Redemptive Consciousness

By Yochanan Gordon

Bracha Jaffe has just released the first of 11 songs on her debut original album, titled Root, in time for Shavuos. Together with her Israeli producer, Shai Bachar, she opted for a waterfall release strategy—a decision influenced in part by today’s shortened attention spans and the way streaming platforms promote single tracks over full albums.

But that’s only the surface. The deeper reason is that each song on this album is a world unto itself—emotionally layered, spiritually charged, and deserving of individual attention. This is not background music. It’s a journey—three years in the making—meant to be absorbed one step at a time.

“Root,” the title track and first release, was written by me and sent to Bracha as casually as any song I might submit for marketing. But there was a spirit of serendipity—hashgacha pratis, if you will—guiding the process, which only became apparent during a conversation we had earlier this week.

It’s clear that Bracha is deeply attuned to the mission she was placed in this world to fulfill. Shavuos tells the story of Root and the birth of Dovid HaMelech, the soul of Moshiach and the herald of redemption. But the clarity to recognize one’s individual shlichus is itself a micro-redemption. In fact, the word shaliach (messenger) shares the same gematria as Moshiach.

Like Root and the many heroic women throughout Jewish history, Bracha’s journey has required perseverance and inner strength. She credits her parents, in-laws, and especially her husband for giving her the support and confidence to pursue music full-time. Today, much of her energy is devoted to coaching girls and women, helping them unlock their creativity and find their voice.

Bracha draws inspiration from the prophetic rise of feminine energy in the time of geulah. She sees herself as part of that unfolding vision—demonstrating, through her art and her presence, the spiritual power women carry and can share with the world.

“Root,” arranged by the inimitable Shai Bachar features a unique array of instruments such as African drums, biblical ud, and tar. From the very first note, the listener is treated to a modern and artistic musical experience which paradoxically has ancient vibes, bringing the listener into the milieu wherein the song thematically takes place.

Shai Bachar, the producer and arranger of this album, in a correspondence earlier this week sought to hone in on the art of music arrangement altogether. Bachar stressed the point that musical arrangement is essentially an exercise in storytelling. However, even a narrative projected onto a set of lyrics is one point of view, or pshat using Talmudic parlance, into what message the lyric is conveying. In the case of “Root,” in addition to the eclectic array of instrumentation that was used in the recording of this particular tune, and despite the Grammy award winning musicians employed in the recording of this tune, there is a foundational narrative in the presentation of this song that represents a kaleidoscope of colors and characteristics which gives it a universal relevance and timelessness.

The cover art, a depiction of a silhouette of Bracha whose hair transforms into a network of tree roots and branches. Her face is calm and serene, facing forward with quiet strength. The intertwining vines and leaves crown her head suggesting a deep connection to nature, growth, and ancestry.

Overall, the image blends femininity, wisdom, and nature, which is reminiscent of the fields where Root gleaned wheat stalks in Boaz’s field. A representation of a musical journey that promises emotional depth and soulful authenticity.

Last summer, my wife and I traveled to Eretz Yisrael while our kids were away at camp. One day, we visited Chevron and davened at the graves of Rus and Yishai—the foremother and father of Dovid HaMelech. While there, I sent Bracha a photo of the site, half-jokingly saying I was happy to play the song “Root” by Root. She responded by sending me her name for tefillah, sharing that the image alone had brought her to tears.

That moment captured her essence: seeing the story of women—ancient and modern—through the lens of Root, who chose loyalty over comfort, spiritual destiny over the familiarity of home. The words she spoke to Naomi may be the most transformative soliloquy in all of Nach:

“Where you go, I will go. Where you lie, I will lie. Your nation is my nation, your G-d is my G-d. Where you die, I will die—and there I will be buried.”

The final track on the album, “Ki Lo Bechipazon Teitzeiu,” also written by me, bookends the journey. It contrasts the hurried Exodus from Egypt with the slow, deliberate steps of the future redemption, as described by the prophet Isaiah: a geulah not driven by fear or chased by demons, but rooted in confidence, clarity, and purpose.

To juxtapose that vision with today’s reality—such as Israel’s Eurovision representative needing security to shield her from protesters in Basel—is almost inconceivable. Yet for Bracha, that contrast only reaffirms her mission. These words of Isaiah are not just poetic, they are prophetic guideposts, assuring us that we are, indeed, on our way.

This album tells the story of Root, the story of our people, and the story of Bracha Jaffe herself. With three songs written by Bracha, two by Chayale Neuhaus, one by Yitzy Waldner, two by myself, and others by a team of talented composers, this album is the perfect prelude to Shavuos. It’s a call to inspiration and empowerment, carrying us through the spiritually intense months of Tammuz and Av, raising our eyes—and our hearts—toward redemption and the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash. 

Listen to Root at https://song.link/jqz3hfj7kzrkp. Available for download on Apple Music, Spotify, 24/6, and all major streaming sites.

Yochanan Gordon can be reached at [email protected]. Read more of Yochanan’s articles at 5TJT.com.