Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Celebrates 275th Anniversary of KKBE and 200 Years of Reform Judaism in America

HUC-JIR Faculty and Cantorial students joined in music with Koleinu, KKBE’s choir, and musicians from the Charleston community for a night of celebration through music.
Photo credit: Jack Alterman

For Congregation Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim’s (KKBE) 275th anniversary celebration, HUC-JIR was honored to collaborate on a special cantorial concert honoring 200 years of Reform Judaism in music and spoken word. This event was a celebration of spiritual resilience and musical history, reflecting the enduring legacy of Reform Judaism.

As part of this significant milestone, students and faculty from The Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music traveled to Charleston, SC to perform with local musicians. The festivities commenced with a Kabbalat Shabbat evening service, followed by a d’var Torah offered by Provost Rabbi Andrea Weiss, Ph .D. at the Sat morning service. The weekend’s highlight was the Cantorial Concert which was a magnificent tribute, weaving together the musical fabric of the Jewish community.

As future Jewish clergy, the chance to join with this historic congregation in song, prayer, and celebration was a true gift. Beyond merely giving honor to the important milestone moment in the continued history of KKBE, we were able to connect with a tradition, both religious and musical, that has rippled out to congregations across the country. We will treasure this opportunity to experience, participate in, and contribute to the legacy of this institution in Reform Judaism, and will hold close the connections we made with this community throughout our current and future leadership.
— Sierra Fox, HUC-JIR DFSSM Cantorial Ordination Class of 2025, Cantorial Intern, Park Avenue Synagogue

A tribute full of love and purpose, the concert featured performances by five of HUC-JIR’s talented cantorial students and faculty, including Cantor Jill Abramson, Director of the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, Professor Joyce Rosenzweig, Professor of Practice in Jewish Music and Performance, as well as cantorial students, Lauren Blasband-Roth, Shayna Burack, Justin Callis, Sarina Elenbogen-Siegel, and Sierra Fox. Joining them were Koleinu, KKBE’s choir, and musicians from the Charleston community, creating a harmonious blend of voices and instruments.

Five of HUC-JIR’s talented cantorial students and HUC-JIR faculty, including Cantor Jill Abramson, Director of the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, Professor Joyce Rosenzweig, Lauren Blasband-Roth, Shayna Burack, Justin Callis, Sarina Elenbogen-Siegel, and Sierra Fox.
Photo credit: Jack Alterman

Participating in this milestone celebration was a profound experience that allowed me to bring the timeless beauty of sacred Jewish music to the heart of the Charleston community. It was an honor to contribute to a tradition that not only enriches our spiritual lives but also unites us across generations and cultures. Through this concert, I felt deeply connected to both the historic roots and the living spirit of our heritage, and I was moved by the collective joy and reflection it inspired in all who attended.
— Shayna Burack, HUC-JIR DFSSM Cantorial Ordination Class of 2025, Student Cantor, Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel

HUC-JIR extends a heartfelt thanks to all those who participated, including Rabbi Stephanie Alexander ’03, Rabbi at KKBE who orchestrated the collaboration. Additionally, thank you to Cantor Abramson and Professor Rosenzweig for their visionary planning, creation, and performance of a truly magnificent concert. The joy and camaraderie among the cantorial students and KKBE was palpable as they celebrated the success of their fellow musicians. Mazal tov to KKBE and everyone who contributed to marking this milestone event.

Photo Credits: Jack Alterman