loader from loading.io

“My Experiences with Dating as a Black FFB & the Inspirations Behind my Latest Music”

The Franciska Show

Release Date: 06/10/2025

Summer Break Announcement show art Summer Break Announcement

The Franciska Show

I will be on break for the next few weeks.  Praying for all our people in Israel and around the world. Peace and stay safe!   For episode suggestions - please reach out to      

info_outline
“My Experiences with Dating as a Black FFB & the Inspirations Behind my Latest Music” show art “My Experiences with Dating as a Black FFB & the Inspirations Behind my Latest Music”

The Franciska Show

Raphi Fulcher's Musical Journey and Life as a Black Orthodox Jew   In this episode, Raphi Fulcher, also known as Hebrew, discusses his unique background and perspectives. Growing up as the youngest of six children to parents who converted to Judaism in the 1960s, Raphi shares his experiences moving across different states and eventually studying in Israel. Currently a project manager in digital marketing, Raphi is also a passionate musician. He talks about his musical influences, family background in music, and the transformative experience of performing live. Raphi sheds light on the...

info_outline
A Near-Death Perspective and Role Reversal - with Batya Sherizen show art A Near-Death Perspective and Role Reversal - with Batya Sherizen

The Franciska Show

Batya Sherizen shares her transformative journey from a driven and overwhelmed entrepreneur to a fulfilled and present mother, wife, and businesswoman. Batya recounts her life, from her early marriage and 10 years in Israel to her thriving business as a child sleep consultant, which she ran while her husband was in Kollel. A life-threatening pregnancy complication led to a near-death experience, altering her perspective profoundly. She discusses the emotional and physical toll of balancing career and family, the evolution of her relationship with her husband, and the importance of being...

info_outline
Behind the Scenes: Rak Shalom’s Victory with Franciska’s Song Behind the Scenes: Rak Shalom’s Victory with Franciska’s Song "Tov Lehodot" - with Olivia Herman & Shua Kanarek

The Franciska Show

In this episode, join Olivia, Herman, and Shua Kanarek as they discuss their experiences with Rak Shalom, an acapella Jewish choir at the University of Maryland. The conversation covers personal backgrounds, how they got involved, and how the group operates democratically, including song selection and leadership roles. They also delve into the impact of being part of a diverse Jewish community, arranging music, the challenges and benefits of a co-ed acapella group, and the logistics behind managing performances and tours. The discussion highlights their journey toward enhancing their Jewish...

info_outline
Navigating Loneliness and Recovery - with Estee Weingarten show art Navigating Loneliness and Recovery - with Estee Weingarten

The Franciska Show

New Releases (Kol Isha)     In this episode, Estee Weingarten discusses her journey from Montreal to New York and her transformation into a life coach focused on women affected by spousal addiction. Estee talks about her own experiences with her spouse's mental illness and addiction, leading her to establish 'The Comfort Zone,' an organization aimed at creating a safe, supportive community for Jewish women grappling with spousal addiction. The conversation details the resources and support provided by The Comfort Zone, including retreats, therapy sessions, and a 24/7 support chat....

info_outline
A Journey of Eating Disorder Recovery; Choosing Solitude show art A Journey of Eating Disorder Recovery; Choosing Solitude

The Franciska Show

Stay tuned for new singles dropping for Lag BaOmer!       Chaim's Journey: Battling and Recovering from an Eating Disorder In this episode, Chaim, an attorney specializing in immigration and family law, shares his personal struggle with an eating disorder, starting from his preteen years through recovery. He discusses how his eating disorder affected his life, including the intensive treatment and the personal and communal challenges he faced as a religious Jewish male. Chaim elaborates on his journey to recovery, the spiritual and physical obstacles he encountered, and the...

info_outline
Nurturing Creativity in Out-of-the-Box Youth - with Rabbi Tani Prero show art Nurturing Creativity in Out-of-the-Box Youth - with Rabbi Tani Prero

