THE OTHER SIDE OF FEAR
There is a well-worn teaching from Rabbi Nachman of Braslav – kol ha’olam kulo gesher tzar m’od, v’ha’ikar lo l’fached klal – which roughly translates to “the whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the most important thing is not to be afraid at all.”
I’ve always struggled with this text. Could its lesson really be that everything is terrifying, but just make sure not to fear… at all? I am afraid. For our planet, for our country, for our culture, for our children, for our humanity.
Rather than accept Rabbi Nachman’s assertion that the way to respond to the anxiety, injustice, and terror embedded in our world is simply not to be afraid, I propose something different. I say: be afraid. Acknowledge that fear, own it. Just don’t stop there. The most important thing, I believe, is on the other side of that fear. We cannot let our worry and dread be a terminus for all the potential good that living in this complex world can bring. We must push our way, past the anxiety, to the other side of fear. That is where the most important things will find us.
This new collection of songs is born of my own experience struggling, being scared, and pushing through that fear to find the immeasurable beauty and meaning on the other side. Which reminds me…
1. I’m making a NEW RECORD and I want YOU to be a part of it!
Two years ago, an incredible community of over 310 backers came together to help me make A Spark of Light, my first album of original music in over 10 years, and the proper beginning of my career as a full-time Jewish artist. That experience of having my music held up and supported by such a large, dedicated group of listeners changed my life. In the two years since, I have been invited to bring my music to communities across the country, from El Paso to Boston, Detroit to Falls Church, Denver to Atlanta, and everywhere in between. I’ve had the honor of having my music published in some of the most important books of contemporary Jewish music, including both the Shabbat Anthology, and the Ruach series. I’ve experienced the thrill of leading over 5,000 people in singing my music – affirming with joy how sweet and good it is when we come together. None of this could have happened without the profound support and generosity of my listening community, and I am, and will be, eternally grateful. On the precipice of a new phase of my musical life, I want to partner with you once again to make this new album a reality – a collection of songs that comes from The Other Side of Fear.
2. Same SPECTACULAR TEAM, led by the incomparable BEN WISCH.
I’m thrilled to be partnering again with Grammy Award-winning producer, Ben Wisch. Ben has worked with some of my musical HEROES, including David Wilcox, Jonatha Brooke, and Catie Curtis. Ben has a personal connection to Jewish music and has brought this passion to work with spiritual acts like the Klezmatics, Neshama Carlebach, and Peri Smilow. Ben is a true collaborator and visionary and I learned so much from making A Spark of Light with him.
In addition to Ben, I will be joined again by dear friends and master musicians who I’ve played with for over 13 years, including Benny Koonyevsky (percussion), Ivan Barenboim (clarinets/recorders), and Dave Romano (bass). We start in the studio in early March. I can’t wait for you to hear what these MAGIC MAKERS bring to this batch of new songs.
3. WHERE WILL YOUR MONEY GO? HERE’S WHERE:
Our funding goal is $40,000, which will just cover the cost of making the new record:
With your generous support, I’m hopeful we can MEET and even SURPASS that goal, which would cover the other significant expenses associated with releasing a new album like design, photo and video documentation, and touring. I am so grateful for your generous support of my music, now and always, and I can’t wait to work with all of YOU to make this record a reality.
4. REWARDS (aka the FUN PART!)
One of the best parts of launching a Kickstarter campaign is the opportunity to directly thank YOU by offering unique gifts and experiences at every funding level. I’ve had a blast putting together some special experiences and fun gifts, including:
and MANY MORE! Check them all out to the right ——————->
5. SHARE AND SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE!
I only have 30 days to reach this $40,000 goal, and Kickstarter is ALL OR NOTHING, which means if we don’t hit the funding goal, I don’t get a penny towards the new record! In addition to donating to the project, the most helpful thing you can do is HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Whether it’s reposting on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER, sending an EMAIL to your friends and family, or just SHOUTING FROM THE ROOFTOPS, I so appreciate any help you can give in getting the word out.
6. ANY QUESTIONS?
Please don’t hesitate to contact me HERE with any questions about how this process will work. I’m asking a lot and I want you to feel completely confident in exactly where your donation is going.
7. THANK YOU
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you for believing in me, for trusting me, for supporting me, for listening, for giving generously, for spreading the word, and for making it possible for me to put more new music out into the world. I am thrilled to share these songs of reflection, empowerment, & joy. Whether or not you are Jewish, whether or not you understand Hebrew, this music connects with the spirit of seeking inside of all of us.
It is risky to ask for help. The only way that this record will come to fruition is with your continued generosity and support of me as an artist. I have faith in all of YOU, the beautiful community of music-lovers, musicians, and seekers that I have connected with over these past 15 years of making music. THANK YOU for believing in me and for sharing your support to make this new project a REALITY!