Zion Solomon.[11][12] The band was conceived as an outreach tool to college and hippie students and, later, post-hippie seekers, using theirJewish rock music to draw hundreds of them into the milieu of Torah study.[13][11]

The yeshiva itself offers programs ranging from basic Judaism to advanced Talmud – employing a methodology based on Ramchal (see Torah study § The Luzzatto method) – and emphasizes mussar, or character development. Its core programs range from three month introductory programs to six year programs, intermediate to advanced.[14]

Machon Roni,[15] a women's Torah seminary, operates in parallel. It was established with similar goals to the yeshiva "to guide young Jewish women on their journey of teshuva". It has become "a leading seminary" for women seeking Jewish conversion.

History

[edit]

The Diaspora Yeshiva Band staged its first concert at the Beit Ha'Am hall in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem during Hanukkah 1975.[11] After that, the band became well known for its weekly Saturday-night concerts held in a room adjacent to David's Tomb (located in the same courtyard as the yeshiva) on Mount Zion.[11][16][17] These concerts attracted secular American, British, and French youth; yeshiva and seminary students; tourists, and Israeli soldiers.[11] Band members continued to perform with the group even after they had married and begun studying in kollel.[11]

The band released its first album in 1976.[12][18] In 1977 they were invited to compete in the Chassidic Song Festival, an Israeli competition that ran from 1969 to 1984 and broadcast on national television.[11] Diaspora Yeshiva Band was the first yeshiva band to perform at the largely secular music event, and won first prize for its song "Hu Yiftach Libeinu" (He will open our hearts).[11] Interviews in the general media followed, increasing name recognition and visitors to the Saturday-night concerts.[11] The band was invited back for the 1978 Chassidic Song Festival, and won first prize again for its entry "Malchutcha" (Your sovereignty).[11]

The band embarked on its first North American concert tour in 1979, visiting 26 cities.[11] It went on to tour the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South Africa on five additional tours.[18][19] The band was highly popular on college campuses in the early to mid-1980s.[12][20]

In the 1980s, Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle came to study in the Diaspora Yeshiva for several years.[21] He played with a later band and bequeathed his drum set to the yeshiva.[21][22] In 1987 the Diaspora Yeshiva Band performed and were interviewed on MTV's Musical Passport series, Rock Israel, as part of the coverage of the visit of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to Israel and Egypt.[23][24] Band leader Avraham Rosenblum was filmed accompanying Tom Petty, Benmont Tench, and Roger McGuinn at the Western Wall.[25]

The Diaspora Yeshiva Band released a total of six albums.[11][26] They disbanded in 1983[2][26] as its members began pursuing both solo careers and careers in Torah learning and outreach.[11]

Reunions

[edit]

In December 1992 the band reconvened for a month-long[27] reunion tour beginning with a performance at Carnegie Hall.[18][28] It reunited again in 1996 with a show at The Town Hall in New York City.[24]

In 2014, Rosenblum, Simcha Abramson, Gedaliah Goldstein, Ruby Harris, and Menachem Herman performed at the HASC 27 concert at Lincoln Center.[11][29] That same year, the group held another reunion concert at Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Baltimore, where Rosenblum is a member.[19]

Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora

[edit]

In 1998 band leader Avraham Rosenblum and his son, drummer Moe Rosenblum, revived the band under the name Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora and produced the album Jerusalem is Calling.[28][30][31] Moe went on to produce The Diaspora Collection (2000), a digitally-remastered double-CD of Diaspora Yeshiva Band hits, and Kedem (2003), an album featuring solo material by Avraham Rosenblum.[28][30][32]

Music style

[edit]

"They started putting their music talents together in a religious way ... You remember that song "Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog"? Well, it was the same sound, but they were singing about how wonderful God is".

