From Anthem to Empire: How “Thank You Hashem” Became a Global Jewish Movement

In exclusive interview to JFeed, the world full of emunah behind Thank You Hashem Nation opens its doors.

What began as a simple expression of gratitude has grown into a multifaceted Jewish media phenomenon. “Thank You Hashem,” now a worldwide movement, traces its origins to a small group of American religious men in New York City, seeking a more personal connection to Judaism.

“I’m a chief mashpia officer,” explains to Yacov Wohlgelernter to JFeed. He is one of the project’s core leaders. “I make connections across the Jewish world, coordinating logistics, media, music, making sure everything aligns with our message.”

Thank You Hashem it's not just a project, it's a Jewish shared emotion. Every Jew can access this concept, and it begins from the inside. All of us can create a relationship with Hashem, independently from religious levels, and that's the message. The project’s name, he tells JFeed, came from a moment of personal joy.

“One of our members had a baby boy after several years. The night before, we were sitting around thanking Hashem. We started singing, and ‘Thank You Hashem’ was born. It became an anthem, the heart of what we do.”

A Mission: Transforming Lives

That simple phrase reflects a deeper mission: creating an authentic, personal relationship with God.

“We were looking for something more personal, less institutionalized,” says Yacov Wohlgelernter to JFeed. “To get to the heart, it needs to feel like home.”

Founded in 2018, the project has grown far beyond its musical roots. But the reason is deep. According to Yacov, "the most effective way of getting a message out to the world is when we live the message authentically."

“We try to spread a message through all forms of media: videos, printed material, weekly Shabbat newsletters, music tracks, merchandise,” says Wohlgelernter. The expansion, he explains, was organic. “Music opens a universal door. Merchandise, like bracelets or flags, keeps the message in people’s daily lives. It’s infectious.”

A Big Change Needs a Step Into the Future

The October 7, 2023 attacks intensified the organization’s efforts.

“We realized the importance of uniting people, showing that everyone can have a connection to God,” says Wohlgelernter to JFeed.

During those difficult times, Thank You Hashem team realized the importance of taking an action. The emotional situation among Jews in the USA was cracked. People wanted to help, but felt powerless. After asking advice from their Rabbi, the team took a decision: fighting through mitzvot. "That is what we need people to do, there is a power on every mitzva we do, its our active action,", said Rabbi Yussie Zakutinsky, the Rav of Khal Mevakshei Hashem in Lawrence, NY.

Boxes of “Just Do Mitzvot” merchandise were sent across America, encouraging action and connection, while Israeli supporters helped distribute the message locally.

“We were fighting a war with mitzvot, and the response was incredible. Seeing Americans act from afar gave Israelis strength.”

Thank You Hashem as a Eternal Message

Today, the organization operates with a professional structure, funded by private sponsors. “It’s a big business with a big budget,” notes Wohlgelernter.

“Merchandise often isn’t profitable because we give so much away. The funding covers production, outreach, and initiatives in Israel and beyond.”

Looking ahead, the team aims to grow exponentially.

“In five years, we should be 5,000 times bigger. We want to make our message clearer, more accessible, and have a greater impact across the Jewish world. AI and new media tools will allow us to create faster, more impactful content for all ages.”

For “Thank You Hashem,” the guiding principle remains clear: live the message authentically, and the world listens.

“Everyone involved becomes a representative of the organization,” says Wohlgelernter to JFeed. “When the message changes your life, it reaches others in a way preaching never can.”