Aaron Appelbaum and Eli Nathan wisely decided to pool their considerable talents, weaving a web of extraordinary music so mesmerizing, it stirs the soul. Created for the contemplative listener, Eli Nathan's beautiful compositions contain uniquely provocative lyrics complemented by soft and elegant music. Quite simply, Destiny is Jewish music at its best, covering every facet of human emotions. It is music rich and evocative, meant to be savored and enjoyed. To truly appreciate the beauty of Destiny, it must be listened to devoid of any outside intrusions. One must listen attentively to every word, for every nuance conveys a message. Find a quiet time during the day, then sit back and relax and experience the musical magic of Destiny. Let yourself become enveloped by the stylish, poignant lyrics accompanied by the exquisite, pure music. The result is a totally polished product of such extraordinary caliber that it has virtually revolutionized Jewish music as we know it.

Following the same proven formula that catapulted Destiny I, II and III to the top of the charts, producer par excellence Aaron Appelbaum assembled the top talents of Jewish music to create Destiny IV. Truly he has surpassed all expectations with this musical masterpiece. Featuring the rich and beautiful voices of two internationally acclaimed superstars, Dov Levine and Gershon Veroba, Destiny IV is clearly a class act. Adding his own musical genius to this endeavor, Yaron Gershovsky's arrangements and orchestrations give the album a fresh and contemporary sound.

Indeed for Aaron Appelbaum and Eli Nathan, who are the driving force behind Destiny, finding the right arranger was a challenge. Says Aaron, "As producer and composer, we have a sensitivity and concern in protecting the authenticity and integrity of the songs. You need the right type of feel in the rhythm and orchestration. An arranger is also an artist who can change the entire idea of the song if he hears something else. What Yaron did was exactly what I had in mind, but with his creativity he enhanced what Eli composed. And he was truly a pleasure to work with all throughout the project. The entire collaboration was a very positive experience. Both Gershon and Dov are tremendously gifted artists who brought a lot of charisma and personality into the songs. And Jonathan Hill has proven himself to be a major talent, as evidenced by his performance on the album. The reason we brought in these international stars was to bring out the specific messages of each song. And indeed their golden voices and musical abilities have enhanced the songs beyond our highest expectations. With Gershon Veroba and Jonathan Hill writing the vocal arrangements and harmonies, an extra special spark was added to each of the songs."

Clearly, for Aaron, producing Destiny IV has been a labor of love. "Music is my passion," he explains with unabashed pride. If Destiny IV was seven years in the making, it was with good reason. Both Aaron and Eli are consummate professionals who are not content to rest on their laurels. Aaron's reputation as a producer who never settles for less than perfection is highly evident in this long-awaited album.

"Eli and I spend a great deal of time on every song. Each is based on real-life experiences and tells a story and evokes a message that every listener can relate to. These life experiences we set to music. We spend a good deal of time with the musical arranger for the music to create an impact. What we do is give our own insight as to the feeling. Then we bring out the emotion and the lyrics."

Like a true artist, Aaron spends several years on each production and will not release an album until he feels it is flawless. "We are not trying to preach, just to take life situations and bring the message home - whether we're dealing with intermarriage or reminding kids that you can't just do whatever you please without regard to the consequences or who may get hurt. People have sacrificed their lives for our heritage, and it is very important for us to convey that message."

Indeed the words and music for each song are so powerful, so stirring, that they completely mesmerize the listener. The lyrics and music are integral to one another, and each song creates its own world of characters.

Born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida, Eli Nathan is the creative genius behind the Destiny lyrics. Says Eli, "My goal in creating each song is not just to express my own feelings, but rather to convey the power and resolve within each of us to overcome challenges. A song has a way of penetrating even the darkest corner of a man's heart."

Eli cites the Jewish struggle for spiritual survival as his source of inspiration. "We have a few new themes on this album. Jewish survival is still a struggle, but the themes have changed, with the Internet and materialism being contemporary threats to spiritual survival. "The essence of the struggle is the same, but the circumstances have changed," he explains. Accordingly, Destiny IV tackles these issues in its inimitable manner. "Download My Soul," a personal favorite of this writer, tells the story of Moishe and his addiction to the Internet. It carries a powerful and vital message about the dangers posed by the Internet. With Tumah.com at his fingertips, Moishe and his peers cannot help but be seduced by the World Wide Web of immorality that awaits at the mere click of a mouse. "Get me out of here!" he pleads. "Downloading my soul - I'm losing control!"

"Smile for the Camera" and "Mr. Superficiality" are a clarion call to take note of and appreciate the things that really matter in life. Always trying to impress everyone as being so cool, isn't it time that you took off your mask? Stop looking elsewhere for approval. And what parent, Bubby or Zaidy can help but shed a tear when listening to the soul-stirring lullaby "A Winter's Night"; indeed the lyrics and melody move you to reach out and give your precious little one an extra hug. For at the end of the day, no matter how many points the Dow Jones has soared and how many business deals we've clinched, what really matters is the nachas we derive from our families. "The Treasure," a favorite of Eli, tells of a grandmother's legacy to her beloved granddaughter - a pair of candlesticks passed from generation to generation, keeping the "masores" alive. Every song on this gem of an album has a life of its own, carrying a message that will surely touch your heart.

From its inception, the response to the Destiny series has been overwhelming. Eli and Aaron always knew that Destiny would be a big hit, but even they were amazed by the huge response that they have received from Jewish listeners all across the spectrum of both the religious as well as the not-yet observant. The music is enjoyed by young and old, by children in camps, youngsters in day schools and adults from all walks of life. From near and far their appreciative audiences write - from the distant lands of Russia, Israel and Europe, Eli and Aaron have received letters from fans who have found a certain spark suddenly kindled in the depths of their souls, a certain magical flame erupting in their hearts when they finally find their destiny.

Destiny IV's artists' hearts are touched as well. "I am proud to have had the privilege to arrange and take part in one of the most innovative Jewish albums to date," says Yaron Gershovsky. "Working with both Aaron Appelbaum and Eli Nathan has been an incredible experience."

According to Dov Levine, "It was a lot of fun to work on this project. The songs are full of timely messages, and the arrangements are superb." Says Gershon Veroba, "I enjoy musical challenges. Maintaining a Jewish spirit in a fresh musical style is always an especially challenging task. Aaron Appelbaum brings each Destiny album to fruition with the utmost degree of professionalism. I've enjoyed every moment of working with Aaron, Eli, Dov, Yaron and Jonathan."

Destiny IV makes the perfect Chanukah gift. Buy it for yourself and for everyone on your Chanukah gift list, and celebrate your own musical miracle.

Destiny IV is distributed throughout the United States and Europe exclusively by Sameach. For further information, Please call (516) 371-0005.