Zamir Choral Foundation – To connect middle and high school students and older adults, including their grandparents or grandfriends, across the country through Jewish music and learning, relationship building, and storytelling.

Why did you choose to work in Jewish education?

I was so fortunate to grow up in environments that made me excited about being Jewish. Jewish youth theater, camp, and youth group made me feel connected. In addition, as the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I have always been acutely aware of the importance of passing down not only religion, but also culture, heritage, and the stories of our people. I had amazing role models—remarkable Jewish educators who were mentors and showed me the magic of Jewish experiential learning. I wanted to give back to a field that shaped me and to inspire connection and belonging in the next generation.

What inspired this project and how will it speak to the needs of both Jewish teens and older adults?

The Zamir Choral Foundation has engaged almost every age group and generation through our musical programming. We saw an opportunity to do something new: to use our approach to music and learning to connect our youngest and oldest participants, especially those who are isolated due to the pandemic. We know that music is a catalyst for community, and, through Shir Connection, will use music as a foundation upon which teens can engage meaningfully with older adults. As they explore pieces of music chosen to jump-start conversation, teens and older adults will also be exploring each other’s stories and shared values. Together, they will investigate where we’ve come from and where we’re going.

Learn more:

• HaZamir Website
• The HaZamir InChoir Learning Hub
• HaZamir’s 2021 Virtual Gala
• HaZamir 2020-2021 In Review