Neshama Carlebach was born into a world surrounded by free love, mystical prayers and conflict. Nothing embodied this recipe more than her father, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, a charismatic tempest tossed soul whose revolutionary ways changed the face of Jewish culture.
Reb Shlomo believed that to uplift, inspire, and bring joy to every human being was truly his reason for existing. Through his thousands of original compositions and his meaningful stories, Shlomo touched the hearts of millions worldwide. He was a spiritual healer who sought to remind people that they are never alone, that every person has a unique and important mission to discover for themselves. Shlomo said that if we could see the best in each other and appreciate our own innate beauty, there would be no heartache in the world.
Following his death, over 23 years ago, women began coming forward with allegations of sexual impropriety.
Given the current climate, amplified by the #metoo and #timesup movements, the conversation in the Jewish community has changed as well, gaining in urgency and volume. Some communities have considered banning Rabbi Carlebach’s music, prompting yet another cultural conversation about purity, art and holiness. Of course, some rush in reaction to deify a revered teacher. These opposite reactions do little to affect the necessary healing.
If we are to transform the world around us for the better, we must find the way to hold all the competing truths. Its one thing to debate one leader’s legacy, but the true test we face is in confronting the systemic power imbalances that define our world in ways big and small.
Neshama’s life path, her art, and her learning have lead her to confront all the beauties, complexities and wrongs of her native world. Her mission has always been to heal the world with song, inspiration and hope infused messages of faith. After all, as Reb Nachman of Bratzlav said, "if you believe you can hurt, believe you can heal".
Neshama believes that this moment calls for more courage than ever before and has begun a new phase of her work. She recently made her first public statement about her father's conduct with women, which was shared and seen by thousands worldwide. She is committed to transforming this moment with compassion, light and love. Neshama believes her story and music can help break the silence and ease the pain that too many have carried.
Neshama’s workshops consist of intimate conversations, healing concerts and interfaith bridge building events.
