CBI’s calendar is very full this month, and while all of these programs, events and learning opportunities are sure to be inspiring, uplifting and interesting, I want to take this opportunity to highlight our upcoming special musical Shabbat. For more than 10 years (except during the pandemic years), I have invited several different college Jewish A Cappella groups to spend a Shabbat at CBI to share their talent, enthusiasm and their sweet souls with our community! This year, I am excited to welcome KASKESET from Binghamton University to CBI. Please join us on Friday night March 20 beginning with a service at 7:15PM, and on Shabbat morning March 21, to hear these talented singers. Kaskeset, established in 1996, is Binghamton University’s only Jewish A Cappella group. A student-run organization, under the auspices of Binghamton’s Hillel, Kaskeset performs a diverse repertoire consisting of Jewish music as well as Israeli and American pop. Kaskeset’s continuing goal is to spread Jewish pride, culture, and music to communities, both locally and internationally.
A survey conducted a few years ago on behalf of the Zamir Choral Foundation shows the impact that singing in a Jewish choir can have. There is strong anecdotal evidence that many people, who are not otherwise involved in Jewish life, find their way in through their love of singing. Students that I have spoken to who sing in a Jewish a cappella group at their colleges have expressed that these groups are more than just an a cappella group; they are a sacred space where Jewish students process, create, and celebrate their identity through music.
For me, singing in or conducting a Jewish choir is a way to integrate music, Judaism, community and spirituality. For 10 years (1988 – 1998), I sang with the Zamir Chorale in New York. Until I started Cantorial School, I didn’t even know that this Jewish choir existed. I always wished that I had had some type of outlet for singing Jewish music, especially with my peers, during my college years, but Jewish A Cappella groups had not yet become a presence on college campuses as they are at so many colleges today. Realizing the tremendous positive impact that singing Jewish music together can have in strengthening the Jewish identity of young adults in college, I feel it is critical for the future health and strength of the Jewish community to support the existence of such an extra curricular activity in colleges and to encourage students with an interest in music to get involved in these choirs.
Kaskeset will perform after the service on Friday night and they will also share their voices on Shabbat morning, both in our youth service and in the main sanctuary service, and then they will stay for community singing at Kiddush! These events are open to the entire community and children are encouraged to attend! You are welcome to bring your neighbors/friends who are not members of CBI and I also hope to see the many Binghamton alumni who are at CBI and in our area to show your support and school spirit.
Please plan to join us to enjoy a special musical Shabbat with your CBI community! I look forward to seeing you there and at all of CBI’s wonderful upcoming programs!
