Shir Joy’s “Informal” Debut at Beth Tikvah Synagogue

January 7th, 2012 marks the unofficial debut of our new Central Mass Jewish Community Chorus, Shir Joy (Joy of Singing).  As one of the scheduled performers at Beth Tikvah Synagogue’s  January 7th Coffee House, which begins at 6:30 pm, Shir Joy’s nearly 40 members will sing a variety of melodies in English, Hebrew, Ladino and Yiddish that either have Jewish content, or are written by Jewish composers.  While some choir members may be of different faiths, or are not affiliated with a synagogue, the fact remains that they all have a love for this genre of music and look forward to singing out with joy in their hearts.

Karen Rothman

This exciting new community collaboration was spearheaded by Dr. Karen Rothman of Westborough, who is also a member of Congregation B’nai Shalom’s High Holiday Chorale.  Karen’s inspiration came from a comment made by a fellow High Holiday choir member: “This is so much fun.  Why can’t we do this all year?” Although this concept of a year-round choir sounded wonderful in theory, it would probably be impossible to gather up enough interested people from her temple alone, so the reach would have to go further.

Thus, the seed was planted and the next steps became clear: create an interest and buy-in from other temple and affiliate organizations as well as other community members.  The only requirements are that the individual is at least 16 years of age;  he or she has a love of Jewish music; and the individual has the willingness to sing in Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino and English (with transliterations provided, of course).

With enough community buy-in, Shir Joy set its sights on obtaining funds to hire a Musical Director.  Karen, and her committee, submitted a grant proposal to the Jewish Federation of Central Mass and were successful in securing the funds needed to hire a Director.  Choir members  also help provide funds through  membership dues so that they may secure items like sheet music and other essentials  needed for the program’s start-up.

Alas, the vision of a Jewish community choir comes closer to fruition.

Jonathan Rappaport

Enter Jonathan Rappaport, a highly experienced choral conductor, composer, pianist, singer and music educator (and a current member of Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Westborough).

“I have been a choral conductor musician for over 40 years and it is something I simply love to do,” says Jonathan of his recent appointment as Musical Director of Shir Joy.  “The opportunity to start a new choir in my hometown, and that is Jewish in focus, was just too good to resist!  I am so pleased and appreciative that I was chosen to be the Conductor by the Shir Joy Board of Directors.”

Jonathan adds, “Even after a few rehearsals, I was able to see the choir fulfill its mission and vision of creating an organization that is not only fun but develops community while joyfully learning music in Hebrew, English, Ladino and Yiddish.  With nearly 40 members so far, and with expected growth over the next few years, I see this group making wonderful concerts to bring the joy of Jewish music to many community members.   The response so far as been wonderful and we look forward to building community together through our music.”

Shir Joy’s goal is to present two concerts per year, spring and winter, with an additional two or three special events added throughout the year.   There is a buzz already and I think our community is more than ready to share this wonderful experience of a very important component that shapes our shared culture, peoplehood and religion: Music.

Plans have also been set for the official community premiere concert of ShirJoy at Congregation B’nai Shalom on February 12 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm.  All are welcome.  Cost of tickets TBA. For more information about this concert and Shir Joy, go onto www.jewishcentral.org or email shirjoy@gmail.com.

Mindy Hall, Director of Outreach, Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts