New York – Jamaican Hip-Hopper Turned Orthodox Jew: A Candid Talk With Yoseph Robinson

    69

    (L-R) Yoseph Robinson before (2000) and after (2008) his conversion.New York – Yoseph Robinson was born in Jamaica, came to Brooklyn when he was twelve, and dropped out of school shortly thereafter. As a teenager, he moved to Philadelphia and became involved in a life of illicit street activities. In his early twenties and after a close brush with death, during which he was targeted by a rival Jamaican gang, Yoseph relocated to Los Angeles and set his sights on the Hollywood music scene. He became a Hip-Hop promoter and producer, and signed a lucrative album contract with Universal/Bungalow Records.

    Join our WhatsApp group

    Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email


    At the height of his musical success and while indulging in all the material abundance Hollywood had to offer, Yoseph chanced upon a Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch edition of the Chumash. Yoseph’s life was transformed. He decided to reject the emptiness and egotism of the Hollywood lifestyle and embrace Yiddishkeit. Yoseph converted to Judaism and now lives in Brooklyn as an Orthodox Jew.

    The Jewish Press: What was your first experience with Judaism?

    Robinson: Interestingly, my first “experience” with Judaism or with Jewish people did not resonate with me at all. When my parents came to the United States my mother worked for a lovely Jewish family called the Schwimmers. My mother even kept a picture of the Schwimmer family on the mantelpiece in our home. I saw that picture almost every day of my childhood. In fact, my siblings and I were able to come to the U.S. only because the Schwimmers generously agreed to sponsor my family. The funny thing is, though, the Schwimmers being “Jewish” was simply descriptive, like saying the Schwimmers were Asian, or Puerto Rican. Jewishness or Judaism had no intrinsic or latent meaning for me.

    My second contact with Judaism occurred when I was thirteen years old, a few months after I arrived in the U.S. I worked as a delivery boy for a kosher grocery store in Brooklyn. Since growing up in Jamaica was a unique cultural experience untainted with racial or religious prejudice, I had formed no previous conceptions about Jews. As a result, the kosher grocery experience left no impression on me one way or the other. It was only when I randomly walked into a bookstore asking for a bible and received a Hirsch English edition of the Chumash instead that I began my fundamental connection to Yiddishkeit.

    Who performed your conversion, and what were the requirements?

    The Los Angeles beis din, under the leadership of Rabbi Tzvi Block and Rabbi Aharon Tendler, converted me. My geirus [conversion] studies program took about two and a half years to complete, and centered on the weekly parshah, the halachos of Shabbos and kashrus, and the taryag mitzvos.

    How did friends and family members react?

    When I decided to convert, my friends thought I went off the deep end, and my family tended to agree with them. After realizing that my decision was a serious, lifelong commitment, however, I did garner the respect of those closest to me.

    How is dating within the frum world for a black Jew?

    Currently I’m focused on my parnassah and professional endeavors, such as the memoir I’m writing and my speaking engagements. So I haven’t really experienced the frum dating scene. I am looking forward to it. I would add, though, that there’s clearly an elephant in the room when it comes to the question of dating. The fact that I’m asked that question so often seems to indicate the existence of some bias. In any event, I’ll certainly be able to discuss the issue more insightfully as I begin to date more frequently.

    What is your current study schedule like?

    I have a chavrusah with whom I learn Mishnah Berurah, I learn parshah and mussar almost daily, and I have begun venturing into the mighty sea of Talmud.

    How would you characterize your treatment and degree of acceptance by the frum community in Brooklyn?

    For the most part, I must say, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Many people have opened their homes and their hearts to me, and have treated me like members of their own family. These new lifelong friends are a true credit to Yiddishkeit, and beautifully fulfill the mitzvah of v’ahavtem es ha’ger. As in every community, however, there are biases that persist. I do get stares and occasionally hear some thoughtless comments, but I choose to focus on the positive.

