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Register by phone at 608-442-4081, or via mail / in-person at Jewish Social Services, 6300 Enterprise Lane, #309, Madison, WI 53719. The program costs $30 per person. You can print out the registration form here: Levy Registration Form

Cantor Jacob Niemi, Temple Beth El – Madison, WI

Cantor Jacob Niemi has served on the clergy team at Temple Beth El in Madison since the summer of 2019. He earned a BA in Sacred Music with a minor in Hebrew language from Florida State University in 2013. He continued his cantorial studies at the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, earning a master’s degree in Sacred Music in 2017 and ordination as a cantor in 2018. Cantor Niemi is also a prolific songwriter, with several melodies composed for Jewish sacred texts (especially liturgy), as well as songs with his own original text.

“What is ‘Traditional’ Jewish Music?: Exploring the Intersections of Music and Memory in Jewish Life”

What makes a melody “traditional”? In this interactive and music-filled session, Cantor Niemi explores how Jewish music evolves across generations – and how the songs we carry become powerful vessels of memory, identity, and belonging. Through storytelling, live musical examples, and our own reflections, we will discover how melodies from the synagogue, summer camp, and beyond come to feel timeless. Together, we will consider what we have inherited, as well as how we help shape the traditions of the future.

Lunch: Seasonal Fruit Plate, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins choice of entrée: Baked Salmon with Lemon Beurre Blanc or Vegetable Phyllo with Marinara and Crème Fraiche, Au Gratin Potatoes, Asparagus, and Baby Carrots
Dessert: Assorted Cookies and Bars