An ensemble of Toronto-based musicians joined by an international guest will record a collection of 10 songs, including original compositions by Aviva Chernick and traditional melodies rearranged collaboratively by the group. The repertoire is from a variety of moments in the cycle of Jewish life including welcoming the Sabbath Bride and preparing for the New Year. The music is created to invite you, the listener, to join in song. It is equally conducive to meditation, for playing in the car on a long drive and for sharing with others at a holiday or life-cycle gathering.  This music is meant to deepen the listener’s experience of the Divine in a way that is welcoming and embracing while connecting community through song, spirit and delight.

An intensive rehearsal and arranging period began on December 8, 2011, hosted by Temple Emanu-El in Toronto in their beautiful, resonant sanctuary.

The album will be released in the fall of 2012. All will be invited to raise their voices in song as well as to close their eyes and listen to the soaring sounds of this delicious music. The music has blossomed with many opportunities to share it with a diverse group of participants of all ages and faiths. Why not check back in to see what is new on the adventure. We look forward to sharing it all with you.

PROJECT HISTORY

Aviva has performed devotional music for and lead participatory sessions with communities across North America including:

• singing together with congregants and communities throughout Toronto (Temple Emanu-El, Shaarei Beth El Congregation, First Narayever Congregation, The Little Minyan, Makom, Pride of Israel Synagogue, Limmud Toronto, Tikkun Leil Shavuot at the Miles Nadal JCC)
• leading a popular monthly music-infused Kabbalat Shabbat service – Shabbat Fusion – at Holy Blossom
• leading an original Slichot service in an overflowing room of participants at the Ashkenaz Festival in 2010 in Toronto
• leading an audience of over 1000 at Friday Night Live with Craig Taubman at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles
• Kabbalat Shabbat services and a follow – up Freeing the Voice class with Congregation Beit Haverim in Atlanta

ABOUT AVIVA CHERNICK

Aviva Chernick is a Shlichat Tzibur and Cantorial Soloist, facilitating prayer with congregations in and around Toronto and as a guest across North America including Congregation Beit Haverim in Atlanta and with Craig Taubman at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. She has been composing world music for tefilah/prayer, developing this music with congregations and with an ensemble of Canada’s foremost World Music makers.

Aviva is the lead singer for the Juno nominated ensemble Jaffa Road, with whom she continues to tour, performing Hebrew and Ladino original and traditional melodies across the continent. She is also the co-creator of the Canadian Folk Awards Nominated The Huppah Project. She is the co-composer of an original version of Lo Yisa Goy, which won the 2010 John Lennon International Songwriting Award for World Music. Aviva is also a Hatha Yoga teacher, combining her yoga and voice practices to specialize in teaching workshops entitled Freeing the Voice.

ABOUT THE ENSEMBLE

Joshua Skye Engel — mandolin, guitar, harmonium
Aaron Lightstone — oud, guitar, saz, sitar
Ernie Tollar — wood flutes, silver flute, saxophone, clarinet
Joel Schwartz — guitar, resonator
Rakesh Tewari — percussion
Naghmeh Farahmand — percussion
Gurpreet Chana — tabla drums, cajon

Guests:
Yair Dalal — oud, violin
A chorus of singers from Toronto