additional HaZamir season brings singers to higher level of musical achievement. By senior year, HaZamirniks are seasoned choral singers ready for any adult choral experience.
Music is not the only end game in HaZamir, but a portal into the other half of the HaZamir mission which is modeled at our 4 day Festival. HaZamir teens demonstrate their leadership skills as they build a pluralistic community that embraces all Jews. Our love of Israel is fostered in facilitated discussions between our American and Israeli HaZamirnikim.
This year's HaZamir Festival was distinguished in so many other ways, as well. HaZamir teens and staff fueled their creative juices, adding twists and surprises to the many activities offered each year. There was Jodi's Teen Leader song, Kelly's hilarious hygiene song, Mati's tearful tribute to the graduating Israeli 12
th
graders entering the IDF, the guided meditation that Stephanie provided to the parent chaperones and Rabbi Gil's establishment of a sacred space for every HaZamir teen, regardless of his or her level of observance.
The 4 day HaZamir Festival ended on the stage of Carnegie Hall in a triumphant concert, which was larger than any before. With a 400 voice ensemble, some might have thought we would sacrifice nuance and interpretation. Instead, our teens sang- forte to piano-with a professionalism that is rarely seen on any stage, bringing the audience to its feet on many occasions.
As we do each year, the Zamir Choral Foundation commissioned a new piece of music for this concert, but this year, our composer was an 18 year old HaZamir singer, Samuel Dylan Rosner, who wrote a majestic composition that 400 singers mastered and performed by heart.
Our distinguished honoree of the evening, Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, was presented with the Kinor David Award by Dr. Ruth Westheimer, last year's honoree. After stating how inspired he was by the young people on stage, he gave his own powerful performance of the anthem, Techezaknah. He was accompanied by 3 "back- up singers" of note - Matthew Lazar, Jay Lefkowitz (concert co-chair with his wife, Elena) and Steven Lorch, (president of the Zamir Choral Foundation) and the 400 voices of HaZamir.
How do we top all this? Stick around and you'll see!
Wishing everyone a Chag Pesach Sameach!