We are extremely proud of our Junior Choir which, under the direction of Cantor Schechtman, now numbers over 85 singers, the largest Junior Choir in New England and one of the largest Junior Choirs in the country!

Our members are students from our religious school in grades 3-8 who commit to an extra rehearsal on Wednesday or Thursday (whichever day they attend Hebrew/Religious school),

According to Cantor Schechtman, kids who sing in the Junior Choir, almost without exception, have an easier time when it comes to their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs.” “They are familiar with the prayers and they are comfortable singing in front of people.  When they are standing in front of the congregation, they own the bima.”

When Cantor Schechtman came to Temple Beth Am in 1988, the Junior Choir consisted of about ten 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade girls. 

Is there a secret to the popularity of this Junior Choir?  Many of its members say that the answer is Cantor Schechtman herself.  Her philosophy is to make it fun. 

Many of these kids don’t realize that what they are singing are the prayers that they will be singing and reciting throughout their lives.  “Maybe it’s just the end of year ice cream party that keeps the kids coming back,” said Cantor Schechtman, modestly.

One of the highlights for the Junior Choir is the annual Zimriyah, or song festival, which takes place each spring. 

The Zimriyah brings together junior choirs from across New England in a non-competitive music filled event.  Each year, as the members of the Temple Beth Am Junior Choir take their place, audible gasps can be heard throughout the audience as its 85 members fill the bima.

“Singing is joyful”, says Cantor Schechtman, “and, at a time when assimilation is a real threat to Judiasm, the most important thing we can do is give this generation good memories of their temple experience and good feelings about being Jewish.”  Judging from the crowd singing on the bima during family services each month, Cantor Jodi Schechtman and Temple Beth Am’s Junior Choir seem to be doing just that

They sing a variety of upbeat Jewish music by contemporary composers like Debbie Friedman, Julie Silver, Jeff Klepper, Craig Taubman and many others.

Their enthusiasm and their talent fill our Family Services with "ruach" and joy!

Come sing with us!
Rehearsal Schedule