It is with great joy and excitement that we welcome Alyssa (Lys) Davidson as the new Director of Choral Arts at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, following in the footsteps of our beloved Hazzan David Tilman, who retired this past year.
Lys brings a rich and dynamic background in music education and Jewish choral leadership. She currently serves as the Choral and Theater Director at Jenkintown Middle/High School and leads numerous ensembles, including both youth and adult groups. She is also the founder of Flutterbye Theater Company, a nonprofit dedicated to innovative children’s musical theater.
Lys has been a musical presence at KI over many years, inspiring generations through her talent, energy, and deep love of Jewish music. As the daughter of the well-known and beloved Cantor Charles Davidson, her connection to Jewish music runs deep. This year, we will be honoring that legacy in a particularly meaningful way as we present The Hush of Midnight—a powerful musical work written by her father. This moving piece will be a highlight of our High Holy Day season and one of many opportunities to witness the creative spirit that Lys brings to our community.
Our upcoming choral year includes a variety of special Shabbat services and concerts, including:
• Saturday, September 13 – Selichot – The Hush of Midnight
• Friday, November 14 – Modern Music of Israel Shabbat
• Friday, December 19 – Rebecca Songs Hanukkah Service with Cantorial Soloist Rebecca Schwartz
Whether you are a longtime member of Shir KI or have been thinking about joining, this is the perfect time to lend your voice. Joining the choir is a meaningful way to strengthen our community and connect more deeply with our tradition. Please join us in giving Lys a warm welcome and come be a part of this exciting new chapter in our musical life together.
Our first rehearsal will be Tuesday, August 5 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel. We look forward to raising our voices with you in song.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Cantor Amy Levy
Click Here for a Full Shir KI Fall Rehearsal Schedule!