The Franciska Show

Educational Adventures: Embracing Creativity and Individuality at Camp Yalu Wilderness   In this episode of The Franciska Show, Rabbi Tani Prero discusses his background as an Orthodox Jew, his experiences growing up, and his journey to establish Camp Yagilu Wilderness. With the aim of helping creative and independent-minded boys, Rabbi Prero runs this unique camp that offers activities like deep-sea fishing, hiking, and animal care. He talks about the essential need for nurturing creativity in children and the importance of accepting and guiding those who don't fit into traditional...

info_outline
A Medical Talk About: Vax, Ozempic, SSRi’s, Jewish Anxiety, IVF - with Dr. Sharon Stoll show art A Medical Talk About: Vax, Ozempic, SSRi’s, Jewish Anxiety, IVF - with Dr. Sharon Stoll

The Franciska Show

Navigating Medicine and Faith: A Conversation with Dr. Sharon Stoll In this episode, Dr. Sharon Stoll discusses her background growing up in a modern Orthodox Jewish community in Philadelphia, her journey to becoming a neuroimmunologist, and her professional experiences working at Yale and now in Philadelphia. The conversation touches on her approach to patient education, especially around COVID-19 and various medications, including GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and SSRIs for mental health. Dr. Stoll also speaks about her role in JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women's Medical Association) and the...

info_outline
Pilot Episode: Pilot Episode: "GETTING FREE" & Announcements

The Franciska Show

  Check back in next week for a brand new episode of The Franciska Show To book Franciska for your BAT MITZVA - email      Enjoy this pilot episode of "Getting Free" a new podcast hosted by the International Beit Din with Rabbanit Leah Sarna (a former guest on the Franciska Show). Imagine finally escaping a marriage after years of abuse. But there’s one last step- you need your abuser’s permission to get a divorce. That’s the reality for the Jewish women in Getting Free, and countless others around the world. Their husbands use a religious tradition to trap them in...

info_outline
[RERUN] Jews & Food With Jill Sharfman show art [RERUN] Jews & Food With Jill Sharfman

The Franciska Show

How to handle Diets on Shabbos? Why are eating disorders so common in the Orthodox community? Jill Sharfman NC (Nutrition Consultant), is the co-host of the nutrition podcast “Let My People Eat.” On each episode she helps to demystify confusing talk about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while keeping kosher. She is a board-certified holistic nutritionist living with her family in Los Angeles. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and at  Follow her on Instagram @jill_sharfman for more information and on Facebook @letmypeopleeatpodcast. www.jewishcoffeehouse.com

info_outline
 
More Episodes
Raphi Fulcher's Musical Journey and Life as a Black Orthodox Jew
 
In this episode, Raphi Fulcher, also known as Hebrew, discusses his unique background and perspectives. Growing up as the youngest of six children to parents who converted to Judaism in the 1960s, Raphi shares his experiences moving across different states and eventually studying in Israel. Currently a project manager in digital marketing, Raphi is also a passionate musician. He talks about his musical influences, family background in music, and the transformative experience of performing live. Raphi sheds light on the challenges of dating within the Orthodox Jewish community as a Black man and the importance of finding a partner who understands and is prepared for those challenges. He also discusses the significance of Torah values and the importance of addressing 'otherness' in the Jewish community. Additionally, Raphi shares insights into his music career, Jewish music festivals, and his aspirations to create music that heals and educates.
 
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:36 Religious and Professional Journey
03:05 Musical Beginnings
04:20 First Performance and Health Struggles
07:24 Stage Name and Identity
09:00 Growing Up Orthodox
20:46 Dating Challenges
29:14 Navigating Relationships and Conversion
30:44 Qualities I'm Looking for in a Partner
32:24 Challenges in Finding the Right Match
35:10 The Birth of a Jewish Music Festival
37:14 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Music
43:21 The Deeper Meaning of Cain and Hevel
48:45 Practical Advice for Facing Fear
51:39 Sharing My Music and Inspirations

https://www.instagram.com/hebromusic/

https://www.youtube.com/@Hebromusic

 

www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com

[email protected]

 

About Raphi:

