LA Musician Brings Jazz to Israeli School

The Arad Conservatory, located in Israel’s Negev Desert, welcomed Los Angeles-based jazz musician and performer Tamir Hendelman, who led a workshop for about 50 of its students. 

Thanks to the support of Arizona-based philanthropists Susan and Lee Berk, Hendelman gave them a first-hand introduction to jazz improvisation. 

“We talked a lot about how jazz invites each musician to express themselves through improvisation, and to create a harmonious groove together,” Hendelman, who is founder of the Spirit of Israel Ensemble, told the Journal. “We embellish existing songs with our own rhythms, and play with the timing of melodies we love.”

The exercises in improvisation complimented the classical education they receive at the conservatory,  which is located in a remote region of Israel. 

“I was inspired by hearing the principal tell the students that even though they’re mostly classically trained, they should open their minds to doing things in a new way,” Hendelman said. “It was really heartwarming to see the young students in Arad learning and blossoming musically and to see the work that is being done to bring more arts and culture to [the area].”

Lee Berk, a former president of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and his wife Susan both serve on Jewish National Fund-USA’s Arts & Entertainment Task Force; its purpose is to enrich living opportunities in Israel’s emerging communities. They have been admirers of  Hendelman for years. When they discovered he would be traveling to Israel, the Berks offered to sponsor the trip. “When he informed us he would be in Israel in the period ahead, it seemed like that was a ‘meant to be” opportunity,” Lee Berk told the Journal.

Hendelman is an Israeli who moved to the United States at the age of 12. Returning to Israel with the Berks’ support and partnering with JNF-USA and the Arad Conservatory was a meaningful and enriching experience for him, as well. 

“The Berks are true music lovers who have been hosting jazz and classical music series in their community,” Hendelman said. “Through our friendship and their connection to Jewish National Fund-USA, we thought it would be really beautiful to organize an opportunity for the students of Arad to meet a professional musician and learn a different style of music … Susan and I know from Arad’s great achievement with its Conservatory of Music and many other projects undertaken in collaboration with JNF-USA support that this community has a bright future,” Berk said. “Connecting the Conservatory to the broader music world in Israel and beyond can only assist its educational growth in a positive way, benefiting teachers and students, and elevating the Arad Conservatory of Music as a major cultural asset of this community.”

Hendelman’s visit provided inspiration and motivation for both the students and teachers at the Conservatory. Exposure to his experience as a performer, recording artist and composer could only broaden the vision of those at the Conservatory as to what is possible. 

Now, Hendelman and the Berks will continue to partner to bring art and culture to the Phoenix Jewish community as well as the people of Arad through a variety of concert and workshop opportunities.

“The jazz tradition invites everyone into the musical conversation, and in it, we all get to compose instantly and interact to create music in the moment,” – Tamir Hendelman

“The jazz tradition invites everyone into the musical conversation, and in it, we all get to compose instantly and interact to create music in the moment,” Hendelmen said. “Jazz originated in America but has embraced music from around the world. It’s very inclusive in that whatever level you are at, if you open your ears, get to know the songs and explore, you are welcome into the musical conversation.”