Sold-out concerts raise funds for vulnerable Israelis

New York-based cantor Azi Schwartz performed to a sold-out audience at St Kilda Shule on August 7, raising funds for Israeli families displaced by conflict.

The Israeli-American Chazzan appeared alongside St Kilda Shule’s Chazzan Brett Kaye and the synagogue’s choir.

Schwartz, who serves as senior cantor at the Masorti Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City, also performed in Sydney the previous night, with all proceeds from both concerts supporting The Joint’s work in Israel.

The Joint (American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee) works to strengthen Israeli society, particularly for vulnerable populations, by providing a range of social services and programs.

The concerts were sponsored by the Gandel Foundation

“We wanted to give our community something to uplift and inspire and Azi and Brett delivered in spades. It was a breathtaking concert experience,” St Kilda Shule’s Rabbi Yaakov Glasman said.

This is Schwartz’s first visit to Australia, following an invitation from Rabbi Glasman and Chazzan Kaye to organise the fundraising concerts.

“They organised this magnificent gathering of community, people from different parts of the community here, showing support for unity, for Jewish music, and for supporting an important cause of Israeli families who’ve been homeless and need to rebuild their lives,” Schwartz said.

The vocal performer and recording artist described his role as connecting communities through music during challenging times.

“When you think about the role of a cantor, it’s someone who represents the community. It’s all about the connection,” he said.

The cantor performed an eclectic mix of cantorial music, Yiddish songs and Israeli pieces, acknowledging the difficult period facing Jewish communities worldwide.

“Unfortunately in our time, I understand now, especially in Australia, it’s a very tough and scary time for the Jewish community, and I think it’s important to get together to express ourselves in music and in prayer,” he said.

Schwartz praised Australian audiences, saying “You were the best. Really, people are so warm and welcoming and very appreciative.”

He noted similarities between the experiences of Jewish communities in Australia and New York, describing “a real identity crisis” where “this hatred comes from nowhere, this very old hatred, and it’s scary and concerning.”

Despite his brief visit, Schwartz found time to explore Sydney’s coastline on a rented motorbike, though he admitted it was “very confusing riding on the left side of the road.”

“I’m in love with Australia now and I absolutely have to come back, I have to bring my wife and my kids here. But I haven’t seen a kangaroo yet, so there’s still work to do” he said.