NEW YORK (VINnews) — A new rendition of the beloved Abie Rotenberg classic Neshome’le has gone viral just days after its Tuesday release, touching tens of thousands of viewers with its emotional tribute to 8-year-old Charlotte Herzberg, one of the song’s young soloists who was killed in a tragic accident weeks before the video premiered.
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Performed by Jewish singer and music educator Shaindy Plotzker and a women-and-girls-only choir, the rendition transforms Rotenberg’s timeless composition into a heartfelt memorial to Charlotte, whose voice is featured throughout the production.
Plotzker, who is known for her vocal productions and concerts for Orthodox women and girls, said the video follows the Jewish principle of Kol Isha—the traditional prohibition observed by many Orthodox Jews against men listening to women sing—and is intended exclusively for women and girls.
WARNING: Kol Isha! Originally composed years ago by Rotenberg, Neshome’le tells the story of a soul descending from Heaven to fulfill its unique mission on earth before returning to Hashem. The song describes the soul’s reluctance to leave the purity of Heaven before an angel assures it that its purpose is to do good, touch lives, make a difference and leave a lasting mark.
Plotzker said the choir recorded the song about six months before Charlotte’s death. On June 2, Charlotte, of Monsey, New York, was riding her bicycle near her home when she was struck by a vehicle driven by a close family friend and longtime study partner of her father, Yudi Herzberg. Authorities determined the collision was a tragic accident.
Following the tragedy, Charlotte’s parents responded with an extraordinary act of forgiveness, publicly embracing the driver and launching Shalom for Charlotte, a worldwide initiative encouraging people to forgive others, mend broken relationships and spread peace. The campaign has inspired thousands around the world to perform acts of reconciliation in Charlotte’s memory.
Plotzker said the song took on profound new meaning after Charlotte’s passing, particularly Charlotte’s solo describing being “safe and warm in Heaven.”
“It felt like Charlotte’s last message to us all,” Plotzker wrote in a message accompanying the release. “The song became that much more meaningful, that much more close to home.”
She added that Charlotte fulfilled the very message of the song by leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire others.
“We miss you so much, Charlotte, and we will forever think of you as we hear you sing us your song. The world is darker without you, but we will keep your light with us forever and fill the world with more light in your honor,” Plotzker wrote, urging listeners to remember that every person has a unique mission and the ability to leave a lasting impact.
Released Tuesday, the music video has already attracted more than 50,000 views on YouTube, with viewers praising its powerful message of faith, purpose, forgiveness and the enduring impact one young life can have on the world.
Plotzker is also scheduled to headline a concert in September dedicated to the Shalom for Charlotte initiative. The event will honor Charlotte’s memory while further promoting the movement’s message of forgiveness, unity and peace that has inspired thousands since her death.
Lets all not forget to take this inspiration and spread it to others in need who are perhaps not cool and dysunctional. As the father himself says thnak you hashem for giving him everything else good in lifr, money and looks so that he can now channel it all to doing goid and not break him. My point is, its easy to cry and look up to these tzadkim. But much harder to your smelly nebachy neighbor. Remeber they are less fun but invite them for shabbos and give up your time for them too. By the way, yes I do that alot
The “authorities” may have determined the collision was a tragic accident, but we yirei shomayim know that there is no such thing as an “accident”. HKBH runs the world, and whatever happens here is His will. No one understands that better than the wonderful parents of young Charlotte. That is why they reacted the way they did.
Say what you will……
It brings one to tears
If moshe rabanu lived today and commented on vin, I wonder what percentage of his comments would get deleted?
Where was this filmed?
At most the sound is a digital recreation of the sound of her voice. A young boy, and even a skilled male singer, can also simulate the sound of a woman’s voice . Why should either of those be kol isha? The gezera is only by kol isha. Not by kol of an imitation or reflection in the mirror. (Not talking about a case where the listener’s imagination gets carried away into forbidden urges. Presumption here is that a mp3 or a video does not do that). Wouldn’t be surprised if this issue is a machlokkes poskim from a few decades ago.
Supposedly there is permission to hear a kosher song sung by a woman if you don’t have a clue what she looks like, but that goes out the window once you go on YouTube. But for those who do want to utilize the very lenient opinion, that is your option