Pizmon (which in Hebrew means "chorus" or "refrain") is a Jewish a cappella singing group whose energetic music has traveled the globe, touching communities of all ages. Affiliated with both Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, Pizmon is now finishing its tenth year. Originally, Pizmon was established by four friends wanting to perform Jewish music in nursing homes. In recent years, the group and its purpose have grown and the ensemble is now 15 members strong.
Pizmon performs frequently in the New York Metropolitan area at both Jewish and non-Jewish events on Columbia's campus, as well as at nursing homes, synagogues and schools. Pizmon has appeared at numerous community events including the Jewish Collegiate Festival of the Performing Arts, the Salute to Israel Parade, the Hillel Leader's Assembly, the Israeli Dance Festival, and the National Jewish Democratic Council. Pizmon's diverse repertoire includes traditional melodies, 50's rock-style music, modern Israeli music, Yiddish songs, some English songs about Jewish subjects, and even Arabic, many of which are original arrangements and compositions.
As in its infancy, Pizmon is constantly dedicated to Jewish outreach and education. Through musical performances and Jewish identity workshops, Pizmon has affected Jews and non-Jews the world over, exposing them to part of a culture they may have all but forgotten existed. In traveling to schools and US communities, Pizmon has helped to strengthen identities among all the generations by singing for and working with children, adults and seniors in various capacities.
Over Columbia's spring vacations in 1992, 1993, and 1994, Pizmon traveled to Eastern Europe, in hopes of helping to spark a rebirth of European Jewish identity. This endeavor took the group to Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Austria -- socializing and speaking informally with community members who yearned for a stronger kesher (link) to modern Jewish culture, and of course, singing. In the Spring of 1995, Pizmon chose to focus its energies in North America, traveling in Michigan, greater Chicago, and St. Louis, as well as to Washington, D.C. to perform at the International Hillel Layperson Contributor's Gala. In January of 1996, Pizmon traveled to Israel to perform at the international conference of the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS). In the Spring of 1996, as a result of the WUJS co nference, Pizmon reached the Jews of England. This past spring, Pizmon shared its music with the Southern US in New Orleans, Houston, and Atlanta.
In 1992, Pizmon released its first tape of exciting Jewish music. Our second recording was released in the spring of 1995, and a third recording was just released this past February. Pizmon is a non-profit organization, completely self funded by the sales of CD's and cassettes, and donations from concerts. Members include students from Columbia University, Barnard College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
Pizmon is deeply grateful to the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, the Dorot Foundation, Tikun Olam, the Pitt family and BBH/JACY, as well as the many generous individuals who made the trips to Europe possible.
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