Oneg Shemesh Band

Artist Information

Biography

Having shared the stage with countless great Jewish music stars, among them hassidic reggae star Matisyahu, as well as Soul Farm, and Moshav band, Oneg produces music with an edge, combining contemporary musical concepts, styles and sounds with classic midrashic, kabbalistic and scriptural inspiration.
Among his musical mentors is the Father of modern Jewish music, the legendary Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, and those early days together were some good and very special spiritual and musical times.

In his own words: “I grew up in Israel on Moshav Mevo Modiim founded by the late Rebbe Shlomo Carlebach, Z"L. I had the great privilege of spending much of my time with the Rebbe, accompanying him on guitar and drawing from his wealth of knowledge. After finishing my army career and service, I joined The Moshav Band (as a founding member) and toured with them throughout Israel, the United States and Canada.”

He is presently living in New York, and does concert performances wherever Jews are found (or lost...). In addition, he leads Shabbatonim and Holiday Davening using, among other styles, the chazanut nusach of Reb Carlebach, bringing joy and happiness to communities around the world while trying (and succeeding!) to live up to his name ONEG which means utmost joy. Among his biggest admirers are his 3, beautiful children.

“My music is not just a melody with words, my music is prayer. Our sages teach us that singing the words is like praying twice; the first time for the words themselves, and the second time for the song. This is the highest form of prayer. I hope that my music finds you wherever you are and reminds you how beautiful is our Judaism, how beautiful is our tradition, and how beautiful is our love for Hashem

Instrumentation

Oneg Shemesh - Guitar and Vocal
Drums
Bass
Lead Guitar
Keyboard- Vocals

Discography

"Life to your soul" 2001
"Bring Us Together" 2005

Audio

• Bring Us Together
  Listen  
• Shine Forward
  Listen  
• Siman Tov
  Listen  
• Carlebach Wedding Medley
  Listen  
• Savenu Master High
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Shine Forward

Video

Shine Forward

ISO tour 2012.wmv

Photo Gallery

Press

• The First Oneg Shemesh! [+ Show ]
  

  Oneg Shemesh adds a wonderful mix of soul & spirit in his music. Is Oneg Shemesh the next Shlomo Ca...Oneg Shemesh adds a wonderful mix of soul & spirit in his music. Is Oneg Shemesh the next Shlomo Carlebach? I don’t know about that, but he is the first Oneg Shemesh!”
  
  
  

• The Torch of Jewish Music
  

  Oneg Shemesh seems to be carrying the torch of new Jewish music with a bright flame.”

• Utmost Joy [+ Show ]
  

  “Oneg Shemesh mixes classic Carlebach songs with his own unique sound, inspiring audiences as he liv...“Oneg Shemesh mixes classic Carlebach songs with his own unique sound, inspiring audiences as he lives up to his name, which means “utmost joy”.”
  
  
  
  
  

• Hillel Recommendation [+ Show ]
  

  The Oneg Shemesh band added a wonderful aura of sophistication combined with fun for our Israel at 6...The Oneg Shemesh band added a wonderful aura of sophistication combined with fun for our Israel at 60 Celebration. As our event catered to both the community and student body, it was important to us to find a musician that could truly feel the crowd. Not only was Oneg's music appropriate but he himself made the entire booking process extremely easy. In our line of work, we are all constantly contacted by numerous music groups who all feel their act is better than the next. Oneg truly did stand out from start to finish.
  
  Jill Zucker
  Associate Director
  Stony Brook University Hillel Foundation
  631-632-6565
  
  
  

• JCC Recommendation [+ Show ]
  

  From Josh Cutler, Camp Director - Camp By The Sea Oneg Shemesh performed at our camp and for our...From Josh Cutler, Camp Director - Camp By The Sea
  
  Oneg Shemesh performed at our camp and for our community in July 2009. He brought with him his amazing talent and ability to connect to audiences of all ages. At the Camp Shabbat Show children ages 5-15 were dancing in the aisles, singing along and smiling from ear to ear.
  
  Oneg's workshops with our older campers were also fantastic. He weaved songs and stories together, creating an intimate setting where he could connect to this age group and leave a lasting impression and positive influence.
  
  I strongly recommend bringing Oneg and his "ruach" to your community and camp!
  
