A fundraising gala on Feb. 15 will help support the local chapter, which will perform at New York’s Lincoln Center in March
By TAMAR FENTON
Not surprisingly, it turns out that tuning into Jewish music is a critical ingredient to keeping some Jewish teens connected to Judaism and the Jewish community. According to Lila Corwin Berman, director of the Feinstein Center for American Jewish History at Temple University, music can be an “agent of Jewish transformation” for both musicians and audiences.
Speaking to the Jewish Exponent last December, Corwin Berman said, “Music gives people an experience, and it gives them something that can be very social without obligating them to a set of rituals or observances — it can become a form of community.”
And at least 22 Twin Cities Jewish teens who comprise the local HaZamir Jewish Youth Choir would heartily agree.
Some of the most vivid Jewish memories that children carry with them into adulthood involve music — singing favorite songs on holidays, showing one’s ruach (spirit) during rousing song sessions at summer camp, singing the Kiddush together as a family, and even joining together for Adon Olam at the end of a Shabbat service.
Music is a universal connector, and it is certainly creating those same kind of powerful and enduring Jewish connections and memories for the local HaZamir participants.
HaZamir has had fits and starts over the past eight years, but this year the group, which is affiliated with the Talmud Torah of Minneapolis, has the largest contingent ever and includes teens from Reform, Conservative and Orthodox synagogues, as well as teens who are not affiliated with any synagogue. The Minneapolis chapter is one of the largest in the country.
Members rehearse each Sunday for two and a half hours to master the same music being learned by 30 other HaZamir chapters around the country (and five in Israel) in preparation for a performance at New York’s Lincoln Center on March 22. And if history is any indication, the concert will play to a sold-out crowd.
The local chapter is led by Cantor Audrey Abrams, of Beth El Synagogue, with support from Etta Bernstein, of Adath Jeshurun Congregation. The group also relies on several dedicated adult volunteers who have committed to helping the teens prepare the challenging music, which is all in Hebrew.
The goals of HaZamir include performing at the highest musical standard, strengthening Jewish identity, building pluralistic Jewish community, facilitating leadership skills and forging strong ties to Israel.
Abrams’ enthusiastic leadership has helped to create a deeply connected and committed group of Jewish teens, and a group that appreciates Jewish music as much as they do rap or pop.
“What excites me most about HaZamir is that a new generation is getting hooked on Jewish choral music,” Abrams said. “These teens are singing everything from old liturgical classics to modern Israeli pieces and loving it. Without this kind of an organization, amazing music would be lost and forgotten. And when the kids get to New York, and sing with 300 other ‘hooked’ teenagers, the impact is bigger than any of them can imagine.”
Polly Lehman, a junior at Hopkins High School, joined HaZamir two years ago and serves as an international teen leader in the national organization.
“Some teens may find it difficult to connect with their Jewish identities in today’s world, but HaZamir makes it easy,” she said. “As a community, we sing songs of our heritage, and we all interpret and connect to the songs individually. The different emotions the songs elicit from us create the most amazing sound and performances. The friendships I’ve made with kids locally and from across the country and in Israel are so strong. I have a countdown for when I get to see and hug them next.”
To defray some of the expense of going to New York to perform, HaZamir will hold a gala titled “New York State of Mind” with food, fun and activities, followed by a performance for the entire community. The event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15 at Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park.
“This gala is more than just a fundraiser to help subsidize the cost of the trip,” Abrams said. “It’s an opportunity to let the entire community go to New York with us. The shops, the street vendors, the concert — it’s an evening during which you’ll almost feel like you are actually there. Hopefully younger singers will attend and get excited about being involved in HaZamir someday. And the energy and enthusiasm from these 22 amazing singers, who together create beautiful Jewish music, will make the entire community proud.”
The event will feature New York-style food (pizza, pickles, egg cream, soft pretzels and desserts) and booths such as the HaZamir Hazari Vintage Shop and Carnegie Hall Used Music Store. Street musicians, caricature and henna artists, and magicians will keep everyone entertained and feeling like they are strolling in the Lower East Side.
During the performance, the HaZamir Youth Choir will be joined by members of the Minnesota Cantors Association and singers from synagogue and community Jewish choirs for a lively concert.
“I hope the community comes out for our gala and gets in ‘the New York State of Mind’ with us,” said Josh Freeman, a two-year veteran of the group. “Community support helps us experience Judaism through song and work together to reach common goals. When our group joins all of the others in New York, it will be a remarkable and memorable experience.”
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HaZamir’s fundraising gala, titled “New York State of Mind,” will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15 at Beth El Synagogue, 5225 Barry St. W., St. Louis Park. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.
There is no entrance fee for the pre-concert activities, but food and other items will be for sale. Concert tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.
To make a donation or to purchase concert tickets, visit: www.talmudtorahmpls.org/Donations_donations.asp.
(American Jewish World, 1.30.15)
