Israeli Musician Amnon Ben Shach Shares Spiritual Journey Inspired by Yosef and Rabbi Nachman

Amnon Ben Shach, a multifaceted Israeli musician and composer from the West Bank settlement of Kfar Etzion, discussed his artistic and spiritual journey in a podcast interview with Kobi Sela on Channel 7. Ben Shach revealed how music has been central to his life since age nine, when his parents enrolled him in classical guitar lessons. Over the years, he evolved into a creator who writes, arranges, and performs his own songs, describing his work as inseparable from his identity.

One of his most personal songs, "Yosef," draws deeply from the biblical figure Yosef HaTzaddik, symbolizing pain, divine providence, and faith. Ben Shach explained that Yosef’s story of being cast into a pit yet protected by God resonates with his own experiences of hardship and growth. He emphasized the importance of continuing to believe and find purpose even when misunderstood or facing adversity.

Ben Shach’s spiritual path is closely linked to the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, which he has studied intensively through classes and texts such as Likutei Moharan. He highlighted three core principles guiding his life: faith, joy, and covenant observance. Despite challenges in livelihood, relationships, and health, he maintains that one must trust in God’s presence and face trials with happiness and faith.

Looking ahead, Ben Shach plans to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, reflecting his deep connection to Breslov Hasidism. Concurrently, he is working on his third album and preparing to release a new melody based on a chapter from Psalms, arranged by Roman Greenfeld, designed to be accessible and participatory for listeners. On a personal note, the 43-year-old father of one expressed hope to rebuild his family life after divorce. The interview concluded with optimism for positive developments in both his personal and musical endeavors in the coming year.