Rikud (dance) and Shira (song) after Aruchat Erev (dinner)! Tzad Aleph & Hazzan Jeremy Stein
The joyful opening Tekes (ceremony) this evening was followed by a delicious Aruchat Erev, with another round of Shira (singing) and Rikud (dance) immediately following! Pictured here are chanichim (campers) and Tzevet (staff) from our Kochavim, Ilanot, Solelim, Shoafim and Amitzim Edot. It was a wonderful session of music and dancing to continue the Bruchim Habaim (Welcome) and kick off for Session 2!
This evening, Cantor Jeremy Stein (photo, below left; bio, below) was the guitar accompanist, and we are so lucky that he will be sharing his musical talent and passion with Palmer this coming week as Visiting Shira Specialist. Also pictured (below, right) are Jeremy’s wife Amanda and baby daughter Hadas. Bruchim HaBaim!
Bio:
Hazzan Jeremy Stein joined Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid in July of 2009.
A native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Hazzan Stein studied flute and arranging at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, he toured with his jazz/rock band Flutopia. In addition to performing with his band, Hazzan Stein played on film scores, composed radio jingles, and performed at countless Jewish weddings.
In 2009, Hazzan Stein graduated from the H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music at the Jewish Theological Seminary. While in Cantorial School, Hazzan Stein combined his passion for jazz, folk and pop with his love of Jewish music, composing melodies rooted in Jewish musical tradition with a modern flair. For his efforts, Hazzan Stein was awarded the Max and Sol Feld Prize in composition two consecutive years. In his final year at JTS, Hazzan Stein traveled to London and Israel to conduct field research for his thesis comparing the musical traditions of the Jews of Yemen and Aden.
Hazzan Stein ́s performances have taken him to such stages as Carnegie Hall and the Original House of Blues in Boston. He has performed many times with The Zamir Choral Foundation, sharing the stage with perennial Jewish performers Theodore Bikel and Debbie Friedman. Hazzan Stein is a passionate, dedicated teacher and enjoys working with congregants of all ages. In 2015, Hazzan Stein completed a Master of Jewish Education through the Davidson School at the Jewish Theological Seminary. His thesis was entitled “Sacred Destination, Many Paths: Differentiated B’nei Mitzvah Teaching” in which he explored approaches to teaching B’nei Mitzvah students with different learning styles.
Hazzan Stein is a regular volunteer at the Milwaukee Jewish Home and Care Center, visiting and serenading Milwaukee’s seniors with classics from Israel, Yiddish theater, and the Great American Songbook. Hazzan Stein lives with his wife Amanda whom he met on his first full day in Milwaukee. They are proud parents of their daughter Mirit. A lifelong New England sports fan, Hazzan Stein has quickly become an avid fan of the Milwaukee Bucks.