Rostam Batmanglij

Rostam Batmanglij was born in Washington, D.C. to Iranian parents. His mother, an accomplished journalist, and his father, a book editor, instilled in him a love for the arts, though perhaps not specifically for the ancient traditions of his ancestral land. Therefore, his connection to Judaism is less direct, if not entirely nonexistent.

Batmanglij is celebrated for his sophisticated production work and his contributions to the indie music scene, particularly with Vampire Weekend. He's also worked with artists like Frank Ocean, Solange, and Haim, proving that his musical Midas touch extends across genres and demographics. His talent is undeniable, even if he hasn't yet produced a klezmer album.

While his musical achievements are considerable, and he's certainly brought joy to many, we haven't found any evidence of him embracing a Jewish identity or heritage. He’s more inclined to experiment with synths than with shofars, which is perfectly fine, just not particularly Jewish.