To some, it might seem impossible to find the place where funding cancer research overlaps with the distribution of Israeli music. But in that spot is where you will find Pioneers for a Cure (PFAC). According to Ricky Orbach, one of the project’s co-founders, “PFAC is a project to reclaim and revive ‘pioneer’ songs by having them recorded by artists who choose a cancer organization that will benefit from the proceeds of the song downloads.”
Orbach, who also founded the nonprofit Joodayoh, the fiscal sponsor of PFAC, still recalls the night in 2007 when the idea for PFAC developed. “The first time it was discussed amongst close friends in a living room in Livingston, it became apparent that we had a great opportunity to begin an artist-driven philanthropic initiative to fight cancer and bring the songs of the chalutzim (pioneers) to life in a totally unique manner.” Among those friends was Livingston resident Murray Halpern, who is a member of the board of Joodayoh, and Rabbi Greg Wall, also known as “the Jazz Rabbi,” who was living in West Orange at the time. Rabbi Wall was already well-known in the world of Jewish music, jazz and new music. As an artist and technician, he was ideally suited to become the project’s producer. “Rabbi Wall’s reach to both well-known and emerging artists put the project in the fast lane,” says Orbach. “He quickly put together a stellar group of Jewish artists who immediately agreed to become PFAC supporting artists.” Among the first to sign on were Neshama Carlebach, Yossi Piamenta, Alicia Svigals, Frank London, Dov Rosenblatt, Basya Schechter, Noah Solomon and Adrienne Cooper, z”l.
The first phase of the project dealt exclusively with music of Israel’s pioneers, much of which predated statehood by decades. Since then, PFAC has expanded to include American artists including Ben E. King, Suzanne Vega and Tom Chapin, all of whom have brought their interpretations of classic American pioneer songs. Orbach says that some artists have contacted PFAC asking to donate their time and talent to the cause, while others are enlisted by PFAC’s existing artist base.
Visitors to pioneersforacure.org can view the available songs from both Israeli and American artists. In addition to listening to a preview of the song, visitors can also learn more about the specific cancer charity that the artist has chosen to support with proceeds from downloads. The minimum donation for a song is $1.99, but many donors choose to upgrade their donations—some up to as much as $99. These exclusive versions of the songs are also available on iTunes for $.99.
Since PFAC’s inception, more than 100 artists have performed and recorded songs that have been downloaded thousands of times. The funds raised from the sales of these songs have gone to support more than 40 different cancer organizations worldwide. In 2016, PFAC plans to add releases from Matisyahu, the Gat Brothers, and Voca People to benefit Camp Simcha and other organizations.
In addition to reviving and preserving beloved songs, PFAC is also committed to bringing cutting-edge artists into the fold by providing grants to facilitate artist growth. According to Orbach, these grants are intended to help “Jewish artists with a fresh message, whether looking for ‘a cure’ or exploring new avenues in Jewish music.” A recent recipient of one such grant is Jay Stolar, a New Jersey-born singer-songwriter.
For more information or to support PFAC by purchasing a song, please visit pioneersforacure.org.
By Rachel Jager
