Join Hazzan Krausman and Chairs Bruce & Pam Friedlander and Joel & Mary Rich for an incredible afternoon of music by Nefesh Mountain in support of the Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund.

Click here for tickets, donations and sponsorship opportunities.
Sponsorships received by May 2 will be acknowledged in the concert program.

Click below to enjoy some Nefesh Mountain music:

• Esa Einai
• On And On (L'dor Vador)
• A Mighty Roar
• Old Time Medley (Down To The River To Pray/ Modeh Ani/ Hallelujah)
• Oseh Shalom
• Ready For The Times To Get Better
• Hine Ma Tov
• Tree Of Life
• What Light (Wilco)

Nefesh Mountain Comes to Beth El - Jewish Press, April 26, 2024
by Hazzan Michael Krausman

Jewish musicians are constantly preoccupied with two questions: What is Jewish music? What is American Jewish music? In the 19th century, singer, composer, and researcher Alfred Sendry attempted to answer the first question by compiling an extensive bibliography of all known Jewish music. The answer to the latter question may be embodied by the New York-based Progressive Americana group, Nefesh Mountain. You can experience their music for yourself as Nefesh Mountain will be the featured artist at our upcoming Cantor's Concert, live and in person, at Beth El's beautifully renovated sanctuary on Sunday, May 19 at 4:00 pm.

The Nefesh Mountain website states: "The band's creators and dynamic husband and wife duo, Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff, have crafted a unique world and sound, blurring the lines between Americana, Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz, and Blues with their masterful skills as songwriters, instrumentalists, and composers. The band, hailed as "A Powerhouse Unit" by Rolling Stone and praised for their "Introspective lyrics and world-class musicianship" by American Songwriter, takes listeners on a deeply personal journey that embodies their wild nature and free spirits, blending compositional prowess and prolific songwriting with skillful instrumentals and jams.

Since their formation almost a decade ago, Nefesh Mountain has proudly embraced and shared their background and heritage as Jewish Americans. They are among the first preeminent Americana/Bluegrass bands to infuse Jewish tradition and soul into the diverse tapestry of American roots music. For them, music is a reflection of their American identity, while also addressing the hate, discrimination, anti-Semitism, and racism that still exist in America and the world today. [The couple], along with their band, continue to forge new paths in uncharted territory, armed with Zasloff and Lindberg's strong, smokey, and folksy vocals, and Lindberg's soulful and masterful skills on guitar and banjo."

As in the past, proceeds from the concert will benefit the Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund, which enables students to attend Jewish summer programs of all denominations. Jewish summer camps provide fertile ground for nurturing and developing Jewish spirit, identity, and commitment. By purchasing a ticket or sponsoring this event, you not only get to enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of entertainment, but you also invest in the future of our communal leadership.

The concert chairs, Pam and Bruce Friedlander, and Mary and Joel Rich, along with the entire team at Beth El, are working hard to produce this outstanding concert. Pam and Bruce stated, "We believe that Jewish summer camp is a blessing for our youth, especially in today's world. Camp allows for lasting friendships to form, and many families are asking for assistance. Our kids need the foundation we started, and we cannot remain silent."

It is fitting that this effort is presented in memory of Seth Rich, who was a part of our Beth El family. Seth attended Camp Ramah in Wisconsin for six years, participated in the Ramah Seminar in Israel, and served as a staff member in Wisconsin for two years. He also attended Camp Sabra for one year. He was an outstanding example of how attending Jewish summer camps can benefit individuals, our communities, and the entire country.

As the Cantor of Beth El, I have three goals in producing these annual concerts: to provide an exceptional and unique Jewish musical experience for the Omaha community, to establish Beth El as a premier venue for Jewish music concerts, and to ensure that any student who wants to can attend a summer program. I am a huge fan of Nefesh Mountain, and I am confident that you will become one as well. Their passionate, soulful, and uplifting music fulfills all my wishes and more!

Rabbi Steven Abraham  Beth El’s spiritual leader puts it this way, “I am incredibly thankful to Hazzan Krausman and the concert committee for all the work they do to put on our annual cantor’s concert. Jewish summer camp benefits our students, their families, Beth El and the entire Omaha Jewish community. We are extremely lucky to be able to provide these funds to further our student’s Jewish identity. I look forward to seeing you and hearing from the amazing Nefesh Mountain Band. Steven Abraham, Rabbi”

In keeping with their dynamic and inclusive style, Doni and Eric have invited our fabulous BESTT Religious School students to join them on stage at this incredible concert. When talking about our concert, Doni stated, “We are so thrilled to be coming to Omaha with our band and to share our music with the community. In such difficult times music can really heal and bring us all together.. we hope this concert can bring some Light and Love to everyone and we just can’t wait.”

While individual tickets start at $18, there are various sponsorship opportunities available. Click here to purchase tickets and  sponsorships. You can also email me at hazzankrausman@bethel-omah.org or call the Beth El synagogue office at 402-492-8550 for more information.