Rockland’s Folk Rock Rabbi

Geoffrey Sloshay, a Rockland local, is leveraging his musical talents as a singer-songwriter under the name The Folk Rock Rabbi or Gedalya to spread positivity and happiness in all the places he visits. His albums delve into themes of faith, ethics, and personal development, which he perceives as lacking in today’s media landscape. While Gedalya identifies as an Orthodox Jew, he is convinced that audiences from all walks of life can resonate with his music, experiencing the trials and triumphs of existence through his songs. Gedalya compares his performances to an outing to an art gallery, offering a snapshot in music and lyrics that viewers can interpret in their unique way.
Aside from his musical pursuits, Gedalya finds fulfillment as the executive of a non-profit organization, A New Song USA. This initiative arranges musical shows for inmates, an endeavor that has significantly impacted the Folk Rock Rabbi’s musical journey.
A New Song USA came into being due to the Covid situation. Initially, Gedalya aimed to release inspirational tracks and playlists to boost people’s morale. Following a blues performance in Detroit, a chaplain approached Gedalya from the audience, requesting him to perform for prisoners in the city. Gedalya accepted and was taken aback by his experience in the correctional facility. He recollected the absence of cell phones, which fostered an environment of complete engagement among the audience. “Afterward, they came up to me, offering blessings, and expressing their desire for my music to reach other prisons,” Gedalya reminisced.
This encounter prompted Gedalya to recognize his desire to employ his music as a means to inspire imprisoned audiences to rediscover themselves. For instance, a notable incident occurred in a correctional facility where the front row was occupied by Hells Angels. Gedalya performed a song titled “Little Girl,” narrating a father’s journey of reconnection with his daughter. By the piece’s end, some of the Hells Angels were visibly moved to tears. Gedalya’s music had kindled introspection among the tough-looking audience, prompting them to contemplate their relationships with their loved ones.
Gedalya’s audience comprises individuals of “every possible faith…and they all connect,” as he puts it. To Gedalya, it’s more about promoting positivity through self-reflection than about religion.
Encouraged by the positive impact he witnessed during his prison performances, Gedalya is excited about sharing his talents through public shows in Rockland, his hometown. On March 18th, Gedalya will showcase songs from his album “This is My World” at the Suffern Free Library. Gedalya hopes that every viewer leaves his performance contemplating, “What can I create and expose to the world that would uplift and inspire people, whatever form my art may take?”.
Individuals seeking to inject more positivity into their lives can explore Gedalya’s music on thefolkrockrabbi.com/home or track him on social media using the handle @folkrockrabbi.