Michoel Schnitzler was a renowned singer and composer in the Jewish music industry. He was known for his unique style, his emotional expression, and his ability to touch the hearts of his listeners. He released about 15 albums and more than 150 songs in his career. His last publication was in 2000.
However, on Friday, April 14, 2023, Schnitzler passed away at the age of 62 after suffering a heart attack. His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and family. In this article, we will explore the details of his life, his career, and his cause of death.
Early Life and Family
Schnitzler was born on August 7, 1961, to Heinrich and Lily Schnitzler. He had 10 siblings, three of whom also died of heart attacks. He grew up in a religious Jewish family and followed the Satmar Hasidic sect. He studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria.
He married Suri Schnitzler and had three children: Barry, Raizy, and Miry. He lived in Airmont, New York, where he was active in the Jewish community.
Music Career and Achievements
Schnitzler started his music career in the late 1970s. He was influenced by the music of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and other Jewish singers. He developed his own style of singing, which combined traditional Hasidic melodies with modern arrangements and lyrics. He sang in Yiddish, Hebrew, English, and other languages.
He released his first album in 1981, titled “The Wedding Album”. It was a success and established him as a popular singer in the Jewish music scene. He continued to release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, such as “The Simcha Album”, “The Yom Tov Album”, “The Shabbos Album”, “The Chanukah Album”, and “The Purim Album”.
Some of his most famous songs include “A Yiddishe Mama”, “A Gutte Voch”, “Acheinu”, “Moshiach”, “Yedid Nefesh”, and “Shir Hamaalos”. He also composed songs for other singers, such as Mordechai Ben David, Avraham Fried, Lipa Schmeltzer, and Yoely Lebovits.
He was known for his emotional expression and his ability to connect with his audience. He performed at weddings, concerts, festivals, and other events around the world. He was admired by many fans for his humility, kindness, generosity, and faith.
Cause of Death and Funeral
Schnitzler had a heart condition for a long time and had been hospitalized several times because of it. He suffered a heart attack while returning from spending Pesach in Eretz Yisroel at Airmont on Friday, April 14, 2023. Hatzoloh of Rockland County rushed to his side and tried to save his life, but he passed away shortly before Shabbos.
His funeral was held on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Har Shulem Cemetery in Airmont. Thousands of people attended to pay their respects and honor his memory. His family members, friends, colleagues, and fans expressed their grief and condolences on social media.
Schnitzler left behind a legacy of music that will continue to inspire generations of Jewish listeners. He will be remembered as a legend in the Jewish music industry and a beloved member of the Jewish community.
