Teens entering grades 9-12 are encouraged to join their local chapter of
HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir for a rewarding combination of music, culture, leadership and friendship. Rehearsals for the 2025-2026 season begin soon, culminating in a gala performance at the new David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City next spring with hundreds of HaZamir singers from across the U.S. and Israel. For more information, visit www.hazamir.org
HaZamir was created by Maestro Matthew Lazar, founder and director of the Zamir Choral Foundation, to provide an opportunity for accomplished young singers to perform great Jewish music at the highest standard of excellence and sing on the world’s biggest stages.
“HaZamir gives young people an outlet to celebrate their Jewish heritage, connect with one another and feel a sense of belonging and pride through the creative outlet of music,” says Matthew Lazar. “Now, more than ever, this supportive community is crucial to teens.”
HaZamir members rehearse weekly in their local chapters with expert conductors, as well as at regional, national and international gatherings throughout the year. The three-day annual HaZamir Festival leading up to the annual gala performance brings Israeli and American teens together to rehearse, socialize and participate in facilitated encounter groups that allow for cultural exchange and understanding. HaZamir singers in 11th and 12th grade also have the chance to apply for the selective HaZamir Teen Leadership Program and serve as role models for a new generation of leaders.
“I’ve seen firsthand how transformative the HaZamir program is,” says Eric Levine, conductor of the Orlando chapter. “Lifelong friendships are formed through the learning of Jewish music. It’s about them being able to relate to other teens who are like them—building identity and confidence and feeling part of something larger than themselves.”
The HaZamir choir is comprised of teenagers in 26 American chapter locations, including Baltimore; Bergen County, N.J.; Boca Raton; Boston; Brooklyn; Central New Jersey; Chicago; Cleveland; Detroit; Houston; L.A. Valley; Los Angeles; Long Island, N.Y.; Manhattan; MetroWest, N.J.; Miami; Minneapolis; New Haven; Orlando; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Providence; Silicon Valley, Calif.; South New Jersey; Washington, D.C.; and Westchester County, N.Y., as well as in nine cities in Israel.
“HaZamir teens are given the unique opportunity to express their Jewish identities through their love of music while learning responsibility and interacting with peers from a range of backgrounds,” says Vivian Lazar, director of HaZamir. “The healing power of choral singing also boosts mood and self-esteem, which fosters future success in all areas of their lives.”
HaZamir teen singer Jaynie R. sums up the joys of joining her peers from across the U.S. and Israel: “We have a lot in common: we’re Jewish, we love to sing, and we’re all committed to music. When we perform, it’s so special because we’ve worked on this all year, and then we come together and get to know each other. At the same time, the songs have such great meaning, and it becomes very emotional. All in all, it’s an amazing experience.”
For additional information about HaZamir, email hazamir@zamirchoralfoundation.org or visit www.hazamir.org