  Josh Cutler
  Director of Family Services & Camp Director
  Milton & Betty Katz Jewish Community Center
  501 North Jerome Ave
  Margate, NJ 08402
  609-822-1167 x 138
  Fax: 609-822-9419
  www.jccatlantic.org
  
  

• Chabad Thank You Letter [+ Show ]
  

  Dear Oneg, Thank you so much for a wonderful Shabbat experience. The members of our community have ...Dear Oneg,
  Thank you so much for a wonderful Shabbat experience. The members of our community have all told me how much they enjoyed your davening, stories and music. You messages were meaningful and entertaining. I wish you much hatzlacha in all of you work and I hope you continue to inspire many people to connect with their Judaism.
  
  Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport
  Chabad at the Shore
  8223 Fulton Ave.
  Margate NJ, 08402
  Office- 609-822-8500
  Cel- 609-992-4100
  www.chabadac.com

• Thank you Letter S.S.D.S West Hartford [+ Show ]
  

  Dear Oneg, Thank you for coming to our school. The music you presented was so uplifting and joyful...Dear Oneg,
  Thank you for coming to our school. The music you presented was so uplifting and joyful. The children all enjoyed it greatly as could be seen from their enraptured participation. It was a great addition to the performance to have the children get up and dance and parade around. Many of the faculty thought the songs were so appropriate for the classroom that they purchased some CDs to use with the children.
  Thank you again,
  best,
  Nancy
  

• Thank you Letter from Hillel Day School, Boca Raton, FL [+ Show ]
  

  Dear Oneg, Thank you for the two wonderful concerts enjoyed by our students this erev Shabbat. A...Dear Oneg,
  
  Thank you for the two wonderful concerts enjoyed by our students this erev Shabbat. Although the spread in grade levels was wide, kindergarten through fifth and sixth through eighth, you were able to inspire all our students with your wonderful music and captivating stories. The students left the auditorium ready to observe Shabbat with enhanced spirits and a better appreciation of the Shabbat experience. We look forward to having you visit us again in the future.
  
  Rabbi Samuel J. Levine
  Head of School
  Hillel Day School of Boca Raton
  

• Great Show! [+ Show ]
  

  Oneg, What a great experience for everyone today. Thank you so much for coming to play at our Co...Oneg,
  
  What a great experience for everyone today. Thank you so much for coming to play at our Coffeehouse concert. I am listening to your CD (the newer one) while I write this and I can't keep the smile off of my face. Thanks again, continued success, and safe traveling.
  
  All the best,
  
  Chuck Feinstein
  President
  Temple Israel of the Poconos
  

• Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County [+ Show ]
  

  Oneg played for our middle and high school this past Chanukah. His concert was spirited and got the ...Oneg played for our middle and high school this past Chanukah. His concert was spirited and got the students involved (and dancing). The feedback from the kids was most positive. The whole chagigah helped our students truly feel the essence behind the miracles of Chanukah. Oneg’s personal journey and his commitment to sharing the teachings of Reb Shlomo z”l further enhanced the experience for our students.
  
  Rabbi Moshe Schwartz
  Director of Jewish Life and SREL Rabbinic Fellow
  Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County
  Solomon Schechter High School of Long Island
  (W) 516-656-5500 x1216
  (C) 516-320-1890
  mschwartz@ssdsnassau.org
  www.ssdsnassau.org
  

• Palm Beach Synagogue [+ Show ]
  

  Oneg Shemesh is a gifted vocalist, lyricist and musician. He carries the love and passion of Rabbi S...Oneg Shemesh is a gifted vocalist, lyricist and musician. He carries the love and passion of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach in his soul, as he insires audiences with his uplifting music. As his name implies, he is a delightful ray of warm sunlight.
   
  Rabbi Moshe Scheiner

• Hochberg Preparatory School [+ Show ]
  

  Hi Oneg, Thank you so much for the program on Monday. It was great to see the students singing and ...Hi Oneg,
  Thank you so much for the program on Monday. It was great to see the students singing and dancing in the aisles! I know they truly enjoyed it and it brought such joy to our school.
  Thank you again for sharing your music with us!
  Dayna
  
  Dayna Wald
  Principal of Judaics
  Hochberg Preparatory School
  www.hochbergprep.org
  (305) 933-6946
  (305) 935-5331 fax
  

Setlist

a Set is 45 minutes
I play a mix of Carlebach, Israeli, Hasidic, Original Hebrew and English Folk Rock.

Basic Requirements

Calendar