On May 3, members of the Cantors Assembly will convene for their 68th annual convention for inspiration, education, and relaxation. The annual event has been held across the United States, in Israel, Poland, and Germany, and is scheduled for Spain in summer 2016. This is the second time that Chicago has played host to this exhilarating event.

“The impact of the annual convention has been most keenly felt by our members and their community synagogues, as they return refreshed and infused with new ideas, music and approaches to celebrating our faith,” said Cantor Steven Stoehr of Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, one of this year’s co-chairs. “However, such as when we have traveled internationally to Poland and Germany, we have come to learn that the local communities have benefitted as well. Each time we share music with a local Jewish or non-Jewish choir, visit historic sites, share in dialogue with religious and governmental leaders, we believe that our voices are intricately blended with those of the citizens in that locale. When we can dialogue and truly get to know the other, then we have a non-fighting chance to find solutions to common needs, desires, dreams, and visions.”

During this year’s convention, each day will climax with an evening concert. The week will kick off with local Maxwell Street Klezmer Band. The Wednesday night gala will be held at the Anshe Emet Synagogue in Chicago and will feature local jazz talents such as master harmonica player Howard Levy, and an array of national Cantorial talent. Combined with Anshe Emet’s annual Dr. Arnold H. Kaplan Concert, the Anshe Emet congregation will honor Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi as he assumes the office of International President of the Cantors Assembly.

The Cantors Assembly has been in dialogue with Chicago Pastor, Chris Harris Sr., leader of Bright Star Church in the Bronzeville community. They are planning to hold a joint concert to benefit the Bronzeville Dream Center, a vision which Pastor Harris has set for his community based on NATAL, a shelter center which he visited on a previous trip to Israel. The Center is dedicated to serving the community with counseling and other social services aimed at minimizing negative factors that cause violence, and increasing protective influences that yield positive outcomes.

During the conference, the cantors will be holding educational classes, listening to local Jewish communal educators and leaders such as Rabbi Benay Lappe, Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann, Ben Sidran, Dr. Robert Bastian, and Dr. Steven B. Nasatir, JUF president. Evenings will culminate with a late night presentation of everything from Chicago jazz and blues to comedy, and allow everyone to relax and enjoy some social time. Day passes and concert tickets are also available to the public.

Anyone is welcome to register for the convention. Contact the Cantors Assembly national offices at (330) 864-8533 or visit www.cantors.org for more information.