Hey gang. I'm feeling a bit daughter-of-Israel-ish this morning. I woke up with a hankering of Matisyahu [1].

Yah.

Even though I talk about my being atheist, religion and spirituality have always been important in my life. I take seriously people's claims of a life of divinity. It's why I come down so harsh on x-tian fundamentialist dominionists who use the name of Jesus not just in vain but for Power.

It's also why, when I come across people like Matisyahu, I stand in awe.

I find Matisyahu inspiring for his commitment to his religion through his art. It is a high-wire act, to be so successful in a world known for sin when at the same time you are striving for holiness. I find that honorable and inspiring because it's the faith he has in the transformative power of his art is what makes me reckon with his religious faith. Not a lot of people are successful at that --and that includes guys like Yussuf Islam, the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens [2].

Matisyahu can kick Yussuf's musical butt any day. Seriously. The guy's from Brooklyn.

So once the novelty of seeing a hasidim [3] singing raggae [4] wears off, bear withness to the true heir of Bob Marley [5].

Check out Matisyahu's Video "Youth" at my cross-post at The Daily Gotham [6].

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