News Summary
The HaZamir International Jewish Teen Choir delivered a memorable concert at Carnegie Hall, attended by over 2,000 people. This performance featured a delegation from Detroit for the first time, led by choir leader Avy Schreiber. With 36 chapters across the U.S. and Israel, the choir aims to strengthen Jewish identity while fostering friendships among its members. The successful event emphasizes the choir’s growth and outreach efforts, attracting new young talents and creating a strong community bond.
New York City – The HaZamir International Jewish Teen Choir captivated a full house at Carnegie Hall on March 23, 2025, with a thrilling performance attended by over 2,000 people. This concert marks a significant milestone as a delegation from Detroit participated for the first time, led by Avy Schreiber, a respected choir leader from Oak Park.
Vivian Lazar, the HaZamir International Director, highlighted that establishing a Detroit chapter has been a challenging endeavor for years, especially as chapters already exist in various major cities across the country. Lazar was introduced to Schreiber through a parent from Orlando, who recognized Schreiber’s potential for leading the new Detroit choir.
Schreiber, who has a history with Carnegie Hall, having previously performed there almost 30 years ago with the Jewish a cappella group Beat’achon, expressed pride in leading the new chapter. The Detroit choir successfully recruited members from local communities, including Leah Stephany from Ann Arbor, Shayna Stebbins from Southfield, and Eliana Goldman from Huntington Woods. The choir practiced weekly at Adat Shalom in Farmington Hills on Sundays.
HaZamir has become a prominent choir, consisting of 36 chapters across the United States and Israel and bringing together 350 teen singers for this noteworthy concert. This particular performance saw one-third of the participants as new members, which emphasizes the choir’s growth and outreach efforts. The choir spent three days in Westchester, New York, rehearsing and bonding as a group, culminating in a Shabbat where they practiced without the aid of a piano.
The concert featured a diverse selection of nine songs, including beloved pieces such as “D’ayeinu,” “Eretz Tzvi,” and a mashup of “Mi Shebeirach,” dedicated to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. The preparation and seriousness of the performance were evident, leading to an enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience at the conclusion.
Among the members, 10th-grader Shayna Stebbins articulated that being part of HaZamir was one of the most fulfilling experiences of her life, showcasing the warm and inclusive atmosphere that the choir offers. HaZamir’s mission extends beyond music, aiming to strengthen Jewish identity and community while providing tools to combat antisemitism. The choir also fosters lifelong friendships and stimulates discussions about aliyah and shidduchim among its members.
As the concert success resonates through the community, recruitment for next year’s choir is actively underway, with Schreiber inviting enthusiastic teenagers to join, regardless of their previous experience. Those interested in participating can contact Avy Schreiber directly for audition information.
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Additional Resources
- Washington Jewish Week
- Jewish Herald-Voice
- Cleveland Jewish News
- The Times of Israel
- Wikipedia: Jewish Choirs
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