Special weekend for “musically vibrant” Reform

Lovers of rhythmic Judaism flocked to Alyth Synagogue this weekend for Reform Judaism’s biennial Shirei Chagigah event, which promotes a more musical Judaism. Singers and musicians from Spain, Russia, Israel and the USA joined 22 UK communities for a weekend of melodies, from traditional Israeli tunes to more unconventional sounds such as choral and folk.

Finchley Reform Synagogue’s Cantor Zöe Jacobs was joined by a talented international line up, including renowned composer and choirs director, Stephen Glass, Cantor Rosalie Boxt, Director of Worship for Reform’s sister movement in the US, and prolific Jewish songwriter Noah Aronson. More than 100 attendees enjoyed the opportunity to learn new tunse and techniques to take back to their communities.

The UK’s newest Cantor, Sarah Grabiner, said: “I could not have imagined a more exciting way to begin my time working as a cantor within Reform Judaism. Shirei Chagigah brought communities together from across Europe, as we sang with joy, energy, harmony, and emotion. Our movement is musically vibrant and I can’t wait to see how much more we will flourish as we move forwards together.”