MIKEY PAUKER

Devotional Jewish Rock & Reggae Artist • Prayer Leader • Speaker • Activist


Mikey Pauker is a devotional Jewish rock and reggae artist, prayer leader, speaker, and activist whose music bridges ancient Hebrew prayer, spiritual chant, and modern roots music. Named by TIME Magazine as one of the “10 Stars of the New Jewish Music,” Mikey has shared stages with artists including Matisyahu, Idan Raichel, Stephen Marley, Trevor Hall, Krishna Das, David Broza, Rebelution, Toots & The Maytals, Mike Love, and Cas Haley.


Rooted in Torah, liturgy, mysticism, and a deep connection to the Land of Israel, Mikey’s music creates spaces of healing, Jewish pride, resilience, and spiritual awakening. His songs weave Hebrew prayer, English lyrics, reggae, folk, rock, and devotional chant into a sound that is both ancient and alive.


Mikey is a voting member of the Recording Academy and helped present the first ever proposal for a Jewish Music Grammy category alongside Grammy nominated artist Joanie Leeds. His work as an artist and advocate continues to center Jewish music as a vital spiritual, cultural, and communal force.


In addition to his music, Mikey speaks internationally about antisemitism, Jewish identity, Zionism as a spiritual pillar of Judaism, and the role of artists in this moment. His social media presence has grown into a powerful platform for Jewish pride and education, where he actively challenges antisemitism, anti Zionism, and misinformation while inspiring Jews and allies around the world. Mikey is also currently fighting a historic federal lawsuit against Harbin Hot Springs with representation from The National Jewish Advocacy Center. The case centers on religious discrimination and seeks to affirm that Zionism is intrinsic to Judaism, Jewish peoplehood, and Jewish religious identity.


As a Rabbinical and Cantorial Student at The Academy For Jewish Religion, Mikey brings together music, prayer, activism, and Jewish leadership to inspire communities across generations.


LISTEN HERE:


Shema (Feat. Beny Wetheimer)
“Shema” is a world music prayer composition by Mikey Pauker, featuring world-renowned esraj player Benjy Wertheimer of Shantala, and produced by Ben Leinbach, known for his work with Jai Uttal and Deva Premal. 


Listen (shema) Produced by The Human Experience
“Listen (Shema)” is a reimagining of the Shema by Mikey Pauker, produced by The Human Experience, the DJ and producer known for his work with Gone Gone Beyond. Featuring the soulful vocals of Chava Mirel and Melita Silberstein, this version carries the ancient Jewish prayer into an expansive world music soundscape.


RISE
“RISE” is a song by Mikey Pauker produced by Warren Huart, known for his work with Matisyahu, Trevor Hall, Aerosmith, and The Fray. The song speaks to the vulnerability of the human heart, carrying a message of resilience, healing, and the courage to keep rising through life’s challenges. Its music video went viral on Facebook, earning over 1 million views and connecting with listeners around the world through its raw emotion and uplifting spirit.


We Are Safe
“We Are Safe” is a mantra song by Mikey Pauker, co-written with Shiva Baum and produced by Jim Kaufman, known for his work with AWOLNATION and Return To Dust. Born out of the uncertainty of 2020, the song became an invocation of safety, grounding, and collective healing. Released on Ineffable Records, home to artists including Stick Figure, DENM, The Elovaters, and Surfer Girl, “We Are Safe” offers a soothing reminder of protection, presence, and resilience in difficult times.


SPEAKING TOPICS


From Musician To Activist: How October 7th Changed My Life

Mikey Pauker built bridges through music, spirituality, and interfaith connection. After October 7, he found himself confronting a new reality of rising antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and Jewish vulnerability. In this powerful and personal keynote, Mikey shares how tragedy transformed him from a Jewish musician into an outspoken advocate, and what it means to stand proudly as a Jew in today’s world.


Civil Rights, Free Speech & The Harbin Lawsuit

Mikey is currently involved in a historic federal civil rights lawsuit connected to alleged antisemitic discrimination and exclusion at Harbin Hot Springs. This keynote explores the intersection of Jewish identity, Zionism, cancel culture, and civil rights protections for Jewish people in artistic and spiritual communities across America.



Antisemitism in Entertainment

A raw and honest conversation about the rise of antisemitism within the music industry, festival culture, and creative spaces after October 7. Mikey shares firsthand experiences navigating cancellation, exclusion, public pressure, and advocacy as an openly Zionist Jewish artist.



Jewish Spiritual Renewal

An inspiring presentation on the growing movement of Jewish renewal, chant, meditation, earth-based spirituality, and embodied prayer. Mikey explores how ancient Jewish wisdom is being reawakened through music, ritual, and communal experience for a new generation.



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