A Jewish Star singing competition previews its contestants: Chazzan and Online School teacher Shmuli Stiefel auditions.
Contender:
Shmuli Stiefel, 25, married with a child.
Residence:
Crown Heights.
Occupation:
Teacher at the Shluchim Office's Online School.
Musical Aspirations:
Growing up in a musical family, with my father a chazzan in Montreal, has always made me aspire to sing.
From my Bar Mitzvah I have always enjoyed singing and have been called upon by Shluchim to daven, and also to entertain children, supporters and residents of old age homes, in Yiddish, English, Hebrew and Russian.
Even though I sing chazzonus (what can I do, that’s the type of voice I have), I like to make it a lots of fun (of course, not during davening). I try to get people who don’t necessarily like chazzonus to enjoy my singing.
Most of all, I love singing chassidishe niggunim. However, I decided for this contest to present a song which is more vocally challenging.
Reality Check:
Looking to move on Shlichus and use my talent to attract people to Yiddishkeit. The Rebbe always emphasized that we should use all our talents in Avoidas Hashem.
Favorite Singer:
I enjoy hearing anyone with a nice voice. I can learn something different from each singer.
Favorite Song:
One of them obviously is Halleluka by Yossele Rosenblatt. But really it depends on the occasion.
A Jewish Star:
When two people speak at the same time it is called an argument. When two people sing at the same time it is called harmony. Looking forward to sing with you!
How did you like this audition? vote now (Please note: auditions should be judged on the quality of the voice, not the video production)
Great voice. A real gift from 'H. Enjoy very much when you Daven at the Amud. Your voice resonates from one end to the other end of 770 (with the noise..). Beautiful delivery of this complicated song, without adequate cantorial backup (choir and music). Good luck and Hatzlocho Rabbo!
(1/16/2010 11:37:02 AM)
5
What a voice!
This is competition for another level, he "is" a chazan with that voice. good job for staying on tune even in the hard parts!
(1/16/2010 11:37:06 AM)
6
Outstanding!
He is not a popstar but a chazan with an oustanding voice, he brings the competition to a new level, i wonder if we'll have more guys coming up now. I would love it. Collive keep posting its getting interesting now!
(1/16/2010 11:42:38 AM)
7
NICE!
This is raw talent, the voice he has is powerfull and chazonish, if he takes training he could be the new dudu fishe
(1/16/2010 12:09:53 PM)
8
NICE!
If he wins, it'll be just like the english talent show where some guy noone ever heard of popped unto stage and sang opera with a voice like this guy!
(1/16/2010 12:12:03 PM)
9
Amazing!!!!!!!!!
Really good!!!!!
(1/16/2010 1:19:33 PM)
10
Awesome!
Love it!
(1/16/2010 1:32:52 PM)
11
Where did this guy come from!
This guy is out of the world. What a voice! He is going to be huge!
(1/16/2010 1:39:50 PM)
12
great voice
great voice but bad choice of song too slow for me.
(1/16/2010 1:41:38 PM)
13
he is a powerhouse
i heard him in 770 before, he is a powerhouse!
(1/16/2010 1:53:18 PM)
14
QC jewish
amazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzinggggg
(1/16/2010 1:57:19 PM)
15
wow!!
what a voice!!
(1/16/2010 2:29:40 PM)
16
Love it
That is by far my favorite of all of Rosenblatt's songs. Amazingly well presented and the range is totally mind blowing!
(1/16/2010 2:48:39 PM)
17
cousin
we are so proud of you! go shmuli.
(1/16/2010 2:53:17 PM)
18
Hatzlachah man
if you win this or not, I;m glad people are getting a chance to know of you and your talent
i remember your family from montreal and saw you as the emcee of the lag bomer bonfire in crown heights
hatzlacha rabba and hope to see more of your around (although i dont really like chazzanus)
(1/16/2010 3:15:31 PM)
19
i remember this guy ..
he taught me how to Juggle, hes a great chazan and juggler vote HIM IN!!!
all jokes aside, Shmully is amazing, by far the best voice.... were not looking for american idol here people, we are looking for great FRUM voices, and ladies and gentelmen, we JUST FOUND IT!!!
(1/16/2010 3:35:06 PM)
20
Wow!
What a voice!!! Good luck!
(1/16/2010 3:42:45 PM)
21
powerful command of his voice
(1/16/2010 3:50:20 PM)
22
I know what i'm talking about...
This guys' voice is impeccable. He sings a great song, with a great voice. although there are many good ones out there, this one is by far the best so far. I'll keep looking out for the future auditions, but I'll probably vote for this guy... There's really no other way about it if i'm to vote for the BEST singer. Steifel ROCKS
(1/16/2010 4:07:53 PM)
23
nice
very nice - u got my vote! well done :)
(1/16/2010 4:30:43 PM)
24
great job!
