A Rare Selichot Appearance in Tel Aviv
On the eve of Yom Kippur, Beit HaKnesset Yechezkel in Tel Aviv hosted a moment few expected: Berry Sakharov, the iconic Israeli rocker, took the stage during Selichot. The event stood out because Sakharov, though more spiritually engaged in recent years, is not commonly described as an ardent religious devotee. The gathering blended reverence with the energy and charisma of a veteran musician, as worshippers prepared for the penitential service.
The Artist Who Helped Define Israeli Rock
Now 68, Sakharov is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Israeli rock. A founding member of the Portis-Sakharov duo with Rami Fortis, he helped shape a generation and earned the nickname “the prince of Israeli rock” in the early 1990s. Over the decades he has collaborated with many artists, maintaining a strong presence in the Israeli scene while pursuing solo projects and fresh collaborations. His influence extends beyond a single hit, marking a period when Israeli rock began to fuse genres and draw new audiences.
A Moment of Spiritual Connection
During the prayer portion of the service, Sakharov reportedly led the congregation in the lines of a plea for divine help: “Ana Adonai Hoshiya Na, Ana Adonai Hatsliha Na” (Please, Lord, save us; Please, Lord, grant us success). Onlookers described how his voice mingled with the liturgy, and how the room seemed to respond as the crowd joined in. While the moment was intimate and moving, it also stood out as an unusual intersection of a rock icon and a sacred space, inviting reflection on the boundaries between art, faith, and personal journey.
What It Signals About Art and Faith
Observers framed the appearance as part of a broader trend: prominent artists in Israel increasingly cross into religious spaces, using music as a bridge between secular and sacred experiences. The Selichot performance sparked discussions about cultural hybridity, the evolution of personal faith, and the role artists play when entering places of worship. For many, it underscored how a career rooted in experimentation can still connect with tradition when approached with humility and sincerity.
Family and Legacy
Sakharov’s artistic lineage continues through his family. His son Itay Sakharov is the vocalist for the band Loiza, carrying the musical thread into a new generation. Itay is publicly linked with musician Irit HaNokd, illustrating the interconnected lives of contemporary Israeli musicians. While Berry’s expansive career remains central, his recent spiritual explorations add another dimension to his legacy as a multifaceted artist who resonates across generations.
Closing Thoughts
Whether viewed as a personal spiritual exploration or a cultural moment, Berry Sakharov’s Selichot appearance at a Tel Aviv synagogue offered a rare glimpse of a rock icon stepping into a sacred space to accompany a community in prayer. It reminded audiences that behind public personas lie artists whose journeys can transcend boundaries, inviting listeners to hear longstanding songs in a new, contemplative light.
