For some, music is just a soundtrack to life. But for up-and-coming Teaneck local Jacob Blumenthal, it is the very fabric of his existence. From early childhood to performing at weddings and special events, his journey has been one of passion, persistence and profound connection through music.
Music was present in Blumenthal’s life from as early as he can remember. Growing up in a household that valued the arts, his parents encouraged him and his siblings to explore music and other creative outlets. These formative years laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong love of singing and performing.
His first structured experience with music came in middle school when he joined the choir led by Rabbi Chaim Block at RYNJ. “That was the first time I really felt connected to singing in a serious way,” Blumenthal recalled. That experience not only refined his skills but also ignited a deeper love for performing.
As he progressed through high school and yeshiva, he was surrounded by other talented peers, many of whom have gone on to professional music careers. During yeshiva, he started an a cappella group, but it “was short-lived due to COVID-19, and it didn’t go anywhere,” Blumenthal said.
But he did not let the pandemic hold him back, and he made a pivotal decision to study music formally. “I know a lot of people took up learning languages or learning piano or learning how to cook. Everyone had their own way of passing the time in that difficult situation. And I chose to take up singing. So, I found a voice teacher that taught me over Zoom for about a year. And that’s when I started to realize, whoa, I can do this. When David Ross became my vocal coach, that’s what really took my singing to the next level,” Blumenthal said.
With a newfound confidence in his voice, he sought guidance from established musicians, connecting with industry professionals like Mordy Weinstein and Meir Popowitz. Through these connections, he began performing with different Jewish music groups such as the Maccabeats and Six13. “That was a huge moment for me. Singing with people I had looked up to for years — it was surreal,” he reflected. These experiences ultimately paved the way for him to step into the world of wedding performances.
For Blumenthal, weddings represent something beyond just an event: they are moments of unity, joy and deep spiritual connection. “It’s not just about singing; it’s about being part of the energy of the room, about helping to create a moment that people will remember forever,” he shared. “To me, [the music] elevates me. And I try to bring that out and elevate whatever simcha I get to be a part of. Being able to contribute to that experience as a singer is special to me.”
One particularly meaningful wedding performance led him to create a video capturing the beauty and emotion of the event. Having previously performed for the bride’s brother, he was honored to be invited back for another family wedding. “When they asked me to come back and sing again, I felt like I was really part of their family’s story,” he said. Knowing how special the occasion was, he collaborated with his mentor, Ross, and his band, Shir Soul, to create a video that would encapsulate the magic of that day. The response to the video has been overwhelmingly positive.
While Blumenthal enjoyed “spending a lot of time putting together the video and marketing it a bit,” he said he is “now focusing on going back to singing on Shabbos and getting ready for Pesach and weddings again.”
One of his proudest projects has been his first original song, “Mi Adir,” a heartfelt composition capturing the essence of a wedding day. “I wanted to write something different that really reflected the emotions of the day and every aspect of a chuppah,” he explained.
He carefully structured the song to reflect the emotions and transitions of the day. “The song starts off slow and soft, like how the day begins, when the chosson and kallah take time for themselves,” Blumenthal described. As the second half of the song begins, the instruments come in — drums, guitars — moving the song faster. Then the background vocals come in, just like the growing energy of guests arriving. I think of it as a story, building up to that second chorus, where everything booms — there’s a guitar solo, the intensity rises and we’re in the heat of the moment.”
He continued, “Then comes the bridge, where the instruments fade away. I see this as the private little moment the chosson and kallah experience right after they’re married, just a second in time but it feels like it lasts for an hour. Finally, the last chorus explodes with a key change, the instruments crashing back in and a full choir — symbolizing the grand celebration, surrounded by friends and loved ones, dancing together in pure joy.
“Music has this incredible ability to bring people together,” Blumenthal said. As he continues his journey, he plans to use his voice to elevate simchot, chagim and other events while unifying everyone through song.
Listen to Jacob Blumenthal on Spotify and Apple Music. Watch his chuppah video on YouTube: m.youtube.com/watch?v=d8Wehk-hhTE. Stay updated on his latest performances and projects by following him on Instagram: @jacobblumenthalsings.
For inquiries, contact him at (201) 519-9226 or jablumenthalsings@gmail.com.
Rachel Abramchayev is the assistant editor at The Jewish Link.