(1/16/2010 4:52:13 PM)
25
Old Friend
People this is nooot raw talent! this is someone who worked hard and is succeeding...I remember him in Yeshiva when he just started taking voice lessons, it didn't sound to impressive then...but wow!! he prcticed and now he will definitly get somewhere with his voice...
(1/16/2010 6:06:40 PM)
26
Meirke's atmirator from argentina
very nice go! go! number one shmulik!
(1/16/2010 7:10:35 PM)
27
WOW!
hes got real talent its amazing!!
(1/16/2010 8:06:06 PM)
28
You have our vote!
Great job Shmuli, love ya! You have our vote for your real awesome voice. You will put Dudu to shame!
(1/16/2010 10:09:04 PM)
29
spitz chabad
excellent but u should use helfgots gnietches
(1/16/2010 10:16:44 PM)
30
Yaffe meod
totally has to win!!
(1/16/2010 11:54:32 PM)
31
Go my uncle!!!
Wow!!! Amazing!!!! uv got such a nice voice!!! U better win!!!
(1/17/2010 2:39:07 AM)
32
To much as a chazen then a singer
(1/17/2010 3:18:29 AM)
33
Elki
Advice: Send out demos to shuls nationwide for a position as chazzan/ba'al tefillah for the yamim noraim. Beautiful voice, great range, and authentic Jewish singing.
(1/17/2010 3:36:44 AM)
34
HE IS THE NEXT JEWISH STAR!!!
Shmuli has the voice that people can listen to with out liking any specific style his talent and voice pitching is incredible and everyone who enjoys singing can enjoy a voice with such great tones to it Like SHMULI STIEFEL
(1/17/2010 4:57:39 AM)
35
very close friend
After reading all those amazing compliments listed here I began to wonder what would I be able to add, but then I realized that nobody commented about Shmuli's outstanding stage skills and the way he communicates with a crowd. I mean, this guy will realy get the crowd involved, weather he sings a Chazzonus piece or any other Jewish song, he can perform amazingly!!! I just can't wait to be @ his next concert i.e. Soul II Soul 2010! :)
(1/17/2010 5:01:57 AM)
36
hatzlacha!!
wow! you have an amazing voice bli ayin hara! i still rememeber as a kid how you would come as a bachur to help my father conduct his channucha and purim parties for the russians - i rememeber how entertaining you were and how the russians really enjoyed you! keep it up!
(1/17/2010 5:21:39 AM)
37
he is mine teacher
(1/17/2010 10:15:17 AM)
38
Awesome Video
Fantastic voice. Excellent range. Just so clear up there on the high notes. So rich on the low notes. This guy has star quality, if anyone does. Excellent performance. Pleasure to listen to, and watch! I especially liked the clips in the park, with the snow covered trees. Very original. The nature aspect reminds you of Yossele's "ma lecha hayom" on the boat. This makes the whole contest worth it! Thanks for auditioning!
(1/17/2010 11:47:00 AM)
39
Amazing
This guy has both great range and a beautifully sounding voice. He sang a very difficult piece. It will surely be piece of cake for him to sing any song presented by the other contestants.
(1/17/2010 1:46:26 PM)
40
How'd he do that???
This song really shows his amazing control and range. He picked something fitting HIS unique and unbelievable voice, not just a popular song that almost anyone who can carry a tune can sing...
(1/17/2010 2:36:31 PM)
41
gr8 voice
Really hope you put out a CD, that was really nice, I am sure it will sell... I think you are just a STAR, no need for this guy to enter the contest, he is just amazing!
(1/17/2010 6:27:59 PM)
42
Agreed
I totally agree with #35! Besides for his incredible voice, Shmuli has a way of capturing his audience, whoever it may be. He has shown it in groups of kids, adults, and senior citizens - all who keep begging for more!! While the other contestants can sing, Shmuli can do that AND entertain!! Way to go Shmuli!!!!
(1/17/2010 10:05:20 PM)
43
Wow!
(1/17/2010 10:23:34 PM)
44
Wow!
This guy really has an amazing voice. I don't usually enjoy chazanus, but this I really enjoyed listening to!
(1/17/2010 10:24:31 PM)
45
from bro mo
Hey Shmuli, (Assumng that you will also be reading this comment) Wow! That was nice. If you weren't my brother, I would also vote for you! When are you coming to holland for a concert? From your big bro moshe
(1/17/2010 11:46:36 PM)
46
contest is over!
Jewish star can stop the contest now! This guy is way better than all the rest!
(1/17/2010 11:48:09 PM)
47
a bissel rachmonus please?
Shmuli, Hob abissel rachmonus on others please. Your gonna put Avraham Fried, Shweki and all the others out of bussiness! What an ausom voice! The Yossele Rozenblatt of 2010!
(1/17/2010 11:51:25 PM)
48
Amazing!!!!
I never heard of this singer before. Where did he sunddenly turn up from??? Amazing!! Just amazing!!!!
(1/18/2010 3:07:02 AM)
49
Go Shmuli!!!
