Chasidic rock band entertains on South St.

Separated from the crowd by only a chalk line drawn on the asphalt, the Baal Shem Tov Chasidic Rock Band played Jewish songs in rock 'n roll arrangements at the South Street Seven Arts Festival Sunday. Five hours before the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, people of all ages and races were mesmerized by the loud rock music. If it were not for the Hebrew lyrics, the audience may not have known they were listening to traditional Jewish songs. "The point is to bring joy and Jewish philosophy to people without judgment," said Rabbi Menachem Schmidt, Baal Shem Tov's lead singer and guitar player. In fact, he added, several of the band's musicians are not Jewish. Schmidt explained that the band plays rhythm and blues and rock with heavy percussion -- appealing to many cultures and musical tastes. "Music is universal," said Jose Juenson, one of the band members. Even though she did not know the songs, College sophomore Sara Nelson called the group "fun." "[It's] a great way to incorporate the holiday of Rosh Hashanah for everybody," she said. The concept for the band started 15 years ago at Penn with a group of friends, Schmidt said. Since then, many people have played in the band, including famous musicians such as Grover Washington. All of the current musicians are professionals and play in other bands. They volunteer their time to play with the nonprofit Chasidic band. Because of this, Schmidt said it is difficult for them to get together for practice. In fact, the rabbi was teaching the band a song the day of the performance. Baal Shem Tov has played at Penn on many occasions, in cooperation with the University's division of the Lubavitch House, of which Schmidt is a member. Schmidt added that everyone is welcome to partake in the Lubavitch House's upcoming events, which include Yom Kippur meals that are free for students.