    Are you in touch with other black geirim?

    Interestingly, as time goes on, I have been privileged to meet many fascinating geirim of both genders and of many nationalities and ethnicities.

    Has their experience with Orthodox Judaism been similar to your own?

    By and large, their experience has been heartwarming and enriching. But they do voice some concerns of bias and unequal treatment. I certainly feel that some change or improvement needs to be made in this arena.

    What kind of change are you referring to, and how do you expect this change to occur?

    I feel that changes are necessary to allow a Yid such as myself, who happens to be dark-skinned, to feel secure and equally represented under the banner of Klal Yisrael. This kind of change can only come about when a community joins the effort. Without meaning to sound didactic, I feel that social change or justice will not come about through legislative bodies. It will come from ordinary people like you and me. It all starts with honest and open dialogue.

    What is your message to potential geirim of any color or background?

    My message to geirim is that if one is seeking spirituality, Judaism, practiced correctly, is the ideal vehicle for achieving that aim. I personally find it meaningful and fulfilling but, once you come aboard, keep in mind that while the Torah is flawless, people are not.

    What do you hope to accomplish with the publication of your book?

    I hope my book will appeal to people on multiple levels. In the U.S. there exists a fascination and mystique that surrounds all things Jamaican. In addition, my memoir provides an insider’s look into the dark side of drug running, which will ignite the imagination of a widespread American demographic.

    My first-hand accounts of the Hollywood music scene and celebrity lifestyles will leave readers thirsting for more tantalizing details. Not to drop names, but the book mentions my experience of double-dating with Jay-Z and attending private parties with Janet Jackson and Jamie Foxx.

    Finally, my decision to convert to Judaism leaves people simultaneously baffled and intrigued. I have infused my spiritual journey with a humor, intelligence, and wit that will also capture the curiosity of the sophisticated, high-end reader. In short, I hope to entertain, enlighten – and inspire as well.

    What’s next for you while you’re working to get your book published?

    Well, hopefully I’ll be able to talk with President Obama brother to brother, asking him to let my people be. In all seriousness, though, I’m just striving to grow spiritually and, im Yirtzeh Hashem, [I] hope to be discussing the phenomenal success of the book with you in the near future.


    Listen to the VINnews podcast on:

    iTunes | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Podbean | Amazon

    Follow VINnews for Breaking News Updates


    Connect with VINnews

    Join our WhatsApp group


    69 Comments
    Most Voted
    Newest Oldest
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    Wow. This guy’s story is probably the most inspiring thing I’ve heard in years. He sounds so genuine. Just to preempt the invariable negative comments on this story, please don’t make them, you’ll only look like the moron that you are.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    What an amazing story! He could do much to show off the derech kids that what we already have is far better than what he gave up!

    Steve
    Steve
    13 years ago

    Good for him…what a great story.

    chaim
    chaim
    13 years ago

    i know this man, he is a tzadik!
    he works at mb vineyards (a jewish owned liqour store) on nostrand avenue between J and K. it would be a big chizuk for people to shop there !

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    What a wonderful story, I truly hope this young man continues to grow in Yiddishkeit and finds his basheret. As we say at the completion of layning a sefer, may he continue chazak, chazak, v’nis chazek.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    Kushim Gierim Le”yisruel k”sapachas!!!! this madness has to stop!!!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    He sounds very erudite and intelligent. I hope he has success in all his endeavors, including finding his zivug.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    Let’s try to come up with a solution to the problem that he mentioned in this article…
    After all its a mitzvah of loving a ger and that needs to be strengthen.
    Please post any ideas you may have so they feel welcomed and loved.
    Thank you all

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    He should have Hatzlacha and Mazal, sigh, I only wish more jews (myself included) would be as committed as he is to Yiddishkeit.

