In this promotional video, Gedalya the Folk Rock Rabbi introduces himself and his mission to create unforgettable, hope‑filled community events through original English folk‑rock songs. He emphasizes that his performances are never cover songs but original compositions that convey uplifting, light‑hearted messages aimed at bringing people together and encouraging self‑reflection. Gedalya shares his extensive experience performing in prisons across the United States, where he has witnessed miracles, shared laughter and tears, and learned lessons he now brings to broader audiences. He describes the variety of groups he serves—young adults, seniors, mixed‑faith crowds—and how each event is tailored to the specific audience, whether it’s a shabbaton, youth program, or private gathering. The video also highlights his branding (the New Song USA hat and a signature black hat) and the thematic content of his songs, which often focus on seeing the gray in people, redemption, and fostering a positive self‑image. Throughout, Gedalya’s tone is enthusiastic and inviting, aiming to inspire organizers to book him for events that leave attendees feeling lighter, stronger, and more hopeful.
Chapters
The ways of the world are far from me. The more I analyze them, the more I see. Prayin' to the Rock of all the ages. Fill me with the wisdom of the sages.
All right, that's a little bit of Make Me a Sage. Yes, hello, shalom, it's Gedalya the Folk Rock Rabbi, and I'm here to invite you to invite me to have an event together. Let's inspire your community. Let's make an unforgettable event. So what will I bring to the event? No cover songs, just original songs I wrote, all English songs with messages that are inspiring and hopeful and very much aimed at bringing people together and bringing people closer to theirselves, but in a very light-hearted down-to-earth way. See, for years now I've been going into prisons and bringing hope and inspiration and a little bit of mischief, but good mischief. I've traveled around the country coast to coast.
I've been up and down this country, every city, every town. I'm taking the spiritual pulse of America and writing it all down.
Yeah, I've been writing a lot of things down, interviews I've had with people, different stories, and mostly songs. I've also witnessed many miracles behind bars, sharing laughter and tears with people in some of the most unlikely places. And I've learned a lot of lessons for myself, and a lot of these lessons I'd like to bring to you now, you know, outside of the prison walls, that I feel we could all use. You know, my music is not just for prisoners, it's for everybody. And the show's not a heavy show, it's a fun show. Even though there are some heavy topics, it's very, very down to earth. And I've played for all different groups, young adults, old adults, middle-aged adults, all different types of people in all different places, mixed crowds of all different religions and faiths. And everyone seems to get something from the songs I play.
This is my world, I can make a change, I can make a change. We can make a change.
I like to leave people feeling like they really feel good about themselves and they're positive about being able to spread hope and a positive vibe out there in the world, you know. This is my New Song USA hat. If you want to have a show that's from New Song USA, from my organization, I can wear this hat. Or if you want a visit from the Folk Rock Rabbi. I also have my big black hat.
A stranger can't see past the dirt on your face. Before you say a word, you're already a disgrace. But an angel can't see gray. But a man is not that way. You gotta learn to see the gray.
Song about seeing between the lines, being able to judge people favorably.
A troubled soul was on the train, saw him there in all his pain. His face was low, his body was faint. There's worries in your head, think about something else instead. You gotta load upon your chest, lay those doubts all to rest.
A Troubled Soul is based on a true story. So whether it's a shabbaton, a community event, a pro— a youth program, just want to have me as a special guest one night. Every event is tailored specifically for the group. I love being able to connect and relate to the audience that I'm in front of, bringing up questions and topics, always trying to leave people feeling a little lighter, a little stronger, and a lot more inspired.
Everywhere I go, no matter who I know, I'm waiting for redemption.
I'm Gedalya the Folk Rock Rabbi, and wishing you only good things. And drop me a line, let's get together and put together an event. I'll work within your budget, and the main goal will be just to have a good, positive, successful event together. Only good things.
