A Queer Jew

Matisyahu is a reggae playing Hasidic Jew. He started his career in White Plains, New York. His childhood was typical of any teenager in the early 90's. He listened to heavy metal and tested recreational drugs. That all changed when, at 16, he spent a semester in Israel as an exchange student. When he came back to the U.S. he adopted Orodox Judaism, this has changed in later years so that he now subscribes to the Chasidic movement, a very spiritual branch of Judaism. After that he became much more involved in his religion. After finishing highschool he joined a Jewish band called Pey Dalid.

In his music, he mixes reggae, some rap and rock to perform the meaningful lyrics of his songs. He says, "All of my songs are influenced and inspired by the teachings that inspire me. I want my music to have meaning, to be able to touch people and make them think. Chasidism teaches that music is 'the quill of the soul.' Music taps into a very deep place and speaks to us in a way that regular words can't."

I find him to be Queer because he doesn't use "traditional" Jewish music to accompany his lyrics(klezmer is considered traditional Jewish music. It uses fiddles, clarinets, xylophones and other woodwinds depending on the group). I find this combination very refreshing. It brings the some of the ideals of Judaism to young people without the burden of the Melancholy sound of klezmer music.

King Without A Crown - Matisyahu