By combining song with spirit, Naftali Schnitzler brings Jews closer to the greatest Composer of them all

His songs are universally sung and his music never ceases to inspire. But Naftali Schnitzler is content with taking a background role rather than seeking fame for himself. Because for him, it’s not the music, but the message, that matters. By combining song with spirit, Naftali brings Jews closer to the greatest Composer of them all.

There’s a song that was released in 2019 called “Far Dir,” a beautiful rendition of the Friday night zemer, “Kah Ribon.” Following the low part, there’s a pre-chorus bridge that goes like this:

Far Dir, Far Dir

Nahr Far Dir

Ant hu malka melech malchaya

For you, for you, only for you. You are the King, the King of all kings. 

I’m not in the music review business but take this story for what it’s worth. Yeshiva Ateres Shimon in Far Rockaway, New York, has a Thursday night hachanah l’Shabbos session every week. Loosely defined as “kugel, kishke, roast, and lots of singing,” hachanah l’Shabbos is a weekly highlight for the talmidim — and beyond. A neighborhood boy whom life has thrown a curveball or three  likes to swing by the hachanah l’shabbos and join in the camaraderie.

There is an unspoken rule in the yeshivah.

No singing “Far Dir” until he comes. And if someone forgot the rule, then it must be sung again once he arrives. Because Yiddishkeit might be a struggle for him, but, somehow, the spirituality pulsating within that song ignites the soul that finds inspiration so elusive.

And he’ll never pass up on that opportunity.

The song was composed by Cheskie Weizs and produced by Naftali Schnitzler. “When the words far Dir came up,” says Naftali, “in a moment I saw the whole klal Yisrael singing this song. It expresses the closest connection to Hashem. I almost felt that once we have this song, there’s no need for any other. It includes everything.”

Long before the public knew the song, Naftali saw this boy, breaking free from insurmountable challenges, eyes clenched tight, singing “Far Dir” with all his heart, all his love, and all his unspoken devotion.

Naftali sees things like that. His imprint is all across the Jewish music industry, and many singers owe their careers to him. He envisioned their success long before it existed. Just like he saw this boy’s fervor before the spark was even kindled.

Today, Naftali takes us into the studio where visions actualize and more are created. They come in all sorts of colors, thoughts, and emotions, but all share a common denominator.

Far Dir, far Dir, nahr far Dir. 

For Naftali, music is about something much greater than himself.