Avi Piamenta, 69, OBM
We are deeply saddened to report the passing of R’ Avi Piamenta, a beloved Chossid and renowned musician whose heartfelt melodies and soulful flute playing uplifted tens of thousands. R’ Avi was especially known for his passionate songs proclaiming the Rebbe as Melech HaMoshiach, inspiring countless listeners around the world with his unwavering faith and joyful music. He passed away in New York on Friday, 8 Tammuz • Read More
He was 69 years old.
R’ Avi was born on 27 Shevat 5716 (1956) in Yerushalayim to R’ Yehuda Piamenta, a senior official in Israel’s security services and a 16th-generation Yerushalmi. From a young age, Avi displayed exceptional musical talent, learning piano, keyboard, and the side-blown flute.
During the Yom Kippur War in 5734 (1973), he and his older brother, R’ Yossi Piamenta A”H, formed the now-famous Piamenta Band, with Avi on flute and keyboard and Yossi on electric guitar. They were joined by other well-known musicians of the time, performing regularly at rock clubs in Tel Aviv.
In time, the Piamenta brothers grew closer to Yiddishkeit and became Chabad Chassidim, relocating to New York to strengthen their connection to the Rebbe.
R’ Avi later recalled how the band’s growing connection to Judaism began to shape their music. They started incorporating more Chassidic melodies into their repertoire, gradually developing a unique style.
Around 5740 (1980), the brothers decided to write to The Rebbe, describing their musical direction and their hope to influence estranged Jews through music. R’ Yossi penned an eight-page letter, accompanied by a photo album documenting the band’s journey. In it, he asked the Rebbe whether he was worthy of engaging in this kind of spiritual outreach.
The Rebbe responded in a striking way: he crossed out the word “if,” leaving the statement, “I am worthy of doing what I want to do.” Along with this, the Rebbe included a rare handwritten response to the rest of the letter.
The Rebbe praised their use of music to spread Yiddishkeit, quoting, “Know Him in all your ways,” and noted that a band like theirs—“1) capable of conquering hearts, 2) able to provide an ample livelihood, 3) has already captured the market”—could strongly challenge the yetzer hara. Yet the Rebbe warned that “lives are literally at stake,” urging them to clearly show their changed path and cautioning, “if you grab for too much, you will hold nothing.”
R’ Avi took this guidance deeply to heart. Whether playing at Chabad Houses or music festivals far from Jewish life, he carried the Rebbe’s words with him: “Lives are literally at stake.”
In Crown Heights, the brothers continued their musical career, producing albums with lyrics taken from Torah and tefillah. Their 5742 album Ezrani Kel Chai and their 5744 album Mitzvah—featuring a Chassidishe rendition of “Mitzvah Goreres Mitzvah”—were widely received and helped bring their unique sound into the Frum world.
In 5741, when the tradition of Simchas Beis Hashoeivah began on the streets of Crown Heights, The Rebbe instructed Avi and Yossi to take part in the celebration. From that year onward, R’ Avi played nearly every year at the central Simchas Beis Hashoeivah dancing, often into the early morning hours, alongside his close friend and fellow musician R’ Yossi Cohen. In certain years, he even composed a new niggun for the occasion—most famously in 5769 for the Year of Hakhel, on the possuk Hakhel es ha’am—hanoshim vehataf, vegercha asher bish’arecha…
R’ Avi had the great zechus to play music for the Rebbe on numerous occasions—at Chanukah rallies, during Kos Shel Brocha, and multiple times at the Lag Baomer parade. One particularly memorable occasion was at the children’s Kinus in 770 on 10 Sivan 5742.
In 5750, he returned to Eretz Yisroel and continued performing throughout the country. In the winter of 5752, he settled in Kfar Chabad, where he lived until his passing. Over the years, R’ Avi performed with leading Jewish singers, including Avraham Fried and Mordechai Ben David.
Despite living in Eretz Yisroel, he remained deeply connected to Crown Heights. In New York for Gimmel Tammuz, he played music at the children’s rally in 770 on that day. Sadly, he passed away suddenly on Friday.
He is survived by his wife, Yudit, and their children: Yehuda Piamenta (Crown Heights), Genya Suwed (Mexico), Rivka Eichler (New Haven), Mushka Piamenta (Monsey), Chana Atar (Nicaragua), Mendy Piamenta (New Haven), Dovy Piamenta (New Haven), and Yossi Piamenta (Crown Heights).
He is also survived by his sisters, Mrs. Chaya Meer (Morristown) and Mrs. Chana Lorber (Kfar Chabad). He was predeceased by his brother, R’ Yossi Piamenta A”H.
Levaya details to be announced.
Boruch Dayan HaEmes.
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