Andrew Allan Bentley is a seasoned British, Israeli and American music producer, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and former Orthodox Rabbi whose life journey has shaped a distinctive musical career. Born in London, England, Andrew was raised in a musical household, with a classical and jazz pianist father and a cantor grandfather who taught him to sing. Music became a cornerstone of his life from an early age, leading him to explore a wide variety of instruments and musical styles, with influences ranging from Rock, Electronica, Blues, Jazz and Classical.
At 19, Andrew’s life took a major turn when his family moved to Israel during the Gulf War. While attending Bar Ilan University and studying under prominent American-Israeli Rabbi’s Shlomo Riskin and Chaim Brovender at Ohr Torah Stone Institutions, Andrew put on hold his musical ambitions to focus on Judaic Studies. In 1998, he received his Orthodox Ordination while living in and studying in Efrat, Israel.
Andrew relocated to Palm Springs, California, to serve as a Rabbi. However, he soon realized that his true calling was music. Taking a break from the Rabbinate, he returned to his first love—songwriting and performing. Since 2000, Andrew has been immersed in both live performances and studio work, becoming a fixture in the Southern California music scene.
Andrew’s music reflects his life experiences. His 2008 album There to Hear showcased his talent for weaving rich harmonies and clever lyrics with retro sounds, while his latest release, Songs of Life (2024), combines his background in Jewish liturgy with modern music. This unique fusion of spirituality and contemporary sound underscores Andrew’s evolution as both an artist and a spiritual thinker.
Over the years Andrew also worked as an audio engineer on a number of albums including longtime blues legend Glenn Patrik’s first release Mr Blues Jr. Andrew also produced engineered and co wrote The Hive Minds debut album also playing bass guitar and performing live with the group.
Songs of Life (2024), is deeply inspired by his distinctive life experiences, blending spirituality, personal growth, and his diverse musical background. Having been both an ordained Orthodox Rabbi and a passionate musician, Bentley draws from his time spent in religious study, serving as the Rabbi of multiple synagogues in the Coachella Valley, as well as working in the music industry as a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer. Many of the songs on the album were written and performed during his tenure as Senior Rabbi of Temple Sinai in Palm Desert.
Thematically, Songs of Life touches on universal themes such as friendship, family, resilience, and the complexities of human experience, all while incorporating his background in Jewish spirituality with tracks based on the Jewish liturgy. It serves as a bridge between his past and present, fusing faith, identity, and the power of music to create a deeply personal and meaningful collection of songs.
In many ways, the album is a celebration of Bentley’s evolution as both a rabbi and an artist, marking his ability to channel life’s struggles and triumphs into music that resonates on both a spiritual and emotional level.
Ever evolving Bentley, is now working on new music, after discovering a passion for Electronica and music synthesis, his new projects will combine elements of dance, rich ambient synth and guitar sounds, while exploring the themes that permeate his previous releases.
Beyond his musical career, Andrew has continued to explore Jewish thought and education, serving as a rabbi, teacher, and consultant. He also hosts a podcast, The Rabbinic Cynic, where he discusses Judaism, pop culture, and music.
Today, Andrew lives in Palm Desert, California, with his wife, Dr. Beth Allan-Bentley, they have four adult children. His journey, from London to Israel and California, has resulted in a distinctive voice in the world of alternative and world music—a voice that resonates with authenticity, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose.