(Courtesy of NAJCF) The annual North American Jewish Choral Festival (NAJCF) brings hundreds of singers together to enjoy five magical days of a life-changing musical experience. The 2025 event will be held from July 20-24 in Stamford, Connecticut.

“The festival is for anyone who wants to celebrate the joy of Jewish music,” said Maestro Matthew Lazar, festival founder and director. “The participants include amateur singers, professionals, cantors, conductors and lovers of Jewish music of all ages.”

Festival attendees have the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from top experts in Jewish choral music in a supportive setting. There are a variety of uplifting Jewish musical activities, including: daily community sings, workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics, and evening concerts featuring guest choirs and outstanding performers.

Jackie Lowenfels of Suffern, New York is a teacher and choir member at Beth Haverim Shir Shalom, in Mahwah, and an alto in Shirah, the community choir of the Kaplan JCC on the Palisades. She has been an enthusiastic participant of NAJCF since 2017, starting in the beginner choir and moving up over the years as she developed her skills.

“NAJCF is an extraordinary five days of music and learning, in a warm, welcoming, joyful community,” said Lowenfels, who considers the festival one of the highlights of her year. “Friendships are forged in instant ensembles, at mealtimes and all through the day. The energy of shared vision and purpose is inspiring, like when the audience of professional musicians, amateur singers, cantors and rabbis cheer for the beginner choir, or we all learn a new piece together in community sing or hear the performances in the evenings. Imagine the best work conference and the happy laughter and singing of music camp. If you love Jewish choral music, NAJCF will become your happy place.”

For more information and to register for NAJCF 2025 visit https://zamirchoralfoundation.org/north-american-jewish-choral-festival/