“Music can change the world because it can change people.” Bono, lead singer of U2.
Music is a powerful thing. It can evoke feelings of happiness and joy, or move us to tears. It can provide comfort during dark times in our lives, create a festive atmosphere, or help us explain our emotions when there are no words. It transcends ages, cultures, and faiths to connect listeners through the universal language of melodies and harmonies.
The JCC regularly uses Jewish music to help enhance the cultural experience many of our programs provide. Each Friday, our building is filled with the sweet sound of our preschoolers singing and celebrating Shabbat. Programs such as the Women’s Seder and our Annual Chanukah Celebration include special musical components.
In addition to our local talent, we often bring in exceptional musicians to help enrich our events. This year’s Israel Independence Day Celebration will feature Jewish rock sensation Rick Recht who will perform a family-friendly concert. The event will take place on Thursday, May 9th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture & Education (CJCE). More details to come!
The fun doesn’t stop there though! In February, we launched a new program called The Beat. Geared toward those in the community who play an instrument, sing, or just like listening to music, The Beat brings together music lovers for a once a month jam session featuring different music genres. There are two more sessions left (April 9th and May 14th at 6:30pm at the CJCE). More details can be found on our website, jewishdayton.org.
As the Jewish community celebrates holidays, life cycle events, and special programs, you can count on Jewish music being a part of the moment.
For more information on JCC programs, please contact Jane Hochstein, JCC Director at (937) 401-1545 or jhochstein@jfgd.net.
“Music can change the world because it can change people.” Bono, lead singer of U2.
Music is a powerful thing. It can evoke feelings of happiness and joy, or move us to tears. It can provide comfort during dark times in our lives, create a festive atmosphere, or help us explain our emotions when there are no words. It transcends ages, cultures, and faiths to connect listeners through the universal language of melodies and harmonies.
The JCC regularly uses Jewish music to help enhance the cultural experience many of our programs provide. Each Friday, our building is filled with the sweet sound of our preschoolers singing and celebrating Shabbat. Programs such as the Women’s Seder and our Annual Chanukah Celebration include special musical components.
In addition to our local talent, we often bring in exceptional musicians to help enrich our events. This year’s Israel Independence Day Celebration will feature Jewish rock sensation Rick Recht who will perform a family-friendly concert. The event will take place on Thursday, May 9th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture & Education (CJCE). More details to come!
The fun doesn’t stop there though! In February, we launched a new program called The Beat. Geared toward those in the community who play an instrument, sing, or just like listening to music, The Beat brings together music lovers for a once a month jam session featuring different music genres. There are two more sessions left (April 9th and May 14th at 6:30pm at the CJCE). More details can be found on our website, jewishdayton.org.
As the Jewish community celebrates holidays, life cycle events, and special programs, you can count on Jewish music being a part of the moment.
For more information on JCC programs, please contact Jane Hochstein, JCC Director at (937) 401-1545 or jhochstein@jfgd.net.
“Jewish music has given me the rewarding career I never knew I wanted. It is a way to connect with people on a personal and spiritual level in joyful times and in difficult situations. As Jews, we gather and sing together every Shabbat, expressing gratitude for our holy day of rest. We sing and shout at weddings and b’nei mitzvah with hope and happiness for the future ahead. And we mourn together with the sacred words and melodies of our tradition when a loved one has passed. It is through music that we give voice to our feelings. Without it, the world would be a quieter place!“
~ Courtney Cummings
Temple Israel Music & Program Director
“Jewish music has the great power to build and strengthen community. It is the tool through which we, as Jews, as humans, have the potential to be united in harmony!“
~ Hazzan Jenna Greenberg
conductor of the Dayton Jewish Chorale
“For me, Jewish music is the way in which Jews have expressed every emotion from gratitude to frustration, from joy to sorrow, and everything in between. Words can be powerful, but when set to music they have the ability to transport the listener to a whole new level. As a cantor, it is my role to help interpret the text and to help others to connect to the words, one another and to God.“
~ Cantor Andrea Raizen
Beth Abraham Synagogue
“When I think of Jewish music, I first think of the Klezmer sound, which covers a broad array, some of which is imitated in parts of Fiddler on the Roof. Then I think of the singing in my conservative congregation from my youth, where the congregation formed an extremely powerful choir and strong memories in me of those songs. Then as a musician I think, ‘What is Jewish music?’ because without the contributions of Gustav Mahler, Felix Mendelssohn, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Lionel Bart, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and so many more, ALL music would not be the same as it is today. As a result of this and my chosen profession, I am affected on a daily basis by Jewish music and musicians. Culturally, the music of the holidays infiltrates my household and children’s experience, and the frequent minor key sound has a certain pull that feels both deep and personal.“
~ Rich Begel
Director of the Miami Valley Klezmer Ensemble