Too many contradictions: Should we say that Torah commandments (beard, pe'ot, tsitsit, food, Shabbat, mo'edim, etc) are "optional" because it is "ludicrous" to think YHVH was serious? Is He serious concerning His covenant with Yisrael? Yahushua said "if you love me, keep my commandments". What you "believe" is not nearly as important as what you do ("emunah"). Be brave, be strong, be faithful. Shalom.
@IndiesLover before jumping to conclusions read properly what I wrote, I wrote "peyos" not "long peyos" and yes peyos of some sort are an absolute requirement and there are no pious jews without peyos.
@kavkazkayadevushka I see no drastic change, just the continuing evolution of his spirituality. Shaving his beard is no more a drastic change than any haircut any other person gets. We put far too much emphasis on superficiality and not enough on what really matters. And unwavering obedience to rules will not bring you any closer to God. One's connection to God does not depend on one's beard, hair or clothing or anything else. What God is concerned with is what's in your heart.
Lori's brother Brian writing here: As long as the actions spoke louder than those words, Niao Bai, I could get along with that. But the ones who claim that credit for all that kindness only by association strike me to be posers who are certainly aware that the whole religious thing they are doing is just a put on game. My favorite definition of the business function of Public Relations is "Doing good and getting credit for it".You have to do the good to get the credit. Thanks sis for this space.
@aviif Yes, I realize that peyos of some sort are a requirement. He has them. You need to be able to grab the hair. So he is within the requirements of peyos. Unsure what you are talking about or looking at.
@Learningbyhearing You start to wonder is EVERYTHING an act nowadays? G*d give this young man, and all of us, the strength to represent outwardly what's best in us inwardly.
@kavkazkayadevushka Dude, plz matisyahu is a true pure soul who has not lost his faith just because he has Shaved his beard. If you know of matisyahu's history, Judaism saved his life and he would never turn his back on something that has impacted him so deeply. look it up matisyahu was a typical faliure who turned to god for guidance and was given guidance. - (not trying to argue) just Telling you what i feel.
Very true that the main thing is the inside it definitely does say "god demands the heart" however does that mean that we get to pick and choose which parts of what the same god has commanded us to keep?! It's true many pious god fearing jews don't wear beards, so if he feels he is not up to the "beard level" then fine, (even though he himself admitted to it being directly connected to the mercy of god) but what about his peyos (locks)? Is that also ludacrous?!! I think this man is confused.
It's so funny all the talk about his beard. I for one also realize Judaism is quite full of Pharisee-like "rules" (read: man made additions) which never actually appear in Torah. Anyway, how are you mad about his beard when the guy performs on Shabbat? Did someone kind of miss that contradiction? #whatever. Matisyahu, your songs are awesome. Shalom to you and may God light your path always.
He's still frum, also Yiddish is a Jewish language, it's tyhe Jewish lingua franca of Ashekenazi Jews for over a 1000 years or so. Matisyahu is soft spoken, though I wouldn't say well spoken.
just sayin, when i met him it was really awkward talking to him... he didnt talk much and was didnt seem to have any interest with socializing with anyone
It's disappointing to see such drastic change in a person overnight. Makes me wonder how 'real' religion is to him..is it just a phase for him?? like his teenage years with Bob Marley, its true he is a role model and now seems like it was an act to get an audience and attention using judeic garb as a costume no longer useful now that fame is his
ummm who cares if he does NOT represent orthodox Judaism ..He represents ALL ....All Jews are one ...This is why moshiach has not come..Im Jewish and i love everyone I don't wear long skirts ..I tried that way .I.Just like Mati Knows god loves me with our with out a beard or a Skirt ....
@Learningbyhearing Not sure what you're talking about. He's sounded the exact same way since the beginning. Do your homework and stop making up stories.
@kavkazkayadevushka Seriously???? Get that crap outta here ..First of all hes been talking about taking off his beard 4 awhile now if you see his vids he bring it up a few times.. Plus im sure he does not even care about the money the FAME he just loves to sing and dance.. you can see the fire in his eyes when he sings! and you know what if it wasn't for GOD to give him the voice that he has he wouldn't be where is at now sharing his thoughts with us ...
Yeah, and if u put a tinfoil hat with antennas on you'll channel extra heavenly protections veberachot...NOT! That's all just silly shtuyot. Love God, love every being on this earth, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, build peace, spread kindness. That's all we need, personal style choices are private matters of taste, and irrelevant for righteousness.
@jewishmusick I think it seems you have an axe to grind. He has done nothing wrong. He is still religious, still a mentsch. Stop causing "sinas chinam" or hatred of other Jews.
Don't listen to the haters, Matisyahu. We still love you even if you lost the beard and peyot. Keep spreading the love of HaShem! :D
why is everybody so judgemental. He carries his religion in his heart, not on his face.
Lovely interview. I find Matisyahu to be very thoughtful and sincere.
Too many contradictions: Should we say that Torah commandments (beard, pe'ot, tsitsit, food, Shabbat, mo'edim, etc) are "optional" because it is "ludicrous" to think YHVH was serious? Is He serious concerning His covenant with Yisrael? Yahushua said "if you love me, keep my commandments". What you "believe" is not nearly as important as what you do ("emunah"). Be brave, be strong, be faithful. Shalom.
He was born in West Chester PA, moved after a month to NYC. I was born in NYC, moved after a month to PA.
He is a husband and father. Just because he is soft spoken doesn't make him homosexual.
GO MATIS GOOOO! I feel like there needs to be a part 3.
