Composer Yossi Green’s Special Encounter During Visit to Ohel

By Sruly Meyer – COLlive
Photos: Yossi Jerufi

On Tuesday, world-famous composer Yossi Green and renowned cantor Yaakov Motzen visited the Rebbe‘s Ohel at the Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, New York. They were accompanied by a Lubavitcher friend, R’ Zalman Jerufi.

What ensued was an intriguing story.

Speaking with COLlive.com, Green shared some background about his relationship with Chabad and the Rebbe, which he said would provide insight into what occurred during his recent visit to the Ohel.

“In the early years, my connection with the Rebbe wasn’t as profound as it could have been, mainly because I didn’t fully comprehend who he was,” he admits. “It was in the early ’90s when I began to gain a deeper understanding, but unfortunately, by then, the Rebbe’s health was already declining, and I missed the opportunity.”

However, through his involvement with the HASC organization and its legendary concerts, Green merited to visit the Rebbe along with organizers and cast members such as producer Sheya Mendlowitz, conductor Yisroel Lamm, and, of course, singer Mordechai Ben David (Werdyger).

Usually, it was on a Sunday that they would go to 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights when the Rebbe distributed blessings and dollars for charity.

“We explained our purpose to the Rebbe, and it was evident that he was allocating extra time to converse with us,” Green marveled. “During that period, Jewish music didn’t occupy a Gadol’s attention. Witnessing the Rebbe making time for our concert and this special organization was truly remarkable. These visits were facilitated under MBD’s guidance, and it was clear to me that their connection was something truly extraordinary.”

Green recalls that when Yisroel Lamm mentioned he was a conductor, the Rebbe told him, “When you conduct the orchestra down here, you should also imagine conducting the heavenly orchestra above.” Green adds, “At the time, I didn’t fully comprehend the Rebbe’s words, but it felt like he was referring to something extraordinary, and it provided us with great encouragement.”

Green would soon get a crash course in Chabad by meeting Avraham Fried, who became a music legend himsef. “I asked Avremel about the Tefilin campaign, and he responded, ‘No Jew gets left behind.’ That was my first-ever conversation with Avraham Fried!”

About five years ago, Green received a call asking if he would host and perform for a group of Jews from Russia who were visiting New York before Rosh Hashana. It was the annual Shabbos Selichos visit to the Ohel led by Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar.

“I held immense respect for R’ Berel due to his incredible work spanning many decades, particularly during a time when Russia was not welcoming to Jews,” Green said. “It was an honor for me to facilitate this visit. I invited Benny Friedman to join me, and we all sang together. It was an unforgettable evening.”

Afterward, Rabbi Lazar approached Green and asked for a favor. He revealed that his grandfather was Rabbi Tzvi Meir Steinmetz, known by his penname Tzvi Yair, the famous poet.

“R’ Berel gave me a copy of a Sefer filled with extraordinary poems of his grandfather. He said it could be a great source of inspiration for future songs,” Green recalled.

For several years, Green delved into the poems, absorbing their contents. Not long ago, while collaborating with a singer on new songs, Green stumbled upon a profound piece in the Sefer about the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Chassidism. The music and lyrics harmoniously intertwined, and after years of contemplation, Green finally had a song inspired by Tzvi Yair.

“I was overjoyed when we completed the song,” Green told COLlive.com. “It will be handed over to a top arranger for musical composition and will feature in my upcoming album, ‘Take Two.'”

This brings the story full circle.

While standing in the Ohel this week, as he was about to leave, Green noticed a particular gravesite. “It momentarily made my heart stop,” he says.

“It was the resting place of Tzvi Yair, Rabbi Lazar’s grandfather. I had no idea he was buried here. I thought he might be in Russia or Israel. Witnessing this grave immediately after completing the song felt like an incredibly powerful and special moment.

“Everything is interconnected. My extensive history with Chabad, my encounters with the Rebbe, my time spent hosting and connecting with Rabbi Lazar, and the privilege of receiving this Sefer, along with the melody it inspired—standing by this holy individual’s grave felt like an immense merit.”