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Some of the biggest rock stars in history happen to be Jewish, either by birth or conversion.<\/p>\n
Given the rich musical tradition of the Jewish people, this should hardly come as a surprise. Songs are used in celebration, in times of happiness and in times of sorrow. Holy scriptures are shared out loud in a chanting presentation, rather than simply being spoken.<\/p>\n
Read More: Revisiting Dave Grohl’s Hanukkah Sessions Covers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Rabbi Nachman, a prominent historical figure in the movement of Hasidic Judaism, once said that \u201cmelody is the refinement of the spirit, separating human-spirit from animal-spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n Many rock stars raised in the Jewish culture have noted how their upbringing influenced their career path. Art Garfunkel<\/a> and Trevor Rabin of Yes<\/a>\u00a0were among the future rockers who got their taste of performing by singing at their local synagogue. Meanwhile, David Lee Roth<\/a> saw his success in Van Halen<\/a> as an opportunity to break down traditional Jewish stereotypes.<\/p>\n Of course, not every Jewish rocker remained close to their faith. Lou Reed<\/a>, Billy Joel<\/a> and the Melvins<\/a>\u2019 Buzz Osborne<\/a> are among those who\u2019ve openly admitted detachment from the culture. Then, there\u2019s the case of the Band<\/a>\u2019s Robbie Robertson<\/a>. He didn\u2019t discover he was Jewish until he was about 12 years old, when his mother revealed the identity of his birth father.<\/p>\n In \u201cThe Chanukah Song,\u201d comedian Adam Sandler<\/a> famously rattled off a long list of Jewish celebrities from throughout music and entertainment. We don\u2019t have the talent to write a song of our own, so instead we\u2019ve highlighted 40 Jewish rock stars below. One name you won\u2019t find on the list? Saul Hudson, aka Slash<\/a>. The Guns N\u2019 Roses<\/a> guitarist \u2013 who was born to a Black American\u00a0mother and White British father \u2013 has long dispelled rumors\u00a0that he has Jewish heritage.<\/p>\n Some of the biggest rock stars in history happen to be Jewish, either by birth or conversion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Corey Irwin<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nJewish Rock Stars<\/h2>\n