Some of Lipa's new material is back to the good old Lipa, yet much is layered with a depth of maturity and struggle

Photos: Naftoli Goldgrab, Danielramos

When Lipa Schmeltzer reemerged after disappearing from the public eye, some of his new material was back to the good old Lipa, yet much was layered with a depth of maturity and struggle. “It was a risky move,” he says. “Here I am, considered a fun performer, and I’m suddenly dropping these very heavy songs. But I did it regardless because I know there are so many people out there who need the chizuk.”

Find the light that guides our way, embrace the journey come what may / Through every loop and every slide, remember, it’s just a ride

—from the song “Hold on Tight,” 2024

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cousin’s wedding was a packed affair, yet although there was barely an inch to move or even inhale too much air, that didn’t stop the mass jumble of dancers in the middle of the room. Some were even jumping on chairs, pumping their friends below with their hands as if they were stirring a large, bubbling pot of soup. And it’s no wonder the crowd was so alive: Up on the stage, igniting the fire with song after song, was Lipa Schmeltzer.

I hadn’t seen Lipa perform in quite a while, and was eager to watch him live that night. Anyone who follows Jewish music knows the outline of Lipa’s story: With his gifted voice, talent for composition and signature showmanship, he had lightning success within the Jewish music world, churning out over a dozen albums in as many years, electrifying the crowd at whatever venue he performed with his immutable energy and relatable lyrics. And then, he dropped out of the public eye, clearly going through some sort of personal searching and life transition.

A few years ago, he reemerged, releasing several hit albums and singles, and once again taking his place on the list of most sought-after performers. The new material was both a return to some of the good old Lipa, yet layered with the depth and musical genius of an ultra-talented composer who had gone through his own journey.

And now, watching Lipa on stage, it was obvious that he was genuinely enjoying every minute, never singing a chorus the same way twice, constantly peppering the songs with improvised lyrics, and sprinting around the stage with the energy of someone 20 years younger.

At one point, the band started playing the upbeat intro to Lipa’s recent English hit, Hold on Tight, and the bochurim dancing around the chassan started flying even higher than before. “We’re here for the short ride, through ups and downs and side to side,” Lipa sang, and the chevreh was shouting the words along with him.

After the second dance was over, I asked one of the bochurim if he felt that the dancing was livelier because Lipa was singing. “Sure,” he said. “With Lipa, it’s more than just his singing and his pump — it’s his tochen. His words are coming from a real place.”

Lipa’s music has always been original, but now there’s an angle it didn’t have before: His words reflect a real person’s struggles — raw, honest emotions, and unshakable belief in the One Who guides us through it all. Enjoy the ride… Hold on tight.