36 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024
J
N
A
n international Jewish teen
choir group is opening its
doors in Metro Detroit.
The new Detroit chapter of
HaZamir, the teen division of Zamir
Choral Foundation, is currently
recruiting teens entering grades
9-12 to join its up-and-coming choir
group.
It’s the latest iteration of 36
HaZamir chapters across the U.S. and
Israel (with 27 in the U.S. alone) that
offer meaningful musical experiences
to teens across all Jewish affiliations.
Extensive singing experience isn’t
necessary; the only requirement is the
ability to match pitch.
Conducted by Avy
Schreiber, an inter-
nationally renowned
singer, pianist and
songwriter, the new
Detroit HaZamir
chapter will begin
rehearsals for the
2024-2025 season
this month.
The rehearsals culminate with a
final gala performance at the presti-
gious and iconic Carnegie Hall in the
spring, when hundreds of HaZamir
singers gather to sing
Jewish melodies.
It’s an event Zamir
Choral Foundation
board member Dr.
Mark Shatz, who is
helping organize the
Detroit chapter, calls
a “powerful” and
“life-changing” moment.
Created in 1993 by maestro
Matthew Lazar, founder and direc-
tor of Zamir Choral Foundation,
HaZamir aims to provide an opportu-
nity for young singers to sing Jewish
music on the world’s biggest stages.
“HaZamir gives young people an
outlet to celebrate their Jewish heri-
tage, connect with one another and
feel a sense of belonging and pride
through the creative outlet of music,”
Lazar says. “Now, more than ever, this
supportive community is crucial to
teens.”
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
HaZamir members rehearse weekly in
their local chapters with expert con-
ductors, as well as at regional gather-
ings throughout the year.
A three-day festival leading up to
the annual performance also brings
Israeli and American teens together
to rehearse and to discuss important
topics related to Judaism, while pro-
viding an opportunity for them to
learn about one another’s traditions
and cultures.
It’s one of many ways HaZamir goes
beyond just music. Joining a chapter
is a unique way for teens to make
friends, learn about Jewish identity
and explore leadership opportunities.
It’s a mission that Shatz, an Adat
Shalom Synagogue member and
West Bloomfield resident, has come
to believe in. “It’s a Zionism-oriented
organization for teens,” he says. “They
form these incredible connections. If
you’re concerned about the future of
Judaism in America, this is one of the
avenues that’s really making a positive
impact on Jewish identity for teenage
kids.”
Nowadays, Shatz says, “It’s not
always an easy thing to be Jewish,
either when you go off to a college
campus or even in high schools,”
especially with the recent rise of
antisemitism.
HaZamir, however, helps teens cel-
ebrate and be proud of their heritage
and history. That’s why Shatz wanted
to bring the same opportunity to
Metro Detroit teens who love music
and singing.
“I want the Detroit chapter to suc-
ceed,” Shatz says.
LIFELONG IMPACT
However, teens don’t simply join
HaZamir and part ways once the sea-
son concludes.
The organization has long served
as a training ground for the next
generation of singers, conductors,
composers and leaders. In fact, many
HaZamir graduates have gone on
to enjoy musical careers and have
assumed leadership roles in their
communities.
Seventeen HaZamir alumni are also
now conductors or coordinators of
their own HaZamir chapters. Yet for
now, Schreiber says the main goal is
to assemble the Detroit community
and, from there, help each member
achieve their musical ambitions.
“This season is a new launch, and
I have high hopes,” Schreiber says.
“My plan is to tackle several choral
pieces — the entire HaZamir inter-
national community learns the same
pieces year to year so we can perform
together — with some technical
skill improvements along the way.
I hope to strengthen our members’
group-singing abilities in tandem with
their Jewish identity.”
HaZamir director Vivian Lazar
adds, “This is a life-changing experi-
ence for these teens, as they express
their Jewish identities through their
love of music while building leader-
ship skills and strong connections to
peers from a range of backgrounds.
The camaraderie and healing power
of choral singing boost mood and
self-esteem, allowing them to achieve
great success.”
Cost is $450 for the local Detroit chapter
fee plus $500 for a national HaZamir
membership fee. For more information, contact
hazamirdetroit@gmail.com.
New Jewish Teen Choir
Launches in Metro Detroit
HaZamir is now enrolling for its new Detroit-based chapter.
ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
OUR COMMUNITY
The HaZamir
Choir singing in
Carnegie Hall
earlier this year
Avi Schreiber
Dr. Mark Shatz