Aryeh, the musician

Here, we invite you to leave your memories of how Aryeh touched your life as a musician

Reb Aryeh performing at 2006 Festival of Faith

5 Responses to “Aryeh, the musician”

sixthtaste Says:
January 10, 2009 at 10:10 am
I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Though I did not know Rabbi Aryeh personally, I have been moved by his music and indeed found it a doorway into the depths and light of Jewishness. My husband Jim had the great blessing of knowing him briefly.

blessings for comfort,
Eliana
Britta Says:
January 11, 2009 at 5:50 am
Aryeh’s z”ll music was a bridge for me. A way back “in” to spirituality, which I was deeply missing. Once I got “in,” I found even more learning, depth, and a whole new world waiting for me…tangible and accessible in a way it hadn’t been before. When words fail…music takes over.
Thank you, Aryeh, for giving rabbi-ing a go, so that some of us could find our way back in … through music.
Britta Says:
January 11, 2009 at 5:56 am
Aryeh,
You helped me answer this question: “How can we sing our holy song, in a strange land?”
Blessings on your journey now…
Love,
Britta
Kara Keels Says:
January 12, 2009 at 10:39 am
Aryeh,
Blessings on your journey now…and…I feel that my journey with my Judiasm started with the death of my nephew and ended with the death of my Rebbe Aryeh..I hope I am wrong but it’s ironic that it appears as is. When I spoke of my nephew’s death and my heritage, Reb Aryeh understood and so do my freiends now today. Thank you Donna and Ira Erbs, you know my position. I will move forward. Kara
Susan Steindler Says:
March 3, 2009 at 5:45 pm
It was 1997 and my first time attending High Holy day services at P’nai Or. Invited by a close friend, it was both my introduction to Jewish Renewal and Areyh. It was also my first introduction to my future husband Randy Stein. I was moved beyond words by Areyh’s ability to sing in such a meaningful, sweet, and robust way. His “Ava Rabbah” filled with such force. The whole experience changed the direction of my life. I fell in love with the whole package.

But what did it for me was Areyh’s rendition of Lenord Cohen’s “Story of Issac”, sung on the second day of Roshashana, when the service transitions toward Yom Kippur and the Days of Awe. It was a highlight. As a Cohen fan Areyh’s choice couldn’t have been more capitivating. His voice revealed his deep understanding of our faith through music. Something I will always cherish.

Years later during a Havadalah gathering at our house Areyh played the “Story of Issac” spontaneously, it was then I told him about my experience. I joined his chorus in 2001 and learned more about his song writing and musical knowledge. Another wonderful experience.

Although my husband and I moved away from Portland more than 5 years ago, we still sing his songs, and remember his wonderful strumming guitar and beautiful voice. He will be missed for so many reasons but for me his music is still there and the best way to connect with him and his deep spirituality. May he rest in peace.