We know that dvarim hayotzim min halev, words that come from the heart, nichnasim el halev, go straight to the heart, and the same can be said about “Truma,” an all-new album from Eitan Katz. While each of the 11 songs on “Truma” has its own distinctive flavor, all clearly emanate from deep within Katz’s soul, and with origins like that, the way they resonate with the listener should come as no surprise.

“Truma” is Katz’s 11th album, and while at first glance one might think that its name alludes to his priestly lineage, the reference is something quite different.

“Choosing a title track is actually very hard, and you have to look at your selection of songs and see what makes sense,” explained Katz. “This song happens to be very spiritual, telling the story of gathering donations to build the Mishkan. I found it inspiring that Hashem didn’t just drop the Mishkan from the sky, but instead wanted us to be an active part of its construction. That concept was very meaningful to me and I felt that this album is my truma, my giving.”

As always, Katz continues to compose his own songs, and he described “Truma” as an eclectic mix of music that includes classic kumzitz ballads, uplifting dance music and everything in between. Some have special meaning, like “Ki Kel Melech,” written with close friend Motti Kest shortly before his passing, and “Pnimius,” composed by Katz last year with his students at Yeshivat Reishit in Beit Shemesh as a source of personal inspiration. “Niggun on the Roof,” which features a guest appearance by Chasidic sensation Levi Falkwotiz, takes Katz in a completely different direction, with vibes that conjure up images of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Katz isn’t a fan of coming up with music and then taking out his lyrical shoehorn in an effort to words that seem to fit. Instead, he tries to portray meaning and inspiration jointly through lyrics, as was the case with the album’s seventh track, “Lulei,” which also features vocals from Joey Newcomb.

“I was in a camp upstate last summer and that song was composed on request with the help of about 500 guys,” recalled Katz. “I told them I wanted to write a niggun for them and they gave me the words lulei sorascha. This song was the music that came out to accompany the meaning behind those words that they had chosen.”

Given his preference to avoid song genres that are influenced by secular trends, Katz understands that he is a rarity in the Jewish music industry. But having accumulated legions of fans since the release of his first album, “L’maancha,” 16 years ago, he prefers to stick to what he knows best, singing meaningful Jewish music to inspire people, families and communities.

“Jewish music is not hefker,” observed Katz. “My mission with Jewish music is to keep it true to what is inspiring, uplifting and directly connected to avodas Hashem. I am here to keep that flame burning.”

Katz will be bringing his signature style to a CD release concert, taking place on Sunday, March 10 at the Jewish Children’s Museum Banquet Hall in Crown Heights. He sees the performance as an opportunity to celebrate authentic Jewish music, both old and new. “Baruch Hashem, people have connected to a lot of my songs and I am looking forward to bringing them new music that we can inaugurate into the set list,” he said.

While “Truma” was only released a few weeks ago, Katz has already been receiving plenty of positive feedback. “Every other day someone comes up to me and tells me their favorite song and so far, we have covered the entire album in those conversations,” he noted. “It is very special to hear that even songs that I wasn’t sure would be popular are becoming people’s favorites.”

In addition to playing simchas with his Eitan Katz Band, Katz has been busy with live performances. He recently returned from an event in Toronto, and his current schedule includes visits to Los Angeles and London, as well as a follow-up to his well received “Live in Jerusalem” concert series with a third performance scheduled for Sukkot 2022. And yes, as someone who continues to churn out albums at a steady pace, Katz is already hard at work on his 12th album, which he estimates is nearly half done already.

“I am so fortunate to be blessed with a tremendous group of people in the business who respect what my music is all about and are ready to join me on my journey,” said Katz. “Baruch Hashem, I have a lot going on and I am grateful to be able to continue my mission of uplifting the Jewish spirit through authentic Jewish music.”

Sandy Eller is a freelance writer who writes for websites, newspapers, magazines and private clients. She can be contacted at [email protected].