@IndiesLover before jumping to conclusions read properly what I wrote, I wrote "peyos" not "long peyos" and yes peyos of some sort are an absolute requirement and there are no pious jews without peyos.
@Learningbyhearing
I did watch that - not sure what you're talking about. No accent. Sounds the same in interview.
@kavkazkayadevushka
I see no drastic change, just the continuing evolution of his spirituality. Shaving his beard is no more a drastic change than any haircut any other person gets. We put far too much emphasis on superficiality and not enough on what really matters. And unwavering obedience to rules will not bring you any closer to God. One's connection to God does not depend on one's beard, hair or clothing or anything else. What God is concerned with is what's in your heart.
Lori's brother Brian writing here: As long as the actions spoke louder than those words, Niao Bai, I could get along with that. But the ones who claim that credit for all that kindness only by association strike me to be posers who are certainly aware that the whole religious thing they are doing is just a put on game. My favorite definition of the business function of Public Relations is "Doing good and getting credit for it".You have to do the good to get the credit. Thanks sis for this space.
@aviif Yes, I realize that peyos of some sort are a requirement. He has them. You need to be able to grab the hair. So he is within the requirements of peyos. Unsure what you are talking about or looking at.
@Learningbyhearing You start to wonder is EVERYTHING an act nowadays? G*d give this young man, and all of us, the strength to represent outwardly what's best in us inwardly.
@kavkazkayadevushka Dude, plz matisyahu is a true pure soul who has not lost his faith just because he has Shaved his beard. If you know of matisyahu's history, Judaism saved his life and he would never turn his back on something that has impacted him so deeply. look it up matisyahu was a typical faliure who turned to god for guidance and was given guidance. - (not trying to argue) just Telling you what i feel.
Soooo is he still doing reggae or no??
Very true that the main thing is the inside it definitely does say "god demands the heart" however does that mean that we get to pick and choose which parts of what the same god has commanded us to keep?!
It's true many pious god fearing jews don't wear beards, so if he feels he is not up to the "beard level" then fine, (even though he himself admitted to it being directly connected to the mercy of god) but what about his peyos (locks)? Is that also ludacrous?!!
I think this man is confused.
It's so funny all the talk about his beard. I for one also realize Judaism is quite full of Pharisee-like "rules" (read: man made additions) which never actually appear in Torah.
Anyway, how are you mad about his beard when the guy performs on Shabbat?
Did someone kind of miss that contradiction?
#whatever. Matisyahu, your songs are awesome. Shalom to you and may God light your path always.
@HighClassSmeb
unfortunately i think its just a matter of time..
@aviif I think, unfortunately, that you're confused. Many "pious, G-d fearing Jews" don't wear long payos.
It's the beard on the inside that counts
Oh my gosh. What the heck happened to him?
@Cottonmouth235 Dude what??? Yah??
He's still frum, also Yiddish is a Jewish language, it's tyhe Jewish lingua franca of Ashekenazi Jews for over a 1000 years or so. Matisyahu is soft spoken, though I wouldn't say well spoken.
what about ancient jews who shaved all their bodies?!?
just sayin, when i met him it was really awkward talking to him... he didnt talk much and was didnt seem to have any interest with socializing with anyone
Thumbs up, No beard
He is so oddly shy and I wish him only good
@HighClassSmeb sad
It's disappointing to see such drastic change in a person overnight. Makes me wonder how 'real' religion is to him..is it just a phase for him?? like his teenage years with Bob Marley, its true he is a role model and now seems like it was an act to get an audience and attention using judeic garb as a costume no longer useful now that fame is his
I used to have a beard...till i took an arrow to the knee...everyone just needs to get a grip... ty im done
ummm who cares if he does NOT represent orthodox Judaism ..He represents ALL ....All Jews are one ...This is why moshiach has not come..Im Jewish and i love everyone I don't wear long skirts ..I tried that way .I.Just like Mati Knows god loves me with our with out a beard or a Skirt ....
I'm so scared he's gna lose his faith "/
he looks hot with out his bear i have to say but i think he looks good with a bead too
@SEXYDEA Exactly.
I'm looking at his shaven head, he cant grab any of that it's like a zero!
@Learningbyhearing Not sure what you're talking about. He's sounded the exact same way since the beginning. Do your homework and stop making up stories.
He wont lose his faith ...there are many Jews out there who dont wear the beard..Everyone is so silly shut up about it...
@kavkazkayadevushka Seriously???? Get that crap outta here ..First of all hes been talking about taking off his beard 4 awhile now if you see his vids he bring it up a few times.. Plus im sure he does not even care about the money the FAME he just loves to sing and dance.. you can see the fire in his eyes when he sings! and you know what if it wasn't for GOD to give him the voice that he has he wouldn't be where is at now sharing his thoughts with us ...
@jewishmusick
i completely agree with u!! forsure
jew no beard or with that's not what defines you as a jew there are many more things beside a beard.
Yeah, and if u put a tinfoil hat with antennas on you'll channel extra heavenly protections veberachot...NOT! That's all just silly shtuyot. Love God, love every being on this earth, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, build peace, spread kindness. That's all we need, personal style choices are private matters of taste, and irrelevant for righteousness.
@jewishmusick That's unfair.
@jewishmusick I think it seems you have an axe to grind. He has done nothing wrong. He is still religious, still a mentsch. Stop causing "sinas chinam" or hatred of other Jews.
Oh And the president of Israel doesn't have a beard... So i guess we don't like him too! ...
@Cottonmouth235 Umm Ok His name to me is Hashem not.......... Yahweh or whatever ur trying to say ... But its all good :) You have a nice night
i think he is homosexual