Shelley Lang, promoter[26]

The band members viewed their music as a means of expressing their newfound connection to God, the Jewish people, and the Land of Israel in a medium that they were familiar with.[2][33] Their arrangements reflected the musical trends of secular American culture in the late 1960s and early 1970s.[11] The band's repertoire included rock, soft rock, acid rock, country, bluegrass, blues, folk, jazz, klezmer, and Yiddish ballads.[18][20][34][35][36] Strom describes their music as blending "a San Francisco rock 'n' roll sound with Israeli, Middle Eastern, and Hasidic music".[12]

Instrumentation included electric guitar, rhythm guitar, bass guitar, saxophone, fiddle, banjo, and drums.[11][26] The band was noted for its guitar harmonies[19] and "virtuoso" instrument playing.[19][37]

The lyrics, in contrast, expressed Jewish values. Lyrics were both original and drawn from the Torah and Book of Psalms.[18][26] The band sang in Hebrew, Yiddish, and English.[1] Their on-stage presence also belied the traditional rock band image: they sported full beards, payot, and tzitzit,[36] and dressed in the dark-colored attire typical of yeshiva students.[2][11]

Influence

[edit]

The Diaspora Yeshiva Band was considered an influential group in the history of contemporary Jewish religious music.[37] Bands that name them as an inspiration include Blue Fringe,[38] 8th Day,[39] and Shlock Rock.[40][41] Besides Rosenblum, other original band members who pursued solo careers include Ruby Harris, founder of the Ruby Harris Electric Violin Blues Band in Chicago,[42] Adam Wexler, co-founder of Reva L'Sheva,[43] and Rabbi Moshe Shur, founder of the Moshe Shur Band and Moshe Shur and Sons.[44] Sons of original band member Ben Zion Solomon include Noah Solomon of Soulfarm, Yehuda Solomon of Moshav Band, and Nachman Solomon of Hamakor.[3][45][46]

Personnel

[edit]

The six founding members of the Diaspora Yeshiva Band were:[11][22]

  • Avraham Rosenblum – guitar
  • Ben Zion Solomon – fiddle, banjo
  • Simcha Abramson – saxophone, clarinet
  • Ruby Harris – violin, mandolin, guitar, harmonica
  • Adam Wexler – bass
  • Gedalia Goldstein – drums

Student-musicians who played with the band at different times between 1973 and 1986 include: Beryl and Ted Glaser, Shimon Green, Isser Blum, Amram Hakohen, Menachem Herman, Yochanan Lederman, Tzvi Miller, Yosil Rosenzweig, Chaim-Dovid Saracik, and Rabbi Moshe Shur.[22]

Discography

[edit]

Diaspora Yeshiva Band

[edit]
  • The Diaspora Yeshiva Band (1976)
  • Melave Malka / A Mitzva with Love (1977)
  • At the Gate of Return (1978)
  • A Glimpse of Light (1979)
  • Live From King David's Tomb (1980)
  • Land of Our Fathers (1981)
  • Diaspora Live on Mt. Zion (1982)
  • The Last Diaspora (1983)
  • Live at the Renaissance (1987)
  • Torah Music (New Yeshiva Members) (1991)
  • The Reunion - Live at Carnegie Hall (1992)
  • The Diaspora Collection (2000)

Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora

[edit]
  • V'hoshienu (Solo Album) (1988)
  • Jerusalem is Calling (1998)
  • Kedem (2003)