Raphi Fulcher is a man on a mission, a soldier, or a “soulja,” if you will, in the army of Hashem. So intent is he on spreading his message of acceptance and brotherhood through rap and hip hop music, that he performs under the name Hebro, a Fulcher-ism that declares his intent to use his artistic abilities to better the world as he serves in the ranks of God’s military. The youngest of six children born to African-American parents who converted to Judaism 43 years ago under the guidance of Rabbi J.J. Hecht, the then-assistant to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Fulcher hails from a family of gifted vocalists. The singer, songwriter, rapper and producer lived in Crown Heights until he was four and spent his formative years in North Carolina, St. Louis and Israel. It was during his time as a student at Queens College that Fulcher, whose full name is Raphael Ohr Chayim, discovered his gift for singing publicly. “I was on the board at Chabad of Queens College and we staged musical events. I found that I had a deep passion for live performance,” Fulcher told The Jewish Link. After spending a Lag B’omer at the Chevra Ahavas Yisroel synagogue, Fulcher found himself falling in love with Crown Heights and he spent the next five years there, enjoying the unique warmth of the community and honing his musical voice. Deeply enamored with rap, hip hop, reggae and R&B music, Fulcher decided that the time had come to bring those genres to Jewish audiences, albeit with all new lyrics. “Just the music and the rhythm are very powerful and could resonate with a lot of people if we had positive, uplifting content,” said Fulcher, who previously performed under the name Hebro. “I kept imagining how powerful it would be if I added a real element that would allow listeners to vibe out to the rhythm, with lyrics that have meaning and purpose. I don’t think you can deny that it is Jewish music.” Having stretched his musical wings on stage with Matisyahu, Nissim Black, Moshav Band, Lipa Schmeltzer, Zusha and others, Fulcher decided three years ago that it was time to share his God given gifts with the world in a debut EP titled Genesis. “It is an album that is inspired by Tehillim, by King David’s work,” said Fulcher. “When I imagine David Hamelech performing during his life, I imagine that his music had rhythm and spirit and with all due respect, I don’t think it sounded like the typical 'Jewish' music we hear today in the orthodox world” Genesis, featuring seven original compositions, will be released on March 17th, Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Fulcher is looking forward to sharing his music at a release party taking place at The Loft and Rooftop at 83 Essex Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side of Manhattan which will also feature up and coming talents Izzy Gilden, DJ Kamilly, Simple Man and others. His soon to be released Souljass music video, featuring one of the tracks on the EP, tells the story of Cain and Hevel, which Fulcher sees as the start of baseless hatred in the world. “I want to shed light on being fearful of what we don’t control or understand,” said Fulcher. “There is a message there in Cain’s conversation with Hashem, when he says he doesn’t know where his brother is. If we focused on the other person, if we were conscious of one another, and were tolerant of each other, we would be able to bring about the ultimate redemption.” Still, Fulcher, a resident of the Wesley Hills section of Monsey, is subtle with his messaging. “I consider myself a chasid of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and his teachings and his mission,” said Fulcher. “That is what I wanted to do with this album of songs about redemption and while I may not mention that concept by name, it is there in broader terms and in a way that will allow more people to enjoy the music.” With an edgy style that is simultaneously youthful and appealing, Fulcher is a crossover artist who can appeal to the masses, but also has his priorities straight. Passionate about his music, he is even more dedicated to his religious observance. As someone with close ties to Chabad, Fulcher feels strongly about his own obligation to improve the lives of others. “My ultimate mission with my music is to do my part to bring redemption,” explained Fulcher. “I consider this to be my shlichut and I believe each of us has to bring the world to a higher state of perfection by doing chesed, by reaching out and not just harboring light, but shining light out onto the world.” Having been the only African-American student in the yeshivos he attended since first grade wasn’t always easy, admitted Fulcher, but it was an experience that prepared him for his future. “It was challenging for myself and for my peers,” said Fulcher. “It was a reality that none of them had ever dealt with before and it was new for them. Still, growing up as an African-American Jew in a white Orthodox Jewish world gave me the experience to understand the potential of breaking down the barriers of fear and difference while creating an opportunity for growth. B’nei Yisrael come in all shapes and colors and sizes and the sooner we can all handle that the sooner we will all be b’simcha.”