Music & Prayer

Music, as Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel taught, provides the catalyst for connecting the disparate elements of the finely woven tapestry of the fixed words of liturgy (keva) and kavanah, our deepest, truest intentions to reach and serve God. At North Shore Congregation Israel, we search for ways to fill both keva with kavanah. We explore the possibility that music can function in many ways, including:

1) Praising God

2) Providing a deeper understanding of our sacred texts

3) Resonating with our community 

4) Linking us to our history

5) Connecting us to our coreligionists around the world

6) Allowing us to explore the awesome nature of God

7) Creating moments of introspection 

8) Deepening our relationships within our families

Here at NSCI you will find music infused into every aspect of our community’s life. We invite you to join us on a sacred journey with music as our vehicle. Click HERE to listen to an archive audio of Cantor Benjamin Landsman, NSCI's first cantor.

There will be a light dinner for those attending Shabbat services before the concerts. All Post Kabbalat Shabbat concerts are generously sponsored by Madeleine and Harvey Plonsker, Jim Stone, and Bobby Takiff.*

Upcoming Music Events

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Ravinia Steans Music Institute 2024 Piano and Strings Fellows                                                                Friday, July 12th, 8:00 pm in Perlman Sanctuary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The Ravinia Steans Music Institute Piano and Strings Fellows gather for a five-week immersive and intensive rotational training program. With some of the world’s finest musical teaching artists and pedagogues as their instructors, they are led through the practice and performance of classical sonata and chamber repertoire. Register here. 

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Ravinia Steans Music Institute 2024 Vocal Fellows                                                                                             Friday, August 16th, 8:00 pm in Perlman Sanctuary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

  The Ravinia Steans Music Institute Vocal fellows engage in a three-week intensive training program, during which they dive into an expansive repertoire of art song, led by their faculty of renowned musicians, pedagogues, and scholars.               Register here.

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Alexander Hersh and Marta Aznavoorian                                                                                                                  Friday, September 6th, 8:00 pm in Perlman Sanctuary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Pianist Marta Aznavoorian, a multi-Grammy nominated artist, and cellist Alexander Hersh, a widely accredited, fourth-generation string player, will perform together in a piano and string duet. The Chicago natives have separately taken their talents around the world to perform in some of the most renowned performance halls and symphonies. You will not want to miss a performance with these two remarkable musicians. Register here.

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - American Songbook featuring Demi and Christopher Powell                                                                  Friday, October 18th, 8:00 pm in Perlman Sanctuary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

  NSCI’s very own organist, Christopher Powell, and his incredibly talented partner and vocalist Demi Powell, will be performing American Songbook. This powerhouse duo is married to their musical craft and to each other! Let’s welcome them as they make their NSCI duet debut. Register here.

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Stefan Milenkovich and Marta Aznavoorian                                                                                                          Friday, November 22nd, 8:00 pm in Perlman Sanctuary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Pianist Marta Aznavoorian, a multi-Grammy nominated artist, and Stefan Milenkovich, Serbia’s Artist of the Century, will perform together in a piano and string duet. Both Marta and Stefan took the stage as professional musicians long before reaching the age of 18. With concert credits circling the globe, both artists have gained their fair share of awards and honors, but never before have they come together to perform in our very own Perlman Sanctuary, until now! Register here.               

