Congregation Beth Israel to Host Gala Concert

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel, Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scotch Plains will host “A Gala Concert in Honor of Israel at 75” featuring Jewish and Israeli music sung by the New Jersey Cantors Concert Ensemble, as well as the synagogue’s own choir, on Sunday, April 30, at 7 p.m. The family-friendly concert is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.

The concert will feature a wide selection of music representing the varied cultures and periods of Israel’s 75-year history, including pieces sung in Hebrew, Yiddish, and English.

The New Jersey Cantors Concert Ensemble is the performing group of the New Jersey Region of the Cantors Assembly, the professional organization of cantors in the Conservative Jewish movement, numbering approximately 600 members throughout the world. The NJCCE donates all funds that it raises towards scholarships for cantorial students.

The Cantors Ensemble is directed and conducted by Hazzan Sheldon Levin, while Cantor Matt Axelrod of CBI will conduct the synagogue’s choir as well as perform in the Cantors Ensemble. Dave Schlossberg will be the piano accompanist.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the collective talent of my New Jersey colleagues with the members of my congregation and the greater community,” said Cantor Axelrod. “Music is often the easiest and most accessible way to bring understanding and connection to the world around us.”

Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue, serving the religious, educational, cultural and social needs of congregants from Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns.

CBI is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, New Jersey (at the corner of Martine Avenue).

The Gala Concert is free to attend, but registration is encouraged at https://www.cbinj.org/event/cantorconcert23.

For more information about the concert, contact Cantor Axelrod at cantor@cbisp.org or call the synagogue office at (908) 889-1830.