The Many Outfits of Lipa Schmeltzer
By Ezra Glinter August 29, 2012
The other week we reported on a shoot of Lipa Schmeltzer’s latest music video, in which the popular Hasidic singer dressed up in an Israel Defense Forces uniform, along with members of the Nahal Hareidi, or ultra-Orthodox division of the IDF. That video, titled “Mizrach,” has now been released.
The army uniform is just one of Lipa’s many costumes. In the video he wears everything from a simple white shirt and black pants to a golden bekishe, to an “I Love Israel” t-shirt. With lyrics that come from a daily prayer about the ingathering of Jewish exiles, the song delivers a straightforward statement of Jewish unity. It’s a simple message, though still bound to upset extremist factions within the ultra-Orthodox community, who are opposed to both army service and t-shirts. That’s assuming they ever see it, which isn’t likely, since they also oppose the Internet.
What’s important is that Schmeltzer continues to push for a broad, inclusive version of Orthodox Judaism that can accomodate a range of fashion choices as well as more serious decisions, like IDF service. And he seems to be succeeding. More, even, his popularity is helping to marginalize those who might marginalize him. As for the song, well — it’s not my favorite. But the message is important, and its delivery, even more so.
Watch Lipa Schmeltzer’s ‘Mizrach’:
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.
, editor-in-chiefSupport our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
