Hanassi on song!

For many members who were fortunate enough to attend, the stand-out feature of this year’s celebratory Yom Yerushalayim lunch was a stirring performance by The Rinat Jerusalem Men’s Choir, which treated us to a rousing selection of Jerusalem-themed songs. Some offered thrilling harmonies. Others gave us the chance to sing along. Some folk were genuinely and deeply moved; and the length and breadth of the applause at the close of the performance was a telling indication of the depth of our appreciation.

It will not have escaped the notice of the audience that, among the ranks of white-shirted, blue kippotted choristers with smiling faces, there were some of our very own. This is no cause for surprise. Our lady members already furnish the core of two other local choirs—the intergenerational Dorot choir and Hava Nashira—so why shouldn’t their menfolk do likewise? 

We asked Michael Brody, who handles the choir’s admin aspects, if he could let us have some background. This is what we learned:

The Rinat Jerusalem Men’s Choir was launched in the summer of 2021 by a group of like-minded members who aim to showcase their love of Jewish music to the general public. Among the works that are sung are the songs of the Land of Israel as well as cantorial excerpts. In the current challenging time, we also sing ‘Vehi She'amda’ and ‘Acheinu Kol Bet Yisrael’.

Jason Rosenblatt, the choir’s musical director since 2021, immigrated to Israel from Montreal and has been involved in musical performances for many years. In addition to conducting the choir, he is a talented musician, singer and accomplished player of a number of different musical instruments.

Rinat Jerusalem is always on the lookout for fresh talent. If you would like to be considered for admission to its serried ranks, you can contact Michael Brody by phone (054-461-5014) or by email at michaelbrody46@gmail.com.