    WOW
    WOW
    13 years ago

    Very interesting, I wish him the best of luck.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    Mommish so touching. I think he should speak at the Agudah convention. Afterwards they should parade him around to all Bais Yakov to speak and give inspiration to our yiddishe kinderlich how a yid should act.

    wow
    wow
    13 years ago

    Can we connect this guy with some kiruv organizations in order to lecture or speak one-on-one to our lovely brothers and children struggling to find there holy neshamas??? Somone have a way to contact him?

    MJS
    MJS
    13 years ago

    So what’s up with him promoting his book in such a savvy and, dare I say, cynical fashion? Where’s the anava? Where’s the shame?

    welcome yoseph
    welcome yoseph
    13 years ago

    welcome to the tribe yosef…. inspiring story…. may you be blessed with much hatzlacha and may you grow to be a gadol hador

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    R. Yoseph, welcome to Klal Yisroel and hatzlocha rabba!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    no disrespect..but why didnt he pick the name moshe????

    Momsense
    Momsense
    13 years ago

    My parents have been hosting potential and newly minted Geirim of far-flung ethnicities in their home for several years. Of course we FFB Jews are intrigued and also wonder as to the why’s that brought these pple to Torah u’mitzvos. I tend to wax both inspired and cynical about them when I ponder each individual story. My parents though, are universally accepting and open to them! Kol Hakavod to the Geirim and to pple like my parents…

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    This is truly a remarkable story. I can’t wait to read the book!

    Moshe Klass
    Moshe Klass
    13 years ago

    He was a guest by me a few weeks ago. He is easily one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. #16 , if you had a conversation with him, you would likely agree with me that his being black is just incidental.

    artie
    artie
    13 years ago

    One thing to really note is that his first impression of a Jew was a Kiddush Hashem of how some jews treated their family – so well, that his mother felt connected and chose to put a picture of them at home. This should be a lesson to us all – that how we treat others – INCLUDING non yehudis really matters and has lasting implications.

    chaim
    chaim
    13 years ago

    We have been hosting this wonderful yid in our home and as a frequent mispallel in our Shul for the past few years years. His story is real as well as his commitment to yiddishkeit. Watching him Daven and walk the streets of our E. 30 ‘s neighborhood of Flatbush gives those of us who know him -great pride. Yiddishe pride!
    There are so many negative stories out there, let us appreciate this unique opportunity to all grow as Jews, each one in our own way.
    Thank you R’ Yosef for standing tall and for seeing the good in our community. An important lesson lost on so many.

    Simcha
    Simcha
    13 years ago

    I cant wait for the book! Welcome, Brother!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    I am not surprised he was drawn so strongly to Am Yisrael. Anyone who reads the holy words of my Rebbe Samson Rafael Hirsch ZTZAL will have their lives changed forever. If every Yid read the Seforim of Rav Hirsch, there would be a new Golden Age in Am Yisrael. I urge everyone to read the Sefer Nineteen Letters and the Collected Writtings of Rav Hirsch. UNBELIEVABLE TORAH. POWERFUL BEYOND BELIEF. Yehi Zichro Baruch.

    Chaya, Kidney Donor from Boro
    Chaya, Kidney Donor from Boro
    13 years ago

    Thank you Jewish Press for this great interview. Was very inspiring. And thank you VIN for publishing on your website.

    These gairim in general often have such interesting stories – oh and these people can have an impact on kids going off the derech or already off the derech.

    Hatzlacha Yoseph and welcome to the Jewish tribe!

    Weight
    Weight
    13 years ago

    How did he lose so much weight? He should give motivational speeches to the fatsos of Brooklyn who gorge on fast food daily (3 times a day).

