Songleader Boot Camp

On February 16–18, a delegation of 18 a delegation of 18 JTS undergraduate and graduate students and staff traveled to this year’s energizing Songleader Boot Camp in St. Louis, where they connected with a multitude of JTS alumni and shared their voices in Torah and song. Led by nationally renowned Jewish thought leaders, educators, and music artists, the annual conference provides powerful Jewish leadership training to both new and veteran songleaders.

As one of the conference’s sponsors, JTS was honored to be involved in so many aspects of the weekend. On February 17, JTS hosted a tisch, where 12 of our students, including List College, Rabbinical, and Cantorial students, presented offerings, giving divrei Torah and leading and sharing niggunim. This included many of their own original pieces.

Many members of the JTS community also performed and led sessions throughout the conference. Rabbi Joel Seltzer, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, and Rabbi Annie Lewis, Director of Recruitment and Admissions for Religious and Educational Leadership and Assistant Dean of First Year Rabbinical Students, appeared together on a panel called “Clergy Career Opportunities.” Throughout the three-day gathering, JTS alums and students found many opportunities to gather together to sing and be in community, bonding over their shared passion for Jewish music.

Rabbi Joel Seltzer shared how special it was to be at the conference. “I had an incredible time at Songleader Boot Camp, relishing every moment of the experience. From playing my guitar with fellow alums to connecting with prospective students and singing alongside current JTS undergraduate and graduate students, it was an overwhelmingly joyful and energizing experience that left me feeling inspired and connected.”

We’re already looking forward to attending next year’s conference!