HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir

Before HaZamir, I had no connection to Jewish identity. After standing with 400 other Jewish singers on stage at the MET, I felt something I've never felt before. #jewishpride

— Ran, HaZamir HaSharon

The Story
Behind the Song

"The Story Behind the Song," by videographer and Zamir Choral Foundation board member Elena Lefkowitz, highlights the power of HaZamir through one song: "Yerushalayim Shel Zahav," from Mati and Vivian Lazar's first encounter with the song in 1967, to HaZamir's 2017 performance at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Never have I felt so much pride and joy while singing these powerful words at Festival and on stage.

— Keren, HaZamir Baltimore

143728_PBcover_r2.p1-1_(1).jpg

The Story of the Songs

Many of the stories submitted to us didn’t make it into the book due to space limitations. In the coming weeks, we will publish all the stories that we received.

"The story begins at my first Festival, four years ago, on Friday night. I decided to go to the Egalitarian Minyan with my friend Leora Lupkin, and from that moment both of us have kept contact for four years! Thanks to HaZamir, I met so many friends with whom I’m speaking daily."

Elihay Skital | HaZamir Ashkelon

@hazamir.international
The official Instagram of HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir

Alumni Spotlight

Josh Gonzalez

HaZamir North Jersey, Class of ‘17

NAJCF Choral Conducting Fellow, '18

Ever since I was really young, I knew that music was going to be a large part of my life. However, it wasn't until HaZamir that I realized I would want to pursue a career in conducting and be connected to Jewish choral music in such a large way. Working under Mati Lazar has helped me to realize my musical potential and inspired me to give back in the same way. Not only have I found a deep appreciation for this music, but my experience in HaZamir has allowed me to connect with so many people from around the world. I think that it is so essential that we continue to build community within the Jewish choral world. I am currently a sophomore at Mason Gross School of the Arts studying Music Education with a Voice concentration.