Matisyahu Makes a Break

By Sarah Kricheff August 3, 2007

Hasidic reggae superstar Matisyahu told the Miami New Times last month that he no longer identifies with the Lubavitch sect. He said that “the more I’m learning about other types of Jews, I don’t want to exclude myself. I felt boxed in.”

His admission sparked discussion in the Chabad-Lubavitch community. And in comments on various Web sites and blogs, some expressed concern that Matisyahu will be a bad influence on impressionable frum youth. Matisyahu, however, maintains that he’s still “really religious,” and says that he prays and meditates before every performance. But some Lubavitchers have cited another reason to worry: After he davens, Matisyahu turns on Jay-Z and drinks wine to relax.

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