About Us
“‘The psalmist wrote, ‘Shiru L’Adonai shir chadash – Sing unto God a new song.’
Hip Hop Shabbat does just that.”-Rabbi Karen Citrin, Temple Beth-El, San Mateo, CA
Who We Are
HipHopShabbat is a Jewish hiphop band which combines Jewish prayer with hip-hop and reggae music. By combing Judaism and hip-hop, families, college students, teens, grandparents and children have all discovered a renewed enthusiasm for Jewish prayer and music. The group leads Jewish hip-hop services and workshops at synagogues, day schools, summer camps, Hillels, and Jewish Community Centers across the country. The group has has two albums, available for download here.
Our Story:
Jonathan Gutstadt, the creator of the project, made the original “HipHopShabbat” CD in 2004, after coming up with the idea during Shabbat services at Hillel at the University of Oregon.
Our Jewish Music programs:
Yo-Natan’s “HipHopShabbat” is a great way for the whole family to celebrate Shabbat together. This hour-long service is an entire Shabbat service, set to the beat of electronic hip-hop and reggae music. Audiences are intellectually and spiritually inspired by the hip-hop lyrics, which are contained in the supplemental “HipHopShabbat Siddur,” and provide the means for an inclusive “prayerformance.” Read More…
Yo-Natan’s “HipHop Workshops” are great for Jewish Schools, Youth Groups, Summer Camps and Hillels. During this 2-hour workshop, Yo-natan shows participants how to turn a Jewish prayer or theme into an inspirational hip-hop song. Read More…
For more information, or to schedule an event, please contact Jonathan Gutstadt at