URJ - Choirs

Divrei Shir: Words of Song—A Curriculum for the Study of Synagogue Music
This is the first in a series of nine modules that explores the beauty and diversity of synagogue music. An excellent resource for adult education and Ritual/Music/Leadership Committee study groups. The complete curriculum is available from the Department of Worship, Music and Religious Living. Every Union congregation is entitled to one complimentary copy.

Synagogue Choirs as Instruments of Prayer: Their Importance, Organization and Techniques
Among the issues covered in this article are reasons and procedures for starting a choir, rehearsal logistics, repertoire and funding.

North American Jewish Choral Festival
[Sponsored by the Zamir Choral Foundation
in association with the Union for Reform Judaism and Gratz College]
Every summer we co-sponsor the North American Jewish Choral Festival together with the Zamir Choral Foundation and Gratz College. Hundreds of Jewish music lovers gather to learn about Jewish music and most importantly—to sing Jewish music. This event caters to amateurs as well as professionals, singers as well as non-singers, with workshops and repertoire for every level.

The 19th Annual North American Jewish Choral Festival will take place from July 13–17, 2008, at the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa in Kerhonkson, NY.

Encourage your congregants to attend this exciting musical event—they will inspire the congregation upon their return!

You can find further festival information, read about previous festivals and browse other Zamir programs and resources at Zamir Choral Foundation. Further festival information is available as well from the Department of Worship, Music and Religious Living.

Registration brochures are available by late winter/early spring.

Biennial Choir

Our 69th Biennial will take place in San Diego, California from December 12–16, 2007.

Over the years, the Biennial Choir has become an integral part of the convention experience, both for singers and listeners. It is a wonderful opportunity to join with a large number of fellow synagogue choir singers and add your voice to the Shabbat morning worship experience.

The 2007 Biennial Choir conductor will be Joyce Rosenzweig, Artist-in-Residence at HUC-JIR School of Sacred Music.

Obtain further choir information on the Biennial site or by contacting the Department of Worship, Music and Religious Living.

Download the Biennial Choir Flyer

Visit the
Biennial Choir Gallery