Rephael Perkel – personal bio

Rephael Mendel (Ray) Perkel is a singer-songwriter whose unique style brings together Chassidic Jewish music, Afro rhythms and other eclectic music influences in a contemporary blend. All of this is infused with his passion for spirituality, Torah and the expansion of consciousness.

Rephael started playing guitar in 1962 at age 12 and underwent classical training on the flute in his early twenties. In the early ’70s he formed a highly original trio called Audacle with Pete Knight and ‘Jax’ Morris; the trio staged frequent performances at the Old Convent Hall on the Wits University campus in Johannesburg. He also appeared with Mike Dickman in one of the legendary annual Free People’s Concerts on campus. He contributed to various theatre productions at the Space Theatre in Cape Town and the Market Theatre in Johannesburg as a musician and musical director.

Towards the end of 1977 Rephael made his first significant connection with Chassidic Judaism; he began to devote himself to the study and integration of Chassidic wisdom with Jewish observance, which have deeply informed his life and his music ever since.

In the ’80s he formed Nitzutz – South Africa’s first dedicated Chassidic wedding band. During this period he accompanied the famous Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and featured as musical director in several of his concert visits to South Africa.

In 2002 Rephael formed the band Neshima with Chanan Rosin, Shmueli Perkel (Rephael’s son) and Yitzi Tuch, which recorded the album “Hakol Letovah” and did a four-week concert tour in Israel in mid-2002.

In 2005 Rephael produced his solo album, “New Journey”, featuring a mix of original compositions and Chabad Chassidic nigunim.

Rephael has performed in various live concerts over the years. In September 2006, he co-produced and performed in the landmark One Heart Concert at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg which brought African and Jewish musicians together. 

He has also traveled abroad – in May 2013 he was engaged to lead the band for a wedding function in Sydney, Australia. 

Rephael continues to play a leadership role in social gatherings with a focus on music and Torah wisdom as a catalyst for spiritual upliftment and inspiration.

Rephael has a passion for nature and enjoys hiking in the wilderness. He facilitates study groups in Chassidic mystical wisdom and also works with individual clients internationally as a holistic therapist and personal development coach. He is married to artist Miriam Perkel; they have six children and a growing complement of grandchildren.

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