It’s not every day that a talented musician from the Montreal Symphony Orchestra visits your school and plays Pachelbel’s Canon on her exquisite, 80-pound harp. But then it’s not every day that your school celebrates Jewish Music Week.
Harpist Olga Gross, who has performed in The Phantom of the Opera and with Cirque du Soleil and has accompanied such renowned singers as Placido Domingo and Ginette Reno, visited the Hebrew Academy recently as part of the school’s first-ever weeklong celebration of Jewish music, in recognition of Shabbat Shirah – the Shabbat when the Song of the Sea (Shirat Hayam) is read in Parshat Beshalach.
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Conceived by Hebrew Academy music director Amiel Bender and sponsored by the Hebrew Academy Parent Association, the event featured everything from kumzitzes and arts and crafts activities to visits from artists, including award-winning composer, musician and vocalist Jason Rosenblatt, a Hebrew Academy alumnus and parent known for his virtuosity on the harmonica.
The students were riveted by the live performances and were permitted to test out the instruments.
“While the students joyfully participate in countless chagigot and other musical avenues that involve singing and dancing, I wanted them to start appreciating what Jewish song is really all about – that Jewish song is a part of them, it is in their hearts, that the students have the potential to come together with each other and with us as a nation in song through a unique Jewish musical identity and affiliation, as they sing and pray in harmony with their friends and the musical world around them,” Bender said.
Beginning Monday morning, students were greeted upon their arrival by Bender, who played spirited music on his guitar. He also led various activities with multiple grades, including soulful kumzitzes with grades 5 and 6 based on the stories and songs of Shlomo Carlebach.
Grades 1 to 3 enjoyed creative musical art workshops where they designed guitars and xylophones, and even recreated Canadian artist Greg Curnoe’s painting, The Camouflaged Piano or French Roundels.
In addition to learning about musical instruments of biblical times, students were treated to festive dancing and cupcakes decorated with musical themes, in recognition of the time when the Israelites crossed over the Red Sea to escape the Egyptians and sang a song of praise to God in gratitude for salvation.
“Throughout Jewish history, music and song have played a critical role in bringing a people together in times of triumph as well as tragedy, and have given expression to our daily prayers, hopes, dreams and aspirations,” said Hebrew Academy educator Rabbi Eddie Shostak.
“Our music curriculum goes hand-in-hand with and adds tremendous value to our Judaic studies curriculum,” said director of Judaic studies Jordana Levy. “In addition to our students’ participation in the annual community Zimria choir festival, Amiel has created the Chaverot Shir girls’ choir that enhances Judaic assemblies, and leads our bat mitzvah girls’ program choir as well.
“Our holidays, Shabbat parties and celebrations like our Chagigot Siddur are enhanced by Amiel’s beautiful music.”
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Executive director Linda Lehrer said the weeklong celebration served as an example of the innovative ways in which Hebrew Academy educators make learning come to life for students.
“After learning about the role of the harp in biblical times, students were both delighted and amazed to see a real harp up close and to hear it be played by a professional musician,” Lehrer said. “The week of Jewish music has raised our spirits and taken our learning to new heights. I look forward to this being an annual celebration at Hebrew Academy.”
