Hundreds of Voices Created a Harmonious Community at the 2025 North American Jewish Choral Festival
More than 400 singers joined together this summer in celebration of Jewish choral music and to feel a sense of pride and belonging at Zamir Choral Foundation’s annual North American Jewish Choral Festival (NAJCF). Participants enjoyed five days of a life-changing musical experience.
“NAJCF is a special place where Jewish spirit and musical excellence come together to create something truly transformative,” says Matthew Lazar, Festival Founder and Director. “It was a gift to be among so many voices united in harmony, tradition, and hope.”
The Festival is a unique and joyful opportunity to connect to the power of Jewish choral music and form lasting friendships with fellow music lovers. Attendees of all ages came from across the United States as both members of choirs and individual singers and represented a variety of musical experiences from amateur singers to professionals, cantors and conductors. Many are also members or alumni of Zamir Choral Foundation’s musical programs including HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir; Zamir Noded for young adults 18-30; and the acclaimed Zamir Chorale.
A variety of uplifting Jewish musical activities took place during the five-day festival, including daily “community sings” as well as “instant ensembles” conducted by Matthew Lazar, Richard Cohn, Joyce Rosenzweig, and Scott Stein.
Festival attendees are also treated to evening concerts by outstanding performers and choirs. Special guest performers for 2025 included the award-winning a cappella vocal ensemble Six13 and acclaimed musical artist Noah Aronson.
NAJCF provides an environment of fun and excitement as well as a sense of healing, and unity as participants share a bonding experience with one another.
“The North American Jewish Choral Festival is my happy place,” says Cantor Mira Davis of New York City. “It’s a community of people who are like-minded, love each other, love Israel and love Jewish music — a place where you can be yourself. The friends I’ve made at NAJCF will last a lifetime.”
Each year, the Festival presents the Hallel V’Zimrah Award to individuals who have made important contributions to the world of Jewish music. The 2025 award was given to Cantor Robert Lieberman and Rabbi Vicki Lieberman in honor of the establishment of the Jewish Choral Conducting Institute, in a special presentation featuring performances by Zamir Chorale & Zamir Noded, conducted by Matthew Lazar.
NAJCF reinforces Zamir Choral Foundation’s commitment to musical education and excellence. There are seminars throughout the five days on topics ranging from vocal technique to spirituality through music. Workshops in 2025 included: Precision Singing: Pitch, Tone and Timing; Jewish Music and Themes of Water; Techniques for Singing; Friday Night Choral Repertoire; Shalom Gorgeous: Barbra Streisand and Jewish Identity; and many more.
“This Festival is more than an event—it’s a celebration of Jewish identity and Jewish choral music, past, present and future,” concludes Matthew Lazar.
The 2026 North American Jewish Choral Festival is set for August 2-6, 2026, in Stamford, Connecticut. For more information about NAJCF and other Zamir Choral Foundation programs, visit zamirchoralfoundation.org.