Yaakov Chesed

After winning the Battle of the Bands at both Yeshiva University and Lander College, Yaakov Chesed became the fastest rising Jewish band of 2008. The bands debut album “Rise Above” came out immediately after their YU victory, and “Yaakov Chesed” officially arrived on the Jewish rock scene.

The band’s name comes from a line said in the daily prayer of “oova litzeyon”, which says “Teetain emet li’yaakov, chesed li’avraham.” With their music, the band wishes to combine the emet of Yaakov and the Chesed of Avraham. Hence we are Yaakov Chesed.

The band combines rock riffs, traditional Jewish tunes, funky bass lines, and inspirational Hebrew and English lyrics to make an original, spiritual sound. Yaakov Chesed is comprised of:

Jake Polansky (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar)

Michael Shapiro (Lead Guitar)

Aryeh Kunstler (Bass/Vocals)

Michael “Mosky Moskowitz (Drums)

Rami Glatt also joins the band on keyboards at some shows.

The band hopes to entertain and inspire. With these ideals in mind, Yaakov Chesed plans to not only reach the “religious” community, but also Jews who have not been exposed to the sounds of  alternative Jewish rock. To date, the YC has been blessed to have played many Jewish high schools and colleges across the US and has been fortunate enough to play for many Jewish communites across the US and Canada.