David Refael ben-Ami facts for kids
David Refael ben-Ami (born October 8, 1950 – died October 9, 2020) was a famous Israeli singer. He was also known as "Dadi." In 1970, he recorded a popular song called "Desdemona." This song was written for him by Mati Caspi and Gad Kaynar. The next year, in 1971, "Desdemona" became a number one hit in Israel!
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David Ben-Ami's Early Life and Music
David ben-Ami was born into one of the first families of Nahalal, a special type of farming community in Israel. When he was young, he loved acting. He studied drama with a theater teacher named Nola Chilton.
Later, David joined the IDF, which is Israel's army. He sang in two different army bands. After leaving the army, he studied theater at Tel Aviv University. He also worked as an actor at the Cameri Theater.
A New Path in Life
After some time, David decided to explore his Jewish faith more deeply. He began to follow the teachings of rabbis like Israel Meir Lau and Yitzchak Ginsburgh. Friends from the Chabad group, a type of Jewish community, inspired him. He even spent a year in New York with the leader of Chabad, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
Eventually, David returned to Jerusalem. He chose to follow the teachings of Breslov Chassidism. As part of this journey, he started using his full name, "David Refael." He also used his family's original last name, "Feinshil." His grandfather had changed it to "Ben-Ami" when he moved to Israel.
For many years, David stopped his singing career. Instead, he focused on finding and saving old Jewish melodies. He collected these songs from older people in the Meah Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem. He started performing these special songs on his albums from 1988 onwards. David said his goal was to "give life to the songs and keep the melodies alive." He also performed Israeli songs, including some very old ones from before Israel became a country.
David Ben-Ami's Music Albums
David ben-Ami released several music albums during his career. These albums helped share his love for traditional Jewish music and Israeli songs.
Discography
- Melodies of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and his students, 3 discs.
- We are for God and our eyes are to God - 2006.
David Ben-Ami's Passing
David ben-Ami became sick with COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. He was taken to the hospital on October 7, 2020, because he was not feeling well. Sadly, he passed away on October 9, 2020. This was just one day after his 70th birthday.
