NEW MUSIC: Nissim Black & Gad Elbaz

Much more than a song

As I write this, controversy has embroiled another celebrity, Jamie Foxx, with accusations of anti-semitism. The timing is uncanny. My Youtube feed showed me a new music release by two Jewish artists I'm quite familiar with. Gad Elbaz features prominently in my playlist. I really enjoy his music. Nissim Black is an enigma wrapped in a mystery.

The gentleman in the white suit is Nissim Black, he's very popular in Israel. I've watched a number of interviews with him telling his story. I can relate on so many levels. Inner city background, check. Christian background, check. Black American cultural experience in the United States, check. In all of those experiences, there was a hunger to reach the bottom, the foundation of this crazy world, the truth. Where Nissim Black found truth in conservative Judaism, I found it in Messianic Judaism.

Let's be clear, I really enjoy some Jewish music whether it's Messianic or traditional Jewish. My favorite artist of all for example is Israeli Eti Ankri, she is not messianic as far as I know, but the depths of her messaging, melodies, and strength balanced with vulnerability and overall creative prowess are astounding. I could listen to her music all day and not get tired of it. Some of my most profound moments of prayer though have been while listening to blessed artists like Yosef Karduner, Elbaz noted above, and others. Karduner's acapella rendition of Psalm 121 is an absolute masterpiece. Place this one on repeat and start praying. You will enter the presence of HaShem. There are some circles within Christianity that condemn modern Christian artists if they don't specifically say "Jesus" in a song. This response to artists seeking cross-over market appeal is understandable. It could be tempting to have that kind of response within Messianic Judaism if you are a convert from Christianity, but that would be misplaced, since all of the Psalms would be condemned, right? So, let's recognize what's good.

This is good music. How is it good? It praises Adonai. It leads you into the worship of Adonai. Worshiping Adonai is right for the soul. It gives testimony of how another man worships Adonai with a contrite spirit and we see the joy it brings. This is a blessing for all to see, Baruch Hashem for Nissim Black and others like him who are not afraid to embrace the truth. Torah is truth. Nissim is embracing the Torah through Judaism. I am embracing the truth through Yeshua. I pray that all who sing praises to HaShem will suddenly have a clear vision of Yeshua, as he is.

Bracha