An Amish Mennonite choir from Calvary Bible School in Calico Rock, Arkansas, has attracted significant notice in the Jewish community after performing “Tatty, My King,” a popular song written by Orthodox Jewish composer Dovid Edell. The choir’s rendition, which spread widely online, has sparked interest due to its cross-cultural nature, drawing praise from audiences of different backgrounds.
Gabriel Jantzi, a veterinarian and church choir director from Ontario, Canada, led the Calvary Bible School choir in their performance. Jantzi, himself a former student of the small Christian school, explained that the choir regularly sings a cappella, a tradition valued in Anabaptist communities. The choir consists of young men and women, and participating in it is a required part of the Bible school’s program.
The idea to perform “Tatty, My King” originated with students who discovered the song through an a cappella version on Spotify. After listening to the song and understanding its universal themes about the search for God, Jantzi decided to arrange it for the choir. He collaborated with Wendell Glick, a professional musician with experience in arranging for Anabaptist choirs, to create a version suitable for the group.
Jantzi sought and obtained permission from Dovid Edell, the original composer, before moving forward with the performance. Edell provided messages for the choir and emphasized the personal meaning behind the song. The choir encountered some challenges in adapting to the melody, which differed from their usual musical styles, but the piece quickly became a favorite among both performers and their audiences.
The viral video of the choir’s performance prompted a wave of positive reactions, particularly from viewers in the Orthodox Jewish world. Some comments noted the choir’s respect for the song’s origins, while others were surprised by the cross-cultural collaboration. Jantzi acknowledged minor criticism, particularly regarding religious traditions such as kol isha, but said the overall response was overwhelmingly gracious and supportive.
This unexpected connection between the Amish Mennonite and Orthodox Jewish communities has led to new mutual appreciation. Jantzi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the Jewish tradition through music and shared his community’s respect and love for other faiths. While Calvary Bible School is little known outside its circle, the performance has highlighted the universal power of music to bridge different religious and cultural backgrounds.
