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