    PS
    PS
    13 years ago

    As a latin Jew, every time I meet thoughtful, engaged black gerim I ask myself “Isn’t life hard enough?”, why add to it JUST because Judaism is so beautiful and great and grand and all that? – God made everything “tov”, non-Jews included (a normative view, unless you’re an adherent of certain kabbalistic strains and not others), and Gave the Noachide laws – and there are more unambiguous positive non-Jews in Tanach than Gerim (“ger”, “ger toshav” NOT so simple, even in Ruth; the book STILL keeps calling her the Moabite)! Judaism is also rife from all sides with issues of it’s own that then get added to the identity issues and social pressures and intellectual wranglings one already has as a minority – all the more so if someone goes this Charedi route.

    out of town rabbi
    out of town rabbi
    13 years ago

    he stayed by me for shabbos once – he is a very eidel and erlicher young man with a strong cheishek for torah – i wish him all the best

    EVA Levy
    EVA Levy
    13 years ago

    When i was n sihddiuchm and i said i was willing to date a black ger, and did n fact date a hispanck ger, a quadreplegic and other “damaged goods” the frum world so quickly relegates to the bottom of the heap. people thought i was insane, asking why a regular good bais yaakov girl like me would lower myself. my parents couldn’t understand what got into me.
    i would hardley consider myself lowered to have this tzaddik as a husband.the frum world neds to loose this “what will people say” complex, this perfection obsession in marriage.
    those of you who consider yourself inspired y this man, ask yourself if you would still be impressed with him if he came up as a shidduch for your daughter, or if the color of his face would trump all.

    actual Jew
    actual Jew
    13 years ago

    welcome to a righteous ger. we are richer for having him. i always tell my yeshiva kids: do not judge on anything but character. I hope he finds his bashert when the time comes.

    Chaim ben Moshe
    Chaim ben Moshe
    13 years ago

    Welcome to the tribe, my brother, welcome!

    joel300c
    joel300c
    13 years ago

    Amazing and inspiring story. I have actually meet him in person. He is very well educated and knows what he is talking about.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    To the writer who is fearful of all blacks: Do not include all of Klal Yisrael in your limited and racist perspective. There are many educated and open minded frum people who do not judge others based on the color of their skin. Please do not embarass the rest of ‘the fold’ by speaking on our behalf.
    Good Luck Yoseph. Keep strong.

    alison
    alison
    13 years ago

    i am nearly 20 ,not religeous but i am inspired by this mans story!

    to the racist commentor u SHOULD be very ashamed. u may look religous on the outside but in ur heart ur not! for if u were a happy n gud jew u would like others welcome this man n learn from him! also how dare u generalise! may i remind u how many evil/dangerous people are white even jewish! learn from this man DO NOT hate on him!

    Tzaddikguy
    Tzaddikguy
    13 years ago

    Somebody posted this man’s story on Facebook and I just had to read it.

    What an inspiration his story and Yoseph Robinson is (in view of some of the negative comments,maybe choosing ‘Yoseph’ was “divinely lead!” Oy Vey!)….afterall, some Gerim are often more zealous for Torah than some born Jews are!Proselytizing is wrong,but reaching out and being a Torah light is NOT!

    Anyway,it reminds me of my own journey and it reminds us all of the power of the Torah to change lives.It’s no accident that the Hebrew word ‘Or[light]” is in “Torah!”

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    13 years ago

    it hurts me so much to see how some pple are reacting to this special man giving up all of the money, woman and things that most of you wish u had but dont! he gave all of it up for restrictions and laws if thats not special i dont know what is. why cant pple just accept others for who they are, what they stand for and for the love of hashem and not for the color of his skin? but there will ALWAYS be haters no matter what and thats y moshiach isnt here yet bec of YOU sick pple, thats achdus?! u teach ur children veahavta leracha kamocha? u need to practice what u preach!

    jamaicanjew
    jamaicanjew
    13 years ago

    This story of Yoseph Robinson has touched my soul he might not have been accepted by all but the way he lived his life and the choice he made to be a man of God an Orthodax Jew for a little over a month is an example to all . He will never be forgotten. When asked what have you done with your life, his story might be short but powefull. He died a heroes death and all to the Glory of God.