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Noah Aronson                                                                                                                                                                  Friday, December 13th, 8:00 pm in Perlman Sanctuary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Noah Aronson is a Jewish composer and performer whose music is known worldwide for its spiritual depth and unique ability to engage the community in prayer. He has produced eight full-length albums and song books, including his debut solo album, Am I Awake, and his recently released Anthology in partnership with Transcontinental Music. In addition to touring, Noah facilitates music, movement, and mindfulness workshops, leads retreats in Costa Rica, and teaches online courses through his BeMajor platform.  Register here.
• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Chicago Piano Quartet                                                                                                                                                          Friday, January 10th, 8:00 pm in Perlman Sanctuary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The Chicago Piano Quartet features four of the city’s most acclaimed musicians: violinist Desirée Ruhstrat, cellist David Cunliffe, pianist Marta Aznavoorian, and violist Aurélien Fort Pederzoli. Each member is an artist of international renown. Desirée Ruhstrat has performed throughout the U.S. and Europe, appearing at the White House; Aurélien Fort Pederzoli was a founding member of the groundbreaking, Grammy-nominated Spektral Quartet; David Cunliffe has performed with the BBC and Royal Scottish orchestras; and Marta Aznavoorian has appeared with the Chicago Symphony and has performed at the Kennedy Center and the Sydney Opera House. Register here.
• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Soul Farm and Sari                                                                                                                                                                  Friday, February 21st, 8:00 pm in Perlman Sanctuary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Grammy-winning guitarist C Lanzbom and singer-songwriter Noah Solomon Chase, from the acclaimed Israeli-American band Soulfarm have teamed up with Sari Greenberg, singer, songwriter and actor, who has performed all over the world, to create a truly unique musical experience. Touring together for over six years, Soulfarm & Sari bring you a dynamic blend of Israeli, folk, blues, and pop music and are sure to perform some of your favorite melodies and make you fall in love with new tunes. Register here.
• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Katelyn Vahala and Annie Jacobs-Perkins                                                                                                              Friday, March 21st, 8:00 pm in Perlman Sanctuary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             2023–2024 Piano Spheres Emerging Artist, Katelyn Vahala and 2023 Pierre Fournier Award winner, Annie Jacobs-Perkins will be combining their incredible chamber talents for a magnificent evening of musical genius. These accomplished musicians have wowed audience members; Katelyn with her “wonderfully rhythmic and robust playing” and Annie with her “hypnotic lyricism.” We are thrilled to welcome this exciting combination of artists to NSCI. Register here.
• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Alan Goodis                                                                                                                                                                             Friday, May 2nd, 8:00 pm in Perlman Sanctuary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Alan Goodis is a national touring Jewish musician playing over 150 events a year. Noted for his dedication to building relationships and community through music, Alan travels throughout North America to serve as an artist-in-residence and performer at temples, youth conventions, and Jewish summer camps. Alan and his music have become a fixture at North Shore Congregation Israel and other congregations, URJ camps, and youth events from coast to coast. Register here.                  *This concert is generously funded by the Zollie and Elaine Frank Music Fund.

Recent Music Events

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Ravinia Steans Music Institute 2024 Jazz Fellows           
  Friday, June 14th
• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Fulton Chamber Players: Violinist Addison Teng and Violist Amy Hess              
  Friday, May 17th
• Freedom, Redemption, and Praise: Songs of Interfaith Expression featuring Kol Zimrah Jewish Community Singers                 
  Sunday, April 14th
• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Violinist Joshua Brown and Pianist Marta Aznavoorian                                                                  Friday, March 15th
• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert - Piano 4 Hands                                                                                                                                                         
  Friday, February 23rd
• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Nefesh Mountain Band                                                                                       
  Friday, January 26th
• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Chanukah A Cappella featuring Chicago A Cappella                                                                                       Friday, December 1st                                                                                                                                                             

• Meet Me in a Moment performance in commemoration of Kristallnacht

  Thursday, November 9th                                                                                                                                                       
  This concert held a special meaning as it took place on the night in which we remember Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken        Glass and it presented a unique fusion of classical music and theatrical play.

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Susan Merdinger

  Friday, October 13th                                                                                                                                                                 
  Internationally acclaimed American Steinway Artist Susan Merdinger graced the Perlman Sanctuary with her musical presence following our Kabbalat Shabbat services. Watch the concert on Youtube, here.

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Theme and Variation: The Anatomy of Atonement by Organist Christopher Powell                    Friday, September 1st at 8:00 pm                                                                                                                                                                                                     You can watch a snippet of NSCI's newest organist performing at his first solo concert in the Large Sanctuary, here.         

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Ravinia Steans Music Institute Vocal Fellows

  Friday, August 11th

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Ravinia Steans Music Institute Piano and Strings Fellows

  Friday, July 7th, 2023 

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Ravinia Steans Music Institute 2023 Jazz Fellows                                                                                            Friday, June 9th, 2023                                                                                                                                                                                                          

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Two Columns Harp Duo featuring Eleanor Kirk and Julie Spring

  Friday, May 12th, 2023

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Marta Aznavoorian and Janet Sung

  Friday, March 17th, 2023

• Violins of Hope – Exhibit and Concert

  Thursday, April 20th, 2023

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Duo Mantar – Adam Levin, Guitar and Jacob Reuven, Mandolin

  Friday, January 27th, 2023 at 8:00 pm

•  Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Cello and Piano Soiree

  Friday, November 4th, 2022 at 8:00 pm

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert – Marta Aznavoorian with Two Chicago Symphony Orchestra Players: David Taylor on Violin and Richard Hirschl on Cello

  Friday, December 9th, 2022

• Ravinia's Steans Music Institute Chamber Musicians

  Featuring Fellows from the RSMI 2022 Strings Program
  Friday, July 8th, 2022. Click here to view recording.

• NSCI Presents: A Ravinia Steans Alumni Concert
  Featuring Kyle Orth on piano and special appearance by Rachel Arcega Orth on violin
  Friday, May 13th, 2022. Click here to view recording.
• The Organ Alone and Together: A Unique Instrument for Solo and Accompaniment
  Featuring Cantor David Goldstein and NSCI Organist Paul Vander Weele
  Friday, Feb. 11, 2022. Click here to view recording.
• Casavant Frères Organ (Stone Family Organ) Concert
  Featuring NSCI Organist Paul Vander Weele
  Friday, Dec. 10, 2021. Click here to view recording.

