# From Chart-Topper to Yeshiva Bochur: Alex Clare

From **Behind the Bima: R Efrem Goldberg** by R Efrem Goldberg.

- **Published:** Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000
- **Duration:** 01:16:55
- **Audio:** https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/6bb88e3f-be82-49db-8030-4df7b1e067f4/episodes/40c34ca1-8249-4c87-9b7b-b45495a0c508/audio/e5660a2c-bd85-4cf3-ad71-52f1941c7597/default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&feed=dEQ6NxQT
- **Page:** https://behind-the-bima.simplecast.com/episodes/from-chart-topper-to-yeshiva-bochur-alex-clare-9dSPNpVn
- **TorahApp:** https://torahapp.org/share/p/3P_r_efrem_goldberg_behind_the_bima/e/fbfeb591-d7e5-4967-9e8c-138d83d385e0

<p>Alex Clare built a global music career, reaching hundreds of millions of listeners worldwide. But behind the spotlight, he was searching for something deeper.</p><p>In this episode of <i>Behind the Bima</i>, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg sits down with Alex Clare for a thoughtful conversation about fame, faith, and the cost of choosing a values-driven life. Alex reflects on his journey through music, his return to Torah, and the challenge of integrating creativity, responsibility, and authenticity after public success.</p><p>This is not a story about leaving one world for another. It’s about redefining purpose, respecting the power of one’s gifts, and discovering depth when the applause fades.</p><p>This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.</p><p><strong>Topics discussed include:</strong></p><ul><li>Life at the height of a global music career</li><li>The questions success doesn’t answer</li><li>Teshuvah and returning to Torah</li><li>Integrating creativity with faith and responsibility</li><li>Redefining purpose without abandoning talent</li><li>Staying authentic after the spotlight fades</li></ul><p>This is not a story about leaving one world for another. It’s about redefining purpose, respecting the power of one’s gifts, and discovering depth when the applause fades.</p>