For Yidden around the world, his voice is synonymous with Jewish music. Now, in a deeply personal and inspiring new interview on Derher’s “Among Chassidim” podcast, superstar Avraham Fried shares his story and how the Rebbe encouraged and inspired him at the beginning of his decades-long career.
For an audience that has grown up with his music, the interview is a must-listen, revealing how every note he sings is connected to a shlichus directly encouraged and empowered by the Rebbe.
A Shlichus from the Start
From the very beginning, his music was never just a career; it was, and is, “totally a shlichus.”
He shares moving, personal accounts of the Rebbe’s direct brochos and encouragement, which guided his journey from a young bochur to a global icon.
He relates the incredible z’chus of his early childhood, including singing for the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chana the Rebbe’s mother. This early connection set the tone for a life dedicated to using his talents for avodas Hashem.
Personal Moments with the Rebbe
In one particularly memorable story, Avraham Fried recalls the Rebbe’s personal attention when he was putting out his very first album as a bochur. With the loving care of a father, the Rebbe took the time to give him a “Hora’ah” that he has treasured ever since.
This direct involvement didn’t stop as his fame grew. He reveals a fascinating anecdote: before he would embark on an international tour, the Rebbe would give him Shliach Mitzva gelt specifically in that country’s currency. He shares that he now has a whole collection of these various currencies, each one a tangible symbol of the Rebbe’s blessing for his shlichus in that place.
He emphasizes the core message the Rebbe empowered him with: Everyone has a shlichus. Everyone can make an impact. Use your unique talents for Hashem.
And what is the ultimate goal of this shlichus? Avraham Fried looks forward to the day, speedily in our times, when he can sing the ultimate song: the song of Moshiach finally being here.
Watch or listen to this incredible episode today on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts
It’s also available on the Among Chassidim Google Drive and 24Six.
To listen to more fascinating episodes, visit Derher.org/amongchassidim or search for Among Chassidim on your favorite platform.
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Listening to avraham fried sing a yiddish,a hebrew, a yossi green song has made me experience my neshama in a way like nothing else.
I really enjoy the podcast by Avraham fried
he said he was on Shlichus in New Haven who was in his kevutza?
So down to earth. So easy to listen to.
Happy to hear
Something he said more than 25 years ago when he was interviewed on the nachum sigel radio show, I’ve told over many times and will never forget. He was asked of the 10 cassette tapes that were out then what were his favorites? He said chap kazak and nigguei ha Bal Shem Tov . Why ? ” The authors of those niggunim we’re connecting their neshamas to Hashem through the writing of those songs” . It wasn’t about making the top song and making the top of the charts.Therefore those niggunim are in a category of their own. Bsuros tovos.… Read more »
Avinu Malkeinu album is also of nigunim (and I like it more).