Wearing a baseball cap backwards over his shoulder-length hair, lead singer Rick Recht leans into his microphone. Sweat trickles down his forehead, as he belts out the Hebrew phrase od yavo shalom (peace will come someday). Moved by the contagious rhythm, audience members jump to their feet and echo the Hebrew refrain. It's loud, it's lively, it's rock 'n' roll- Jewish style.

"Something happens when we start singing together," says Rick. As a cascade of voices joins him, the energy in the room inspires him. "Everyone walks in from different places. Everyone has had a different day. But we make a community when we make music together."

One of Rick's favorite songs is his version of "Mi Chamocha," a prayer that praises God. Our ancestors joyfully sang these words more than 3,000 years ago when they witnessed God's miraculous parting of the Red Sea. Featured on Rick's CD "Shabbat Alive," the enchanting ballad starts out softly with a lone voice accompanied by an acoustic guitar. As more singers join in- including a chorus of youngsters- and other instruments are added, the music reverberates with power.

Rick started his music career singing mainstream rock 'n' roll and touring with famous bands such as Three Dog Night.

Feeling a need to return to his Jewish roots, he decided to try Jewish music four years ago.

"I completely fell in love with it," he says. "Instead of just selling albums, I'm sharing the words of generations and generations of Jews. The songs themselves, such as 'Mi Chamocha,' are holy because many of them are new melodies to prayers we've said for thousands of years."

Rick loves everything about being a Jewish performer- writing songs, recording albums, even the long, seemingly endless days on the road when his band is on tour. His favorite part, however, is playing concerts. He reaches a spiritual high as he connects with the audience through his music.

"It's amazing," he says. "Jewish music allows audiences to be themselves. It allows me to take energy from them. I learn so much from them."

"During a concert, we've truly created a holy space," he says. "There's a magical feeling when a community comes together to sing."

Raving about Rick
LINDSEY RICH, 17, Westchester, New York
“There are so many things I like about Rick’s music. It reaches out to you. It grabs you. Through his music, I’ve felt a stronger connection to Judaism. I’ve been able to understand the prayers more, and I find more meaning in them. I’m a musical person, so Rick’s music really helps me a lot. I really love it.”

ALEX POMERANTZ, 11, Chicago
“I started playing guitar after I heard Rick’s music. Rick sent me some sheet music and I asked my guitar teacher to teach me some of his songs. I feel like I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do—I’ve fulfilled my dreams. One of my favorite songs is ‘Shalom Baolam.’ Everyone who  listens to the song thinks about peace in the world. Rick’s music is inspirational.”