Singing once again, Ne’imah chorus seeks singers, plans rehearsals

The Ne’imah Jewish Community Chorus has announced that on Sunday, Oct. 23, it will resume its rehearsal schedule on Sunday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Rehearsals will be at B’nai Sholom Synagogue, 420 Whitehall Rd., Albany.  

After a long hiatus due to COVID, Ne’imah is now reaching out to bring in new singers (sopranos, altos, tenors and basses) to join the chorus, according to chorus organizers.  

Ne’imah President Sherry Kearns, reports that she first learned about Ne’imah when her mother saw an ad in The Jewish World, many years ago, and told her about it. Kearns said that, “she never knew there was such a thing as a Jewish community chorus. It became a game changer! I have made many new friends over the years and it is fantastic that Jewish music is the common thread between us.” 

Founded in 1992 by Rosemary Lindsider, formerly of Albany, Ne’imah became an independent, not-for-profit corporation in 1997. Ne’imah is the Hebrew word for “melody and “being pleasant.” The chorus welcomes singers of any religion or synagogue affiliation from throughout the Capital District. Its mission is to acquaint, educate and enrich the Jewish and non-Jewish community with the variety and richness of the Jewish choral music repertoire.  

Many will enjoy the opportunity  to enjoy the camaraderie and to sing Jewish music together in Hebrew, English, Ladino and Yiddish, Kearns said. 

The Ne’imah Board has established guidelines for all members: A negative COVID 19 rapid test before every rehearsal. The chorus has a source for free test kits, which will be provided to members as needed for this purpose. This testing will be on the honor system. Also, all singers are required to wear an N95 (or the like) or a singing mask to rehearsal.  No cloth or paper masks. Vaccination is not required, although strongly encouraged.

“We have verified that our rehearsal space at B’nai Shalom is adequately ventilated,” said Kearns. Kearns at 518-371-5066 can provide more information and discuss with prospective chorus singers their interest in joining Ne’imah.