• The Three Davids: Songs of Love and Praise Concert
  Featuring Cantor David Goldstein, Cantor David Margules and David Schane, pianist
  Accompanied by Paula Kosower, cellist
  Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. Click here to view recording.

• Ravinia Steans Music Institute Alum Concert
  Featuring Benjamin Hoffman, violin; Natania Hoffman, cello; and Joel Hoffman, piano
  Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. Click here to view the recording.

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert: Chicago Bassoon Trio
  Featuring Susan Nigro, Elizabeth Heller and Lynette Pralle
  Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. Click here to view the recording.

• Post Kabbalat Shabbat Concert
  Featuring Marta & Ani Aznavoorian
  Friday, Aug. 13, 2021. Click here to view the recording.

• Black Oak Ensemble
  From Bach to Tango: A Celebration of Classics Old and New
  Saturday, June 26, 2021

Meet our Staff

Alan Goodis is a national touring Jewish musician playing over 150 events a year. Born and raised in Toronto, Alan is a proud product of URJ Goldman Union Camp Institute. Noted for his dedication to building relationships and community through music, Alan travels throughout North America to serve as an artist-in-residence and performer at temples, youth conventions, and Jewish summer camps. Alan and his music have become a fixture at North Shore Congregation Israel and other congregations, URJ camps, and youth events from coast to coast. Alan lives in Chicago with his wife, Codi, and their dog Wally.

Christopher Powell is a Juilliard School–trained organist and serves as the Director of Sacred Music and the organist at the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe at Marytown in Libertyville, IL. He is also North Shore Congregation Israel's new organist. Christopher studied organ performance with Grammy Award–winning organist Paul Jacobs. He has also performed in master classes and lessons with Alan Morrison, Ken Cowan, Wilma Jensen, Cameron Carpenter, and Stephen Roberts. Christopher is the recipient of silver and bronze medals in composition from the Global Music Awards competition. His work ranges from opera and chamber music to functional liturgical music. When not at the organ, Christopher enjoys painting, bike rides, and gigging with his wife, Demi, as house entertainers for Cellar 26 restaurant in Green Oaks, IL.

Gregory Shifrin is a world-renowned pianist and a graduate of the Jerusalem Academy of Music in Israel. He moved to Chicago in 2005. He is a collaborative pianist for Glenbrook South High School, New Trier High School, Music Institute of Chicago Chorale, the Unitarian Church of Evanston, and the Chicago Youth Choral Theater. Performing in a piano duo with Irina Kotlyar, they won the 7th Murray Dranoff International Two Piano Competition in Miami, Florida (1999) and the 1st International Two Piano Competition in Poland (1999), and they were among the three finalists of the 49th International competition of the ARD in Munich, Germany (2000). Gregory lives in Vernon Hills with his wife, Kira, and two sons, Itamar and Ariel. 

Music Groups with Cantor Goldstein

Holy Chanters

Tuesdays from 12:00–1:00 pm via Zoom

December 6 & 13; January 3, 17 & 31; March 14

Learn to chant with Cantor Goldstein on your lunch break! This session of Holy Chanters will focus on the cantillation of the sacred texts for the three festivals: Ecclesiastes (Sukkot), Song of Songs (Passover), and Ruth (Shavuot). Click here to register.
 
Shir Chadash
Rehearsal: Mondays at 7:00–8:30 pm – November 28; December 5

Shabbat Worship: Friday, December 9 (5 pm rehearsal; 6:15pm service)
Join Cantor Goldstein at NSCI and meet friends who love to sing or play a musical instrument. Shir Chadash adult choir provides a rich harmony to enhance our worship experience and help create sacred moments during Shabbat, celebrations and commemorations! Our repertoire includes a variety of traditional and new genres. Please contact Sarah to register.
 
Healing Service – Wednesdays at 8:00 pm on Facebook
Wednesdays at 8:00 pm – November 9, December 7

Join Cantor Goldstein for a quiet and contemplative Healing Service. Whether seeking support in navigating the circumstances in which we or our loved ones find themselves, together we can create a quiet, gentle time for prayer, meditation, and song that focuses on healing and wholeness.

You can now submit a name to be included in the upcoming service. Submissions will be used as long as they have been received by 11:59 PM on the Tuesday (day) before the service. Click here to submit a name. Click here for the service packet.

Jewish Jammers 
No dates at this time
Gather together with Cantor Goldstein for an in-person, socially distanced jam session at NSCI! Bring your guitar, bass, harmonica, ukulele, or other instrument and a piece of music to play with the group (we'll provide the drums). *Masks must be worn at all times while inside the synagogue. This program is open to congregants and is only for musicians; there will be no audience. Please contact Sarah to register.