Aaron Mibab 3: Hazamir

Last year and this summer I had the privilege of participating in the Jewish teen choir named Hazamir. Hazamir is an international singing group, with its chapters primarily located in the United States and Israel. In order to participate in Hazamir, one must be able to sing but the ability to sight-read is not necessary. Its music and events have led me to a larger repertoire, increased understanding of music, and more friends. I am so excited to continue singing in Hazamir this year too! Despite Hazamir’s amazing offerings, the Boca Raton Chapter is too small and needs more numbers. 

Hazamir has almost weekly meetings where participants practice and learn the provided music. These practices typically last 2 hours and are very casual and fun! Last year, I became very close to the other members of my chapter through the songs we learned. Additionally, during the break from learning, I would bond with the other participants with the occasional Ice-breaker and talking. 

Some years, Hazamir has an event called FL-intervis. This is when the Florida chapters of Miami, Boca Raton, and Orlando meet to rehearse the music together. During my first FL-intervis in 8th grade, I met numerous talented singers and enjoyed eating and conversing with my peers. 

Leading up to the performance, Hazamir hosts Invervis. Intervis is an out-of-state event where most of the chapters (primarily East-coast) join together to practice the music. Although you are singing for hours, Intervis is very fun. The lack of sleep adds to the joys of intervis as everyone is a bit tired but always willing to talk or share the available snacks. 

The performance in March is called festival. Before festival, everyone rehearses for hours going over the pieces and ensuring their perfection. During festival, the schedule is even harsher and has many more hours of singing. Despite the required work, I think this is the best event from Hazamir. I have made many more friends out of state that I still keep in contact with during this event. The performances are held on the last day in Lincoln Center, New York. Hearing 200-300 voices join in song is an amazing experience, and I am so glad to have participated in it. 

During the summer, there is the Zamir Choral Festival. Although this event is directed towards adults, some participants in Hazamir join the festival. During the festival, there are workshops to learn many interesting facets of Judaism or music. I learned some of the many impacts of music on the brain specifically relating to memory and memory loss. Rehearsals are held twice a day for a final, last-day performance that almost everyone participates in. Every night, talented singers, groups, and choirs performed for us in concerts. 

I suggest that anyone who enjoys singing in Choirs or just enjoys singing should join Hazamir.