David Draiman - From Faith and Fury to Fame and Freedom

In this episode of Detours and Destinations, Rabbi David Ingber sits down with David Draiman, lead singer of the multi-platinum metal band Disturbed, for a conversation about identity, resilience, faith, and the costs of speaking one's mind. Raised in an Orthodox Jewish world and once headed toward the rabbinate, Draiman reflects on a life shaped by religious tradition, intellectual curiosity, personal tragedy, and unexpected reinvention. He shares the story of his journey from yeshiva student to one of the most recognizable voices in modern heavy metal, exploring how music became a vehicle for processing grief, struggle, and meaning. The conversation also delves into Draiman's outspoken public advocacy on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people, the impact of October 7 on his sense of identity and purpose, and the challenges of navigating political polarization, antisemitism, and public controversy in an age of social media and cultural division. Along the way, Draiman reflects on fame, spirituality, resilience, and the enduring question at the heart of every detour: whether the paths we leave behind ever truly leave us. A candid and wide-ranging conversation about finding one's voice—and learning when to use it. Follow David Draiman on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/davidmdraiman/?hl=en Read David Draiman’s thoughts on X https://x.com/davidmdraiman?lang=en Rabbi David Ingber’s IG https://www.instagram.com/rabbiingber 92NY Bronfman Center Events Producer: Efrat Bigger Content Editor: Maya Gayer  Video Editor: Sean Kennedy  Music By: Shimon Smith  Special Thanks: Eden Sidney Foster.