Writing
As a Cantor and Communal Professional, I have been privileged to share my thoughts on Torah, Jewish life and spirituality in sermons, Divrei Torah and congregational newsletter articles. I am also humbled to have had my writing on music, arts and culture regulary publish in American Jewish Life, World Jewish Digest, Mimaamakim Journal and JUF News (Chicago).
American Jewish Life:Say Hello to the JubansPublished in September 2005 for Atlanta Jewish Life (later American Jewish Life Magazine, this feature covered three ensembles exploring the extraordinary cross-cultural phenomenon of blending Jewish culture (both Sephardi and Ashkenazi) with that of Cuba. It was later republished in the World Jewish Digest.
Click picture read full article on AJL's Archive Fiddler They Ain'tPublished in November 2005 for Atlanta Jewish Life (later American Jewish Life Magazine, this feature article reviewed two "New Jewish Culture" acts transcending traditional notions of Jewish music on the Israeli and North American fronts. One was blending Balkan and Mediterranean sounds with heavily produced beats, the other approaching klezmer from an avant-garde Sun-ra Arkestra approach. Read the compete article on AJL's Archive
Great White NorthPublished in early 2006 by American Jewish Life Magazine, this feature article examined several Canadian acts taking radically new and exciting approaches to Jewish music worth examining. It originally included Socalled, Beyond Eden, Shtreiml and Black Ox Orkestar though it may have been edited for space and content. This article was also later republished in the World Jewish Digest. Read on...
Crossing BoundriesThis article covered acts pushing the envelope of Jewish music, namely Zohar and Erran Baron Cohen. Read on...
You can call me BobbyBob Dylan's Jewish identity and music have long been a subject of speculation. Read on...
Seventy Faces of Blue FringeFour guys from Yeshiva University are turning Jewish rock music on its ear. And those ears have never been happier. Check out Blue Fringe's new release.
Rebel MillionaireOne man set out to revolutionize Jewish education in American. Will his radical plan work? Read on.
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JUF News: Adam on Arts & CultureFebruary 2014 A Capella, Kabbalah and Sababa-oh my! Russians and Cantors and Lanzmann- Baha'i! Forgive the Wizard of Oz homage, but this month you can be off to see wonderful Jewish and Israeli cultural events in our own backyard.
January 2014Post-Holocaust Poland, horror in Hebrew, auditions, opportunities and ensembles for musicians get Chicago's Jewish cultural scene underway in 2014.
December 2013We've barely digested the turkey but the dreidels keep spinning this December, doling out plenty of things to do in December 2013.
Adam on Arts & Culture: November 2013
Adam on Arts & Culture: October 2013 Adam on Arts & Culture: September 2013 Adam on Arts & Culture: August 2013 Adam on Arts & Culture: July 2013 Adam on Arts & Culture: June 2013 Adam on Arts & Culture: May 2013 Adam on Arts & Culture: April 2013 Adam on Arts & Culture: March 2013 Adam on Arts & Culture: February 2013 Idan Raichel - A Heart Bursting with LoveSince emerging in early 2003, The Idan Raichel Project has changed perceptions of Israeli music. Fitting for February, love is a motif in Raichel's life and music; the composer/keyboardist's biggest hits are love songs; "Hinech Yafah" (הינך יפה / "Thou art Fair") from Song of Songs, "Boi" (בואי / "Come") and "Im Telech" (אם תלך / "If you go"). This is rooted in a broader love for all peoples and cultures he encounters. Read on...
Sephardic Jazz, Confederate Seders - Jan. 2013This month's JUF News focuses on Israel, and conveniently, I'm able to profile a rising star drawing heavily on his own Israeli identity in his music. Likewise, with the Civil War being a hot topic these days, a production at Northlight is worth its weight in matzoh. Click here for full story
Musical Maccabees - Dec. 2012Chanukah reminds us to keep our culture alive for our children. The Maccabees of old rededicated the Temple so that the light of the Menorah would last longer and ensure Judaism survived. This month I focus on acts that have preserved Jewish music and helped it to evolve and remain vibrant. These musical Maccabees deserve a listen; hear them live as they perform in the Chicago area this month... Read on...
November 2012The Jewish month whose midst runs into November is referred to as Mar Cheshvan owing to its absence of holidays. For Chicagoans, however, it is notably filled with a dazzling array of internationally-themed Jewish music and cultural events. Just a small sampling takes us to Spain, Ukraine, Germany, and, of course, Israel. There’s no need for a passport, just an open mind and a love of great music... Read the column here.
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