More than 500 singers joined together in celebration of Jewish choral music and to feel a sense of pride and belonging at Zamir Choral Foundation’s annual North American Jewish Choral Festival (NAJCF), held in July.
Since 1990, NAJCF has offered a unique and joyful opportunity to connect to the power of Jewish choral music and form lasting friendships with fellow music lovers during a five-day festival. The participants of all ages came from across the United States as both members of choirs and individual singers, and represented a variety of musical experiences from amateur singers to professionals, cantors and conductors.
Many of the attendees are also members or alumni of the Zamir Choral Foundation’s musical programs including HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir; Zamir Noded for young adults between the ages of 18 and 30; and the acclaimed Zamir Chorale.
“From hundreds of voices comes one harmonious choral community led by a renowned staff of conductors and other music experts who inspire and create a truly unique musical society,” says Matthew Lazar, the festival’s founder and director.
Singers at NAJCF have myriad opportunities to engage in their love of music. They are divided into different choirs based on their sight reading abilities and sing in “instant ensembles” and join in daily “community sings” with the entire group.
NAJCF attendees are treated to evening concerts by outstanding choirs including Zamir’s own Zamir Chorale and Zamir Noded, which performed a moving rendition of “Am Yisrael Chai” in solidarity with Israel.
This year’s guest choir roster featured Choral Torah Collective, New York, N.Y., Josh Ehrlich, conductor; Hallel B’Shir, Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, N.Y., Edward Pleasant, conductor; Kol Ram, New York, N.Y., Daniel Henkin, conductor; Nashir: The Rottenberg Chorale, New York, N.Y., Benjamin Gruder, conductor; Shir Chadash, Brooklyn, N.Y., Scott Stein, conductor; Shirah: The Community Chorus of the Kaplen JCC, Tenafly, N.J., Marsha Bryan Edelman, conductor; Shireinu, Great Neck, N.Y., Deborah Tartell, conductor; and Yiddish Philharmonic Chorus, New York, N.Y., Binyumen Schaechter, conductor.
The festival reinforces Zamir Choral Foundation’s commitment to musical education and excellence. There are seminars throughout the five days on topics ranging from vocal technique to spirituality through music. Workshops at the 2024 NAJCF included “The Untold History of Jews of African Descent,” “Israeli Songs of War and Peace” and “Spirited Songs Surrounding Potent Potables.”
Master teacher and internationally acclaimed choral conductor Eleanor Epstein gave a special presentation “To Sing Is to Belong: The Power of the Communal Voice” in tribute to noted composer Alice Parker, with whom she studied extensively. She discussed how the evocative music of the Jewish people is a powerful force for building understanding and connection.
Josh Shron, a cantor, Israeli music expert and radio personality, explored the healing power of music in an excerpt from his moving and inspiring program “A Musical Hug From Israel.” His presentation is designed to help English speakers connect to the range of emotions felt in Israel and around the world, through a look at the meaningful songs released after Oct. 7.
Each year, the festival presents the Hallel V’Zimrah Award to honor individuals who have made important contributions to the world of Jewish music. This year’s honoree Cantor Jacob Mendelson, a world-renowned cantor and international performer, was recognized for his artistry, as well as his devotion to the choral music of the synagogue in a special presentation that included performances by Fredda Mendelson, Daniel Mendelson, Amanda Kleinman, Alan Mason, Zamir Chorale and Zamir Noded.
For more information, visit ZamirChoralFoundation.org.