Go Shmuli!!! U'll get at the top!!!
(1/18/2010 3:07:59 AM)
50
Beuatifull!!!
I love the video!!! I have the excactly same question as #45, when are you coming to Holland!?!?!? U would be a hit!!!
(1/18/2010 3:11:54 AM)
51
Very nice
I loved listening to this clip!!! I wonder if he'll win.
(1/18/2010 3:19:40 AM)
52
Ur the best!!
I listend to other clips, but yours is really the best!! I hope you win!!
(1/18/2010 3:33:47 AM)
53
A nice change
It, nice to hear a great singer who is not an imitation of anyone else.
(1/18/2010 4:08:04 AM)
54
from down under
wow, wow and just totaly wow! we knew shmuli's voice was amazing, but this really blows us away!
(1/18/2010 4:52:19 AM)
55
oneg
This was really a pleasure to listen to. He should certainly be a finalist.
(1/18/2010 5:52:37 AM)
56
bery
wow shmuly that was fun and amazing
(1/18/2010 6:28:24 AM)
57
unbelieveble!
I'm in total awe! Sounds like a new helfgot in the making.
(1/18/2010 6:47:54 AM)
58
Soundstruck
Wow! This is unbelievable! What a talent!!
(1/18/2010 9:08:08 AM)
59
Big Fan
I remember hearing Shmuli years ago when I was in Toronto for the Yomim Noraim. He was good then, but now he really shines! I look forward to hearing him at the Soul to Soul concert!
(1/18/2010 9:21:34 AM)
60
What a voice !
outstanding
(1/18/2010 10:28:10 AM)
61
Tsvi Dinerman- Proud Shver
I am Proud to be your shver. You're a great husband, father & son in law. Hatzlocha rabbah in all your endeavors.
(1/18/2010 11:08:01 AM)
62
Sara Kleinmas
Nice voice! This guy can be a star not only in the Jewish world, he is really good!
(1/18/2010 12:47:25 PM)
63
Chantie
Yay Shmuli! :)
(1/18/2010 2:43:21 PM)
64
The best
I listened to a lot of the clips. You are the best. Go for it.
(1/18/2010 3:59:49 PM)
65
Great Chazzan!!!
Hey! I think this guy realy chose a difficult piece and sang it well! What talent!!! Whether or not he wins for soul to soul, I wish he would come to Kansas for a concert!!!
(1/18/2010 6:17:04 PM)
66
contact info?
How can I get his contact info? I would like bring him to California for a concert in a few months (shortly after Shavuos.)
(1/18/2010 10:30:42 PM)
67
to#66
shmulistiefel@gmail.com
(1/19/2010 2:39:12 AM)
68
WOW!
You SURE can SING!!!! You got my vote! Unique song, nice to hear a new tune once in a while!
(1/19/2010 4:13:19 AM)
69
to #67
Thanks, I'll e-mail him now.
(1/19/2010 9:03:38 AM)
70
Amazing
You are one of a kind. Good luck to you.
(1/19/2010 4:11:49 PM)
71
FANTASTIC
you are a winner. keep it up. m.g.
(1/20/2010 10:17:05 AM)
72
555
shmuli, you rock! :)
(1/20/2010 2:06:59 PM)
73
fh peeps
we love to hear uncle shmuli singing in the park...
i remember your family from montreal and saw you as the emcee of the lag bomer bonfire in crown heights
hatzlacha rabba and hope to see more of your around (although i dont really like chazzanus)
all jokes aside, Shmully is amazing, by far the best voice.... were not looking for american idol here people, we are looking for great FRUM voices, and ladies and gentelmen, we JUST FOUND IT!!!
Steifel ROCKS
number one shmulik!
but u should use helfgots gnietches
I just can't wait to be @ his next concert i.e. Soul II Soul 2010! :)
i still rememeber as a kid how you would come as a bachur to help my father conduct his channucha and purim parties for the russians - i rememeber how entertaining you were and how the russians really enjoyed you!
keep it up!
I especially liked the clips in the park, with the snow covered trees. Very original. The nature aspect reminds you of Yossele's "ma lecha hayom" on the boat.
This makes the whole contest worth it!
Thanks for auditioning!
I think you are just a STAR, no need for this guy to enter the contest, he is just amazing!
While the other contestants can sing, Shmuli can do that AND entertain!!
Way to go Shmuli!!!!
Wow!
That was nice. If you weren't my brother, I would also vote for you! When are you coming to holland for a concert?
From your big bro moshe
Hob abissel rachmonus on others please. Your gonna put Avraham Fried, Shweki and all the others out of bussiness!
What an ausom voice! The Yossele Rozenblatt of 2010!
we knew shmuli's voice was amazing, but this really blows us away!
Sounds like a new helfgot in the making.
This guy can be a star not only in the Jewish world, he is really good!
You got my vote!
Unique song, nice to hear a new tune once in a while!