The Other Ari Gold
Ari Gold is a real person, not just a television character. But the openly gay R&B singer-songwriter, who happens to share a name with a character on the HBO series “Entourage,” knows a little something about the search for personal identity, and he doesn’t let the coincidence get in the way of his artistic goal: making music with a message. Gold was raised in an Orthodox family in the Bronx, and he attended yeshiva through high school and beyond. His forthcoming album, “Transport Systems,” examines issues ranging from gay relationships and spirituality to drug addiction and human rights.
“The social and political issues [in my music] come from my personal experience of being a gay man. It makes you automatically political just by talking about your life,” Gold told The Shmooze. “One thing that influences my feelings about [being openly gay] is the concept of hiding and the history of Jews having to hide who they were… yet they still found ways to practice their beliefs. It was a very powerful message to me.”
“Transport Systems” will be released October 2, but those looking for a preview can see Gold perform September 4 at Joe’s Pub in New York.
"Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief"
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
