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Shalom!
Music has always been a powerful vessel for Jewish expression. From the songs of our ancestors to the works of great Jewish composers, music carries our values, our resilience, and our joy. Yet for today's Jewish youth passionate about classical music, there are few places where artistic excellence and Jewish identity can flourish together.
In traditional orchestras, students often feel pressure to set aside their Jewish identity to thrive artistically. Meanwhile, Jewish programs rarely provide high-level opportunities in the arts. This disconnect leaves two gaps: musicians who excel but feel detached from Judaism, and Jewishly committed teens with no stage for their talents.
Orchestra Tikvah (Tizmoret Tikvah) will bridge that divide.
In Summer 2026, twenty Jewish string students, grades 7–12, will gather from across the country at Congregation Sherith Israel for an intensive week of music, rehearsals, and coaching. They will study works by Jewish composers who wove their heritage into their art—experiencing firsthand that Jewish identity can be a wellspring of artistic strength.
The Impact on Students
- They will grow as musicians while embracing Judaism as integral to their creative voice.
- They will form lasting friendships and a sense of belonging with peers who share their passions and values.
- They will step into leadership as cultural ambassadors, using music to share Jewish pride with the wider world.
The Impact on Our Community
- Through concerts in preschools, senior centers, and public venues, students will bring Jewish culture to life in spaces where it is rarely heard.
- At a time of rising antisemitism, these performances will model joy, resilience, and creativity rooted in Jewish heritage.
- Orchestra Tikvah will lay the foundation for a permanent home for Jewish youth musicians in Nashville—strengthening identity, building pride, and celebrating Jewish contribution to the arts.
Your Partnership Matters
To bring this vision to life, we need partners like you. Your generosity will provide scholarships, faculty mentorship, and community performances that ensure this program reaches its full potential.
Please consider joining us in launching Orchestra Tikvah with a gift today. Tax-deductible donations can be made through our partner, Congregation Sherith Israel.
For more information, please reach out to:
Dr. Zack Ebin
zackebin@gmail.com
615-635-9760
By supporting Orchestra Tikvah, you ensure that Jewish music and Jewish identity continue to thrive together—shaping not only the lives of these young musicians but the cultural landscape of our entire community.
How to Donate
Donations can be made through:
Congregation Sherith Israel
3600 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37205
*Please note that your donation is for Orchestra Tikvah.