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Tilbury 1989, p. 193.
  2. ^ a b c d "Biography". Diaspora Yeshiva Band. 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  3. ^ a b Gelfand, Alexander (8 May 2008). "A Jewish Pop Band Worth the Wait". The Forward. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  4. ^ "DJSA - Diaspora Yeshiva Band - Live from King David's Tomb - Cassette". djsa.dartmouth.edu. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  5. ^ profile, hamodia.com
  6. ^ a b c Lange, Diethard Romheld & Weigol 2011, p. 330.
  7. ^ GuideStar Profile
  8. ^ GuideStar, Israel
  9. ^ Kaplan 2013, p. 291.
  10. ^ History & Significance, DiasporaYeshiva.com
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Besser, Yisroel. "We All Get Another Chance". Mishpacha, March 12, 2014, pp. 48-58.
  12. ^ a b c d Strom 2011, p. 196.
  13. ^ Lange, Diethard Romheld & Weigol 2011, p. 331.
  14. ^ Programs for Baalei Teshuva, DiasporaYeshiva.com
  15. ^ Machon Roni page
  16. ^ Selavan 1993, p. 88.
  17. ^ Sofer 1995, p. 92.
  18. ^ a b c d e DeBartolo, Anthony (18 December 1992). "'Jewish Beatles'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  19. ^ a b c d Shapiro, Marc (16 January 2014). "Diaspora Yeshiva Band Reunites After Almost Two Decades". Baltimore Jewish Times. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  20. ^ a b "Music & Dance". New York Magazine. 15 (1): 116. 28 December 1981. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  21. ^ a b Bresky, Ben (3 June 2014). "The Lynyrd Skynyrd Connection to Mount Zion & King David's Tomb". Israel National News. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  22. ^ a b c Harris, Ruby (June 2007). "The Band That Changed Jewish Music". The Jewish Magazine. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  23. ^ "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Rock Israel 1987 (video)". Diaspora Yeshiva Band. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  24. ^ a b Elkin, Michael (15 December 1995). "It's the Rockin' Rabbi: Avraham Rosenblum attuned to power of true music". The Jewish Exponent. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2014. (subscription required)
  25. ^ "Avraham Rosenblum with non-Jewish rock stars (video)". gruntig.net. 25 July 2012. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  26. ^ a b c d e Walker, Kirstin Norling (26 December 1992). "Jewish Band Takes Rock To Higher Level". Sun-Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  27. ^ "Live at Carnegie Hall – The Reunion". Sameach Music. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  28. ^ a b c Robinson, George (11 March 2005). "Back From Musical Diaspora". The Jewish Week. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2014. (subscription required)
  29. ^ "HASC Donor Pays $300,000 for the band to perform their hit song "Ivdu Et HaShem B'Simcha, written by Moshe Shur. Song". Baltimore Jewish Life. 16 January 2014. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  30. ^ a b "Biography/Information". Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora. 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  31. ^ Lipman, Steve (26 March 2004). "Like Father, Like Son". The Jewish Week. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2014. (subscription required)
  32. ^ Jacobson, Ben (21 April 2004). "Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora: Kedem". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2014. (subscription required)>
  33. ^ "Ethnomusicology – The Americanization of Niggunim". Jewish Music Report. 17 November 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  34. ^ Ledgin 2004, p. 52.
  35. ^ Cohen, Judah M. (2006). "Exploring the Postmodern Landscape of Jewish Music”, in 'You Should See Yourself': Jewish Identity in Postmodern American Culture", Vincent Brock, ed. Rutgers University Press, ISBN 081353996X, p. 107.
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  37. ^ a b Kligman, Mark (2001). "Contemporary Jewish Music in America". American Jewish Yearbook. American Jewish Committee: 109.
  38. ^ Freund, Michael (11 November 2003). "New Jewish Band Makes Waves". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2014. (subscription required)
  39. ^ "About 8th Day". Kesser Torah College. 2012. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  40. ^ Feldstein, Michael (25 January 2012). "25 years later, Shlock Rock is still rockin'". JTA. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  41. ^ Jacobson, Ben (25 March 2004). "Solomon Keeps On Schlockin'". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2014. (subscription required)
  42. ^ "AUDIO: Paul Wieder interviews Ruby Harris". Jewish United Fund. 3 February 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  43. ^ Brinn, David (1 January 2014). "Reva L'Sheva's seven-year itch". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  44. ^ Cohen, Jason (3 March 2011). "Rabbi Moshe Shur: A renaissance man". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  45. ^ Jacobson, Ben (13 January 2006). "Two Start-Up Bands Step Up". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2014. (subscription required)
  46. ^ Roth, Paula (26 June 2008). "The source of häMAKOR – It's all in the family". The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on 23 December 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2014.

Sources

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