Ari Lesser: From Party Rhymes To Prophetic Raps

 A Spiritual Journey From Reggae And Protest To Torah And Purpose

Interview conducted by Aryeh Fingerer

Ari Lesser’s path defies every box you could put him in. Jewish rapper, political activist, spiritual seeker, and baal teshuvah — his life has taken him from the haze of college parties to the clarity of Torah. And now, through rhyme and rhythm, he’s sharing his story with the world.

In a recent Chazaq Torah Talks interview, Ari opened up to Aryeh Fingerer about the powerful transformation that turned his life around. Born in Cleveland with minimal exposure to religious Judaism, he nevertheless felt deeply Jewish. “Even when I wasn’t religious,” Ari said, “I never denied being a Jew. There’s something deeper in the neshamah that doesn’t let go.”

That neshamah would eventually be stirred awake — but not before a wild ride. At the University of Oregon, Ari pursued political science by day and hosted wild frat parties by night. He leaned into activism, protesting U.S. foreign policy and other causes. After being arrested at a political convention in high school, he saw protest as a platform. But music was the real medium.

A turning point came when a Rastafarian music producer introduced him to reggae. This mentor noticed Ari’s passion and pointed him toward Psalms — yes, Tehillim. “He’d play a beat and say, ‘Sing this Psalm. This is your people’s music.’” Ari began internalizing the words of Dovid HaMelech, even as he lived a lifestyle far from one fit for a king.

After graduating, Ari found himself drawn to Eretz Yisrael. He enrolled in yeshivah, seeking meaning beyond rebellion. “I went from rapping about revolution to rapping about mitzvot,” he said. “Same flow, different fire.”

For 13 years, he took on a nazir-like commitment, refraining from wine and letting his hair grow. It was a vow not just of abstention, but of elevation. “It kept me grounded,” he reflected. “It was a reminder that I’m living for something higher.”

Now, Ari blends Torah with talent in a way few can. He’s performed across the globe, with viral videos showing him rapping at the Kosel surrounded by bochurim. He’s recorded parshah raps, a full Book of Yonah track, and sharply lyrical pieces defending Israel against antisemitic narratives.

His words are bold. About the recent war in Gaza, he said: “We need to strengthen ourselves spiritually — with unity, emunah, and connecting to Hashem. That’s our weapon.”

Ari’s music has reached Jewish communities far and wide — including in Queens — inspiring both those raised frum and those still searching. “I’m not just an entertainer,” he said. “I’m a storyteller. A modern-day magid. The message is Torah, the medium is rhyme.”

To Jewish youth, his message is simple and empowering: “You don’t have to fit into someone else’s mold. Be different. Be proud. The truth is already in you — just listen for it.”

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Aryeh Fingerer is a passionate Jewish speaker who connects with readers around the world through his meaningful and relatable divrei Torah. He’s dedicated to spreading positivity and strengthening our bond with Yiddishkeit through stories, insights, and timeless Torah values.
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