Music

Today, our music honors Max Janowski's heritage while featuring an eclectic mix of styles that spans time and space. From ancient melodies said to have been handed down at Sinai to the works of Italian Renaissance composer Solomone Rossi, from the contemporary melodies by songwriters like Josh Nelson and Debbie Friedman to Sephardic folk songs and Chasidic niggunim, and from the gems of 20th century Reform synagogue music by composers like Max Helfman, Bonia Shur, and Ben Steinberg to the newest spiritual sounds from Israel, our rich musical liturgy is part of what defines our congregation. Under the direction of Cantor David Berger, our pianists, Community Chorale, and Klezmer band participate in worship services throughout the year, together with guest musicians, visiting ensembles, and, of course, the voices of the congregation, all contributing to our sacred music experience. Beyond worship, our congregation regularly produces concerts, recitals, and premieres of new compositions and is recognized as a center for great Jewish music in Chicago and around the country.