The Amazing Rabbis, Aryeh and Gil Gat, almost sell themselves short with their name. These Orthodox Jewish brothers have been captivating audiences on YouTube for over a decade with their unique street performances in Jerusalem, where they deliver unorthodox covers of classic rock songs. Their electrifying rendition of Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing” stands out as one of their most remarkable performances, earning them nearly 2 million views. The performance has been described as “a masterclass in control and execution,” with Aryeh skillfully multitasking as the lead singer, acoustic guitarist, and drummer. Meanwhile, Gil’s lightning-fast fingerpicking solos glide effortlessly through the softened lyrics, drawing a crowd eager to contribute to their guitar case.
Despite adhering to Haredi Judaism, which typically avoids secular culture, the Gat brothers have become viral sensations by selecting the best of classic rock. They first gained widespread attention with a stunning cover of Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” which has amassed over 6.6 million views. Their online catalog also includes iconic hits like Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven,” The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and The Eagles’ “Hotel California.”
One of their most unforgettable moments came in 2013 when they appeared on the Israeli TV talent show “Rising Star,” performing a haunting cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence.” In stark contrast to their slickly styled competitors, the brothers, aged 37 and 48 at the time, won over the audience with their refreshing originality, despite covering songs everyone knows. The irony of their success is underscored by the fact that neither brother owns a TV.
Despite their religious beliefs, the Gat brothers have navigated the boundaries of Jewish law to become viral rock stars. Aryeh explained to The Washington Post, “We don’t cross any red lines. We have the blessing of our rabbis. The food is proper. We don’t see immodest dress. We don’t see the women dancing.”
The Gat brothers’ love for rock music began in their youth, growing up in Eilat on the Red Sea, long before they embraced Haredi Judaism.