Menachem Shukron, 30, married with children, lives in Netanya. He is an educator who combined content and values with music, until he realized that his mission was music and with it he could change the world.
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The connection to music is rooted in extensive family roots: in historical terms, his grandfather was almost the "king's drummer" in Morocco; in fact, he drummed with one of the most prominent names of the time - Sami Almogharib.
His father and mother converted, but the connection to music continued in the family even after him: "My father raised us on the lap of music. He has a huge collection of music from all worlds and styles, and supposedly I was supposed to continue in that direction, but, even though my brother and sister received a musical education - it was me that my father sent to direct all resources to studying Torah.".
Menachem remembers himself composing melodies, from the age of 10, and he still had to fight for the personal music he created. And so, at the age of 15, the boy asked his father for a guitar.
He didn't agree. "What's the matter with you? Go back to studying Torah. You don't need distractions right now.".
He only became truly acquainted with the guitar during the group's school year at the Chabad Center in New York. That year, he rediscovered the world of music, and he has not been apart from it since. Along the way, he played for at-risk youth, went on missions among Tel Avivians and converts, and created a language of connection and rapprochement through music, lyrics, melodies, and playing.
From that time until today, at every turn that life takes him, music is waiting around the corner, it is his life's mission. He gives musical lectures to soldiers and fighters, pupils and students all over the country. "It moves me to see how much music touches even the most cynical indifferent. Through music, you can open wide any gate. No matter how locked, rusty and stuck it may be.".
At the end of the intervening period, on the eve of the month of Elul and the days of repentance - Shukron presents his debut single, "Shuvi", as well as his abilities in lyrics and melody to the peak: in words that sound like a contemporary piyyat, he tells of the pains of exile of man and the soul and the endless longing for true and pure repentance.
Please embrace your pain, confused Yona.
Like labor pains, they are signs of comfort to you.
Return to me and I will return to you.
Send me back to you and I will return.
You know, I didn't lock the doors, even when everything outside was destroyed,
Let love awaken, when you are here all the pain in me is washed away.
Say enough to my pain.
Because the spirits themselves, all the forces.
Return to me and I will return to you, return me to you and I will return.
Naor Karmi easily overcame the challenge of adapting the high-pitched lyrics and the moving melody. Karmi brought lightness to "Shovi" and provided a supportive envelope for the depth of the composition.
Menachem Shukron is expected to present more songs to the public soon. "Shovi" is only the first song.
Lyrics and music: Menachem Shukron | Arrangement and musical direction: Naor Carmi | Clip: Solam Yaakov
