“My Experiences with Dating as a Black FFB & the Inspirations Behind my Latest Music”

Raphi Fulcher's Musical Journey and Life as a Black Orthodox Jew

 

In this episode, Raphi Fulcher, also known as Hebrew, discusses his unique background and perspectives. Growing up as the youngest of six children to parents who converted to Judaism in the 1960s, Raphi shares his experiences moving across different states and eventually studying in Israel. Currently a project manager in digital marketing, Raphi is also a passionate musician. He talks about his musical influences, family background in music, and the transformative experience of performing live. Raphi sheds light on the challenges of dating within the Orthodox Jewish community as a Black man and the importance of finding a partner who understands and is prepared for those challenges. He also discusses the significance of Torah values and the importance of addressing 'otherness' in the Jewish community. Additionally, Raphi shares insights into his music career, Jewish music festivals, and his aspirations to create music that heals and educates.

 

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:36 Religious and Professional Journey

03:05 Musical Beginnings

04:20 First Performance and Health Struggles

07:24 Stage Name and Identity

09:00 Growing Up Orthodox

20:46 Dating Challenges

29:14 Navigating Relationships and Conversion

30:44 Qualities I'm Looking for in a Partner

32:24 Challenges in Finding the Right Match

35:10 The Birth of a Jewish Music Festival

37:14 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Music

43:21 The Deeper Meaning of Cain and Hevel

48:45 Practical Advice for Facing Fear

51:39 Sharing My Music and Inspirations

 

https://www.hebromusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/hebromusic/

https://www.youtube.com/@Hebromusic

 

www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com

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About Raphi:

Raphi Fulcher is a man on a mission, a soldier, or a “soulja,” if you will, in the army of Hashem. So intent is he on spreading his message of acceptance and brotherhood through rap and hip hop music, that he performs under the name Hebro, a Fulcher-ism that declares his intent to use his artistic abilities to better the world as he serves in the ranks of God’s military. The youngest of six children born to African-American parents who converted to Judaism 43 years ago under the guidance of Rabbi J.J. Hecht, the then-assistant to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Fulcher hails from a family of gifted vocalists. The singer, songwriter, rapper and producer lived in Crown Heights until he was four and spent his formative years in North Carolina, St. Louis and Israel. It was during his time as a student at Queens College that Fulcher, whose full name is Raphael Ohr Chayim, discovered his gift for singing publicly. “I was on the board at Chabad of Queens College and we staged musical events. I found that I had a deep passion for live performance,” Fulcher told The Jewi