The Rabbis' Sons
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Founder | Baruch Chait, Label Sharfman, Itzy Weinberger, Michael Zheutlin |
Area served | Jewish music audiences |
Key people | Baruch Chait (chief composer, guitar), Label Sharfman (vocals), Itzy Weinberger (vocals), Michael Zheutlin (vocals, composer, guitar, piano) |
| Products | Music albums |
The Rabbis' Sons was a Jewish musical ensemble that produced the majority of its recordings between 1967 and 1974. The principal lineup included Rabbis Baruch Chait (chief composer, guitar), Label Sharfman (vocals), Itzy Weinberger (vocals), and Michael Zheutlin (vocals, composer, guitar, piano), alongside David Nulman on steel guitar and Mickey Lane handling the bass fiddle. The group's name originates from the fact that Chait, Sharfman, and Weinberger were all sons of rabbis.
Their sound combined elements of Chassidic melodies, American folk traditions, and inspiration from Shlomo Carlebach, characterized by three-part vocal harmonies and acoustic guitar arrangements. The lyrics, predominantly in Hebrew, were sourced from zemiros, hallel, and tefila texts. Most compositions were crafted by Chait, with additional pieces contributed by Zheutlin and others.
History
Itzy Weinberger and Michael Zheutlin, who were classmates at the Rabbi Jacob Joseph Yeshiva, encountered Label Sharfman at Camp Morasha. The trio further honed their singing abilities during their time at Yeshiva University. In late 1966, Baruch Chait—then studying at Chofetz Chaim yeshiva—heard their performances and forwarded demo recordings of his works. By early 1967, these four musicians had established The Rabbis’ Sons and proceeded to record their initial album. A significant event was their appearance at the Salute to Israel – Rheingold Music Festival on July 2, 1967, held in New York City's Central Park, commemorating Israel's triumph in the Six Day War.
During their most active years, the group released four albums (refer to Discography). All four founding members participated in the first two records, although Chait's involvement diminished on the second release. The third album featured only Chait and Zheutlin; Weinberger rejoined for the fourth album. Among their well-known tracks are Rabos Machshovos, Mi Ho-ish, Hal'lu, Tov Lehodos, and Harachaman.
A compilation album was issued in 1977.
Aftermath
Following the group's initial run, Baruch Chait went on to establish Kol Salonika, while Label Sharfman created D'veykus. Itzy Weinberger contributed vocals on several D'veykus recordings. This group has also performed compositions by both Chait and Zheutlin.
Reunion
In 1991, the original members of The Rabbis' Sons reunited for a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall supporting Shorashim. They released a new album in 1996. After Michael Zheutlin's death in 2002, further plans for additional albums have not come to fruition.
Discography
| Date | Title | Format | Label | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 1967 | Hal'lu | LP | Fran Record Co., Emes Record Co. | Baruch Chait, Barry Septimus |
| August 1968 | To Life | LP | Emes Record Co. | Itzy Weinberger, Baruch Chait |
| June 1970 | Shalom | LP | Emes Record Co. | |
| 1974 | The Rabbis Sing | LP | Emet Record Co. | |
| 1977 | Greatest Hits | LP, Cassette (later CD) | Emes Record Co. | |
| 1996 | Kivinu | Cassette, CD | Perach Records | Yitz Grossman |