Singer/songwriter Shlomo Gleyzer has released a stirring new song titled Elisha, inspired by the well-known story in Sefer Melachim II (4:1-7) of the widow who cries out to the prophet Elisha and is saved through the miracle of oil.
Beginning with the Alter Rebbe and developed extensively in the maamarim of the Rebbe, Chassidus explains that this story is not merely a historical account, but the story of the soul itself. The widow’s emptiness and desperation reflect the inner experience of the soul as it descends into concealment and distance. The fiery passion the soul once knew is now lifeless. And yet, she continues showing up. She continues caring. Because something refuses to die.
That precious oil – the etzem haneshama, the untouched essence that can never be extinguished.
“As a teenager, in the early stages of my avodas Hashem, this story really resonated with me,” Gleyzer shares. “It didn’t feel like something that happened once. It felt deeply personal.” He recalls stepping outside during a short break between Chassidus and Shacharis, and this song was born.
Elisha captures that quiet tension so many experience, continuing to act even when passion feels gone, still showing up when the avodah feels empty and lifeless, still caring when the relationship feels dark.
Elisha teaches that sometimes the greatest light is born from darkness. Sometimes the very state of distance itself can bring out the soul’s deepest essence. As Elisha tells the widow, not only will the debt be paid, but there will even be profits.
It’s real hashgacha pratis, that this song is being released in close proximity to Purim. As the Rebbe explains in the maamar Veata Tetzaveh, the story of Purim is the emergence of the essence when everything external is stripped away.
We live in a world obsessed with everything being polished. You gotta package your identity into something marketable. Everything becomes performative. We’re taught to hide behind filters, cover up vulnerability. But the essence – the oil doesn’t come from a beautifully polished, perfectly aesthetic fruit. Oil comes from an olive that’s crushed.
As the Torah states: “ויקחו אליך שמן זית זך כתית למ
Crushed isn’t aesthetic. It isn’t curated. But it reveals the ma’or – the source of light itself. And that is what creates a “ner tamid,” a constant flame. Performance burns out, but when you use that essence – that precious oil, you will go on and on.
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This is truly beautiful, powerful, and real.
Thank you for sharing with the world.
Incredible song. That’s all i have to say.
Another great song with much meaning behind it. It really takes a few listens to ‘hop’ it. Fantastic job! A new favorite!
Amazing! Shlomo’s music is gold. The poetry and adaptation of real Chassidus is so meaningful
Love it!
Great song!
i remember you singing this song in Yeshiva, i was waiting, finally it’s out and everyone else gets to hear it.
The music is definitely something that’s authentic,
I would love to hear the singer sing niggunim/kumzitz songs
Keep up the great work Shlomo! This is true art!
Thanks for sharing! Such a real song. Very rare in jewish music.
Giving words to a feeling so many of us have
Such a great song. Very different. I really enjoyed it not having the typical song structure
I became a huge fan at that concert you did in Edmonton, and I haven’t stoped listening to your music since, it has really been a big part of my life, and really help me connect back with Chabad. I just wanted to say thank you! Love the direction of these new singles, can’t wait for the album.
very special and unique. Usually don’t love this style music, but this was very touching.