Rabbi's Chayva's Chat

On a dark, rainy Wednesday evening, within the stained-glass glow of Congregation Beth Sholom’s chapel, Joey Weisenberg raised his voice and his conducting hand, leading forty congregants and clergy in song. It was a gathering unlike any other: some attendees traveled from as far as Los Gatos and Palo Alto, and this exact group will never come together again. Yet, for two hours, our voices wove together into a singular, organic choir.

Joey is a remarkable musician and teacher, and I’m thrilled Am Tikvah could bring this event to the greater San Francisco Jewish community. More than just an inspiring evening, it was an invitation for us to embrace Joey’s vision of more soulful, participatory singing in our services. Whether through a traditional niggun (wordless melody), a meditative chant, or a Debbie Friedman classic on guitar, the goal is the same: to build the energy in the room until it hums, lifting our hearts through song. If you’re curious to learn how to lead different types of Jewish music—niggunim, nusach, or chant—I encourage you to check out Joey’s online master classes or attend his workshop tonight at Urban Adamah, starting at 7 p.m.

Our congregation contains a spectrum of musical tastes and preferences—more diverse than we often acknowledge. That’s why my biggest takeaway wasn’t just Joey’s ability to weave old and new melodies or his creative renditions of Etz Chaim Hee and Ashrei. What struck me most was his anavah—the humility and openness he brought to the room, creating a space free of judgment.

Joey shared that, after visiting hundreds of synagogues, he’s learned one fundamental truth: everyone is right. Whether you love folksy guitar songs, keening wordless melodies, or anything in between, each expression has a place. When we approach Jewish music with that same openness and curiosity, we, too, can be uplifted and transformed by its beauty.