Congregation B’nai Israel of Manalapan, which only a few years ago was struggling with demographic challenges, has rocketed to vibrancy with a new rav and a new brand identity, attracting an increasing number of young families and growing acclaim.
Part of the strong pull is the engaging speakers and performers the shul has brought in within the past two years. Congregation B’nai Israel has attracted crowds with events featuring the Boys Choir of the Yeshiva of Greater Washington; Gil Hoffman, executive director of Honest Reporting; author Eleanor Reissa; Holocaust survivor Lola Kline; Rabbi Akiva Ackerman, and others.
This spring Congregation B’nai Israel has “upped its game” by booking a major Jewish musical act that has earned enthusiastic fans across the country—Six13, a groundbreaking, six-man a cappella vocal band that is bringing an unprecedented style and energy to Jewish music, with nothing but the power of the human voice.
Juxtaposing the traditional and the contemporary, Six13 is anchored by a strong Jewish identity, fueled by soulful harmonies, intricate arrangements and their signature full-band-like sound, and driven by a mission to connect Jews around the world with their heritage through music.
The New York City-based group is an international phenomenon both online, where their videos have been viewed over 20 million times, and in traditional media, having been featured on “The Today Show,” “The View,” CBS and CNN, and in HuffPost, Time magazine and more. Eight award-winning albums have landed Six13 among the top Jewish music artists on iTunes and Spotify. Both Billy Joel and Bruno Mars liked Six13’s Passover adaptations of their songs enough to post them on their own Facebook pages.
The Six13 concert at Congregation B’nai Israel has already attracted sponsorships by Shari and Scott Tepper, Liz Renna, Ruth and David Soltanovici, Michelle and Jay Fields, Michele and Jeff Lejfer, Barbara and Maurice Zagha, and Aline and Harry Shlinger.
The concert begins at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday June 8, with doors opening at 3:45 p.m.. A ‘Lite Bites’ and meet & greet with Six13 members will be held 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Concert tickets: Priority Seating (in pews): $60 adult; $40 children over 4. General Seating: $45 adult, $25 children over 4. Children 4 and under: free on lap.
Shul President Shari Tepper remarked: “Congregation B’nai Israel aims to foster community connection and spiritual upliftment through the Six13 concert, bringing together individuals of diverse backgrounds to celebrate Jewish culture and tradition. By showcasing the group, we hope to inspire joy, unity and a deeper appreciation for our heritage amongst all our attendees.”
“B’nai Israel is more than just a shul; we’re a vibrant center of Jewish life and a proud beacon of Jewish identity,” said Rabbi Ken Brodkin, rav of Congregation B’nai Israel. “Our wide array of events offers Jews from all backgrounds meaningful ways to connect with their heritage and find inspiration.
“Our upcoming concert with Six13 promises to be a truly special and memorable evening. With their unique blend of tradition and contemporary sound, Six13 brings Jewish music to life in a way that’s both fun and deeply inspiring. It’s the perfect opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate. We’re proud to host this event and look forward to welcoming members of the greater Jewish community.”
Visit BnaiIsraelNJ.org/Six13 for tickers and sponsorship opportunities. The shul is located at 33 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan, New Jersey.
Harry Glazer is the Middlesex County editor of The Jewish Link. He can be reached at harryglazer615@gmail.com and he welcomes your comments. Harry is a big, big fan of Manalapan’s Congregation B’nai Israel, the Shul’s warm and engaging Rav, and its energetic and welcoming lay leaders
