Gospel, the Jewish way

Unique Israeli ensemble combines spirit of American gospel music with Jewish prayers

Ynetnews|Published: 03.17.12 , 17:49

In 1999, Iris and Ofer Portugaly were invited for a tour by Israel’s ambassador in Lagos, Nigeria’s capital. During their stay, the couple was exposed to and deeply impressed by local gospel music, and decided to “import” it back to Israel, Jewish-style.

Upon their return, Ofer decided to set up a special ensemble that would be dedicated to gospel and black music in the framework of the curriculum at the renowned Rimon school of music. For the first two years, Ofer carefully picked his singers and established a professional gospel choir, an “elite unit” that first performed at the Red Sea Jazz Festival in 2001.

The unique musical vision guiding the Portugalys throughout their career was to combine jazz music with Israeli roots and the Jewish tradition. Their show, Gospel Jazz, featured an effort to create “Israeli gospel” premised on the universal messages characterizing the music – optimism, faith, hope, and love for humanity.

“For 20 years now, we have drawn a loyal audience seeking the rare combination we create between superb international music and Israeli culture,” Iris says.

New genre: Jewish gospel

Over the years, Ofer became enamored with the dream of creating a genuine parallel to the Christian gospel of the black church. Now, in a breathtaking show, Adon Haselichot, Iris and Ofer Portugali and their gospel choir combine the energies, harmony and richness of American gospel music with Jewish prayers, thereby creating a new genre – “Jewish gospel.”

“I didn’t grow up in a traditional home at all, and heard some of the prayer songs for the first time recently, while seeking material for the show,” Ofer says. “These materials, even if you didn’t grow up with them, contain something very, very deep that touches every one of us.”

“I see how people come out of the show and how touched they are to sing the songs with us,” he says.

The show, which premiered last June, has been drawing enthused audiences and rave reviews across Israel and appeals to a wide audience, including jazz lovers and fans of Jewish prayer songs. Upcoming dates include shows in Haifa, Raanana and Rishon LeZion.