His hands fly over the strings of the acoustic guitar. His right leg pounds out the rhythm of the beat pouring from his soul. Peter Himmelman is onstage where he belongs, rockin' with his audience. The crowd can't resist his energy: They're noisy, energetic, and loving every minute of it. Though he's written hundreds of songs, including theme songs for hit TV shows like "Judging Amy" and "Bug Juice," Peter's fans love it when he improvises. We talked to Peter at his studio in Los Angeles, and what he said struck a chord with us.

BABA: You've written more than 800 songs, Peter. That's a ton of lyrics! Where do you get your inspiration?

PETER: My inspiration comes from a desire to create something and to share my work with others. If there were no other people in the world, I don't think I would write songs, because there would be no one to share them with.

BABA: What's it like to write a song? Does an idea just pop into your mind or do you have to struggle to develop an idea?

PETER: When I write music, I become very immersed in what I'm doing. When that happens, I feel like I lose track of time. Other activities can be like that, too-like walking in the forest, or talking with people you love. It's a very peaceful feeling, and it can make us feel closer to God.

BABA: How does Judaism affect your music?

PETER: I'm an observant Jew, but you probably won't find obvious references to Judaism in my songs. Because Judaism is so important to me, it influences the way I create my music. For example, keeping Shabbat gives me a sense of inner peace, because I can take a break from the crazy world around me. Shabbat changes my point of view and gives me a new perspective.

BABA: What do you like most about being a musician?

PETER: I love being able to express myself and share my ideas with people through music. In fact, it's amazing to me that I get paid money for doing something I would pay money to do.

BABA: You've given concerts all over the world, Peter. Do you have any special memories from all of your touring?

PETER: Sometimes when we had free time, my band and I would go to a hospital and play music for sick children. We would just put together a show on the spot, making up funny songs for the kids. The kids really liked it, and it made that hospital a happy place for the hour we were there.

BABA: That rocks, Peter! And now I gotta roll!

Jewishful Thinking
In English, the word “peace” means the absence of war. In Hebrew, the word shalom, while often translated as “peace,” has a much deeper meaning. The grammatical root of shalom (shin, lamed, mem) expresses the idea of wholeness or completion, as in shalem. Shalom, therefore, is not the absence of anything, but rather the presence of something—a feeling of fullness and contentment. When we embrace our Jewish heritage, we recognize that we are part of something greater than ourselves. This recognition can give our life meaning and direction.

Re-Create
Does your pulse beat in time to your favorite song? Are ideas for lyrics knocking around your brain all day? Then you’ve caught the music bug, says Peter Himmelman. Here’s Peter’s advice on how to make music a part of your life:

“Find an instrument that you really enjoy. Also, I recommend listening to lots of music. This way you’ll get excited to make music yourself. Go to concerts, and enjoy the music in the world around you. Writing a song can be tough at times. Sometimes I write the music first, and sometimes I write the words first. There’s no set rule to follow. And finally, perform! Play your song for everyone—your mother, your friends, anyone who’ll listen! That’s what being a musician is all about!”

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