When he was a kid, Avremel Friedman went public as a child soloist on several albums — but while the light of most child stars dims as their voices change, Avraham Fried’s only became brighter. Ten years later, his 1981 debut album, No Jew Will Be Left Behind, turned into the beginning of a nearly four-decade stretch, as listeners connected to his niggunim of the neshamah. Through hundreds of songs and dozens of albums, we’ve sung and swayed, danced and prayed. And now we’ve asked our readers:

Which one of Avraham Fried’s songs has touched your life?

“Father Don’t Cry” (Bein Kach Uvein Kach, 2006)

I was a young girl when I heard “Father Don’t Cry” for the first time.  I saw the music video and was mesmerized by the words, the concept, the message, the tune, and the accompanying visuals. I believe it was the first time I saw a song being conceptualized in a video. Until today, that song has the power to move me, increase my yearning for the geulah, and inspire me in a very real way.

—S.R., Israel

Avremel’s Take

The idea for “Father Don’t Cry” came to me after once witnessing my father a”h crying. It was so painful. Then I remembered the Gemara that Hashem cries when He thinks of His children. I sat down by the piano and the words and the melody just poured out. I cried while writing it.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 791)