Do you know what it’s like to fall in love?
I don’t mean falling in love with a romantic partner.
I am talking about the moment of falling in love with a performer — because you know that person gets it and gets you and understands you.
That is what happened to me back in 1991, when a friend of mine played me an album called “From Strength to Strength” by Peter Himmelman.
That title is a biblical quote. It’s what Jews say to each other at significant moments in life: “May you go from strength to strength.”
The best cuts from that album? "Woman With the Strength of 10,000 Men,” “Impermanent Things” and "Mission of My Soul.”
Himmelman imported Jewish theology and text and put it out on alternative radio. I was hooked. I fell in love. Total musical crush.
In 2002, Himmelman was nominated for an Emmy Award for his song "Best Kind of Answer," which appeared on the CBS series Judging Amy, for which he also composed the score.
He composed the music for the FOX television show Bones through the fourth season.
He was nominated for a Grammy Award for his children's album, "My Green Kite."
Himmelman is a rarity in American popular music — an observant Jew who observes Shabbat. Some years ago, he turned down three offers to appear on the Tonight Show because they conflicted with Shabbat or Jewish holidays (he accepted the fourth invitation, for an appearance on Thanksgiving).
He is married to Maria Dylan. She is the daughter of Bob Dylan. They have four children and grandchildren.
You are going to love this podcast. We talk about rock music (my first love), Jewish culture, Jewish identity, spirituality and what it means for Jews to live post-Oct. 7.
We listen to his music as well.
