Hasidic Musician Mendy Goldberg Shares Personal Journey From Success to Spiritual Renewal
Hasidic musician Mendy Goldberg opened up in a Channel 7 podcast about his deep personal journey, spanning from childhood prodigy to sought-after keyboardist, through family crisis, therapy, and spiritual exploration. Goldberg described how music has been a lifelong companion and spiritual outlet, starting with playing keyboards at events from a young age within his Lelov Hasidic community. He credited his success to natural talent, extensive practice, and inspiration from keyboardist Meir Adler, while emphasizing the importance of developing his own musical style.
Despite professional achievements and financial success, Goldberg faced internal dissatisfaction and a significant personal crisis when his family broke apart several years ago. This prompted him to begin therapy, which he views as a courageous and empowering process to understand emotional patterns and heal past wounds. He stressed that seeking mental health support is not shameful but vital for self-awareness and growth.
Goldberg has gradually shifted from primarily keyboard playing to singing, songwriting, and composing, describing singing as a more physical and emotional experience. Though he continues to play instruments, he also expressed a desire to formally learn musical notation, which he never studied. His spiritual journey led him to explore Hasidic teachings more deeply, including Breslov and Uman pilgrimages, broadening his understanding beyond his upbringing.
His military service was unconventional; after initially receiving a yeshiva exemption, he later joined a medical support unit and served in northern Israel and Gaza during the recent conflict. Interactions with soldiers sparked conversations about faith and the religious-secular divide, which Goldberg believes requires ongoing dialogue rather than crisis-driven talks.
Currently living near his parents in Beit Shemesh, Goldberg embraces a lifestyle of inner listening and balance between music, study, and spiritual searching. He acknowledges ongoing questions of faith but feels much quieter internally than before. While hesitant to call himself a rabbi, he hopes his personal path can inspire young Hasidim and others seeking meaning. For Goldberg, music remains the primary medium to convey messages and awakenings across communities.
