young people<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\nMusic. Youth. Rabbi Gootblatt knew just the thing.<\/p>\n
And so was born Lazer\u2019s Music Lounge at Klurman Yeshiva High School. Like his father, Rabbi Gootblatt is an accomplished musician in addition to being a dedicated teacher at the high school. The lounge fuses his twin passions into a space for the students to connect to their inner selves, and to each other, through music. <\/p>\n
Stocked with a collection of the latest high-end digital and analogue music equipment\u2014like a mixing board, drum pads, percussion instruments, electric guitars, keyboards, synths, and a DJ board\u2014along with up-to-date recording and sound software, the room serves as both a recording studio and hang-out spot. \u201cThe goal was to make it professional enough to inspire excellence, but warm and accessible enough that every student feels welcome to try,\u201d says Rabbi Gootblatt.<\/p>\n
The boys love it. The room is in constant use. They come during breaks and after school to practice, jam, or just unwind. Some are learning and practicing musical instruments, others are experimenting with production and songwriting. They use it for niggunim rehearsals, music sessions, and even as a tool for reflection.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome kids wake up in the morning thinking, \u2018Aww, I have to go to school and it\u2019s going to be annoying,\u2019\u201d says Michael Livaev, Grade 11. \u201cBut when you go to KYHS, you think, \u2018I have something to look forward to in the music room.\u2019 I feel like it brings us closer to Hashem.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a place for the students to create, and to express themselves in a wholesome, meaningful way,\u201d says KYHS Principal Rabbi Nochum Schapiro. \u201cMusic gives a voice to feelings that don\u2019t always have words\u2014it builds confidence, teamwork, and simcha. In a yeshiva setting, it\u2019s also a way to integrate the spiritual and the creative\u2014to show that kedushah and creativity can go hand in hand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rabbi Gootblatt\u2019s hope is that this room becomes more than just a space for instruments\u2014that it becomes a space for growth, friendship, and spiritual expression. \u201cMusic has the power to bring out the best in our boys, and I\u2019m so grateful the school embraced this vision. Hopefully this model can be replicated in other yeshivos and girls schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think my father would be deeply moved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Video by Dov Gurewicz:<\/p>\n