Nov 27, 2017
HaZamir Strengthens Miami-Yerucham Partnership
Miami and Yerucham’s Jewish teens are benefiting from Federation’s Miami-Yerucham partnership through HaZamir, two of the more than 38 chapter across the U.S. and Israel that are part of the network of the International Jewish Teen Choir. The prestigious, global musical group offers teens a rare and valuable pluralistic opportunity to form close bonds with their peers as they unite through music. The Miami chapter, led by Dr. Alan Mason, meets weekly at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center, a Federation partner agency, to learn a common Jewish repertoire and study the complementary Jewish texts. Throughout the year, they communicate with their sister chapter in Yerucham, rehearsing together via Skype and exchanging emails and social media messages.
The Israeli group visits the U.S. in the spring, acting as ambassadors for Israel. They tour schools, synagogues and JCCs, and are hosted by the families of the Miami singers. During their time together, the Israeli and American teens engage in facilitated conversations about the differences and similarities of their respective cultures. The teens generally discover they have more in common than less, and the friendships forged during this week are enduring.
Dror Gersoni, Coordinator of HaZamir Miami and the Children, Youth and Family Program Director at MAR JCC, said, "HaZamir is an amazing 'people-to-people' partnership program that brings together American and Israeli teens through high-level Jewish choral music. The teens develop common language through music that helps them overcome cultural differences and enables them to develop their Jewish identity and love for the State of Israel."The season culminates in a spectacular gala concert with more than 400 participants in places like New York's Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. This year’s 25th Anniversary Celebration concert will take place Sunday, March 18 at Lincoln Center.
HaZamir is open to Jewish musical teens in grades 9-12 who can match pitch and hold their own in a four-part arrangement. HaZamir also offers a college credit program for juniors and seniors as well as a Teen Leadership Initiative.
Students who participate in HaZamir receive an important foundation of Jewish values in a communal environment and gain a deeper understanding of Judaic traditions and artistic expression.
For more information, contact Dror Gershoni at drorg@marjcc.org or 305.932.4200, ext. 165.
