Banya Barbi on Faith, Music, and Finding Peace Amid National Trauma
Renowned Israeli musician Banya Barbi shares his personal journey of spiritual growth, his unconventional childhood, and how music serves as a tool for healing and unity.
Renowned Israeli musician Banya Barbi (37), whose hit song "Keren Shemesh" became a national anthem of comfort, opened up about his childhood, spiritual journey, and the healing power of music.
An Unconventional Path to Music
Growing up in Tiberias as the youngest of four children, Barbi struggled with traditional schooling. While his parents pursued exact sciences, Barbi found his calling in music, heavily influenced by his father, a traditional cantor.
"Today, as a father, I realize how unconventional I was as a child and how much my parents contained and flowed with me. They are my role models."
After moving to Kfar HaRoeh during his youth, his longing for his friends in Tiberias inspired him to write "Boker Tov," a song that became a massive hit 15 years after it was written.
Spiritual Questions and Faith
During his high school years, Barbi experienced a spiritual crisis, admitting to a rabbi that he was unsure of his faith. The rabbi's warm embrace and acceptance kept him grounded. Years later, he found deep connection in the teachings of Rabbi Kook.
"Rabbi Kook says that human nature is to be good, and that is repentance. Even if I say something unkind to my wife and correct it, that is repentance. I am always returning."
Today, Barbi maintains daily spiritual practices, including putting on tefillin and reciting the Shema prayer, while striving to keep the Sabbath.
Music as a Vessel for Healing
Following his military service and studies at the Rimon School of Music, Barbi dedicated his life to creation. He views his music as a spiritual pipeline and a tool for healing, especially during difficult times.
Since the outbreak of the war, Barbi has performed extensively for wounded soldiers, evacuees, and survivors of the Nova music festival. He emphasizes the critical need for national unity and mutual respect despite political differences. Looking ahead, Barbi plans to venture into acting, screenwriting, and publishing a book about his journey.
