More than 400 singers joined together this summer in celebration of Jewish choral music and community at Zamir Choral Foundation’s annual North American Jewish Choral Festival.
“NAJCF is a special place where Jewish spirit and musical excellence come together to create something truly transformative,” says Matthew Lazar, festival founder and director. “It was a gift to be among so many voices united in harmony, tradition and hope.”
Attendees come from across the United States, including members of choirs and individual singers, representing a variety of musical experiences from amateur singers to professionals, cantors and conductors.
Many are also members or alumni of Zamir Choral Foundation’s programs like HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir; Zamir Noded for young adults, 18 to 30; and the acclaimed Zamir Chorale.
A variety of uplifting Jewish musical activities took place during the festival, including daily “community sings” and “instant ensembles” conducted by Lazar, Richard Cohn, Joyce Rosenzweig and Scott Stein.
Attendees are also treated to evening concerts by performers and choirs. Special guests for 2025 included the award-winning a cappella vocal ensemble Six13 and acclaimed musical artist Noah Aronson.
“The North American Jewish Choral Festival is my happy place,” says Mira Davis, a cantor in New York City. “It’s a community of like-minded people who love Israel and love Jewish music—a place where you can be yourself. The friends I’ve made will last a lifetime.”
Each year, the Hallel V’Zimrah Award is given to individuals who have made key contributions to the world of Jewish music. The 2025 award was given to Cantor Robert Lieberman and Rabbi Vicki Lieberman in honor of the establishment of the Jewish Choral Conducting Institute, in a special presentation featuring performances by Zamir Chorale and Zamir Noded, and conducted by Lazar.
NAJCF reinforces the Zamir Choral Foundation’s commitment to musical education and excellence. Seminars range from topics such as vocal technique to spirituality through music. Workshops include precision singing: pitch, tone and timing; Jewish music and themes of water; techniques for singing; Friday-night choral repertoire; “Shalom, Gorgeous!” Barbra Streisand and Jewish identity; and more.
“This festival is more than an event,” says Lazar. “It’s a celebration of Jewish identity and Jewish choral music—past, present and future.”
The next festival, also in Stamford, is scheduled for Aug. 2-6, 2026.
