Mifgash Musicale is a summer institute for synagogue musicians of all types — singers, accompanists, choir directors, etc. A joint program of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in conjunction with the American Conference of Cantors (ACC) and the Guild of Temple Musicians (GTM), Mifgash Musicale is designed for people who have some experience leading worship but want to engage in more in-depth study of a variety of subjects relevant to leading musical worship.

Experts in the field of Jewish music and liturgy lead attendees in a 5-day program of study exploring topics such as liturgy, repertoire, cantillation, nusach and choral conducting. Activities range from lectures, classroom study, and practical workshops to daily t'filah, not to mention regular chances to network and socialize. With at least one faculty member for every ten attendees, the learning atmosphere is small and friendly, with opportunities for individualized coaching and personal interaction with staff.

Updated on a regular basis to reflect both changes in current practice and the feedback of past attendees, the program is designed to explore the topics of interest within one of three liturgical contexts -- Sabbath, Three Festivals, or High Holy Days -- on a rotating annual basis.

The five-day Mifgash Musicale experience will help you:

• broaden your musical knowledge and further explore the depths and nuances of our rich musical heritage, including the modes that sustain our prayer chants
• strengthen your understanding of liturgy and gain practical experience in the design and evaluation of worship experiences
• survey repertoire of varying styles, both old and new, and potentially interact directly with important composers of Jewish sacred music
• meet, connect, and worship with other dedicated synagogue musicians from across North America who share your passion for Jewish music
• better serve your congregation through better worship

Mifgash Musicale is quite simply some of the best education in Jewish sacred music this side of HUC's 5-year cantorial program of study. If you are strongly connected to the provision of music for a URJ Congregation, this exceptional program is for you!