Chailites
Your source for Jewish
Choral Music in Roanoke, Virginia
10 years and going strong!
Director: Andy Friedman
Our Mission
The Temple Emanuel Chorus (aka "The Chailites") exists to enrich and enhance the religious/cultural/historical experience of the congregation through Jewish song with and without instrumental accompaniment and on occasion with instruments alone.
A Brief History
The chorus was founded by then Temple Emanuel Rabbi Frank Muller in the fall of '94. Rabbi Muller recruited singers from both the reform Temple Emanuel and the conservative Beth Israel Synagogue. Our original repertoire consisted of unison singing and simple rounds accompanied by guitar. In effort to establish a name for our group prior to our first performance (Chanukah dinner of '94), Rabbi jokingly coined the term "Chailites" and the name stuck. Under Rabbi Muller's energetic leadership the Chailites participated in their first High Holiday service within the first year.
With the departure of Rabbi Muller in late '95, member singer Andy Friedman assumed leadership. Soon thereafter, in consultation with former Cantor Al Levin, a standard Shabbat service repertoire was developed and sung on a monthly basis. Thanks to the encouragement of then Temple Emanuel Board and the congregants as a whole, the Chailites helped bridge the time gap between Rabbis.
Since the arrival of our current Rabbi, Kathy Cohen in spring of '96 - along with continued support from the board - the chorus has become an integral part of Temple life. Through the efforts of director Andy Friedman and the dedication of the singers, the repertoire of the chorus has evolved to mixed a capella choral singing, highlighted by appearances at Roanoke's Local Colors (a multi-cultural celebration) in Spring of '97 and '98 as well as performances of classic High Holiday choral repertoire.
In the fall of '98 the chorus took a major role in an innovative musical approach to the High Holiday services which drew upon congregational talent for soloists and utilized music spanning the ages. During the summer of '99, thru the generous support of the Temple Board and the local Jewish community at large, the chorus again broke new ground by being the first representatives of SW Virginia to attend the North American Jewish Choral Festival. In December of '99 the chorus performed music for a PBS video focusing on Chanukah which was broadcast regionally.
As the '01-'02 season progresses, the chorus will continue to refine the Shabbat service and expand its repertoire of concert/festival music. Congregants who attend our monthly Shabbat performances can look forward to the introduction of new music from our expanding repertoire as well as old favorites.
The Chailites need soprano and altos! If you can carry a tune (even better if you read music), PLEASE contact Andy Friedman.
Link Up With Us!
- Member Roster
- Membership
- Schedule
- Links to other relevant music sites
- Tara Music - lots of recorded and sheet music to buy
- Transcontinental Music - publisher of Jewish music
- Zamir Chorale of Boston - loads of recorded music and links to other important music sites
