Known for their dynamic repertoire, Rak Shalom blends traditional Jewish melodies with contemporary pop ballads. Having just returned from a tour in Chicago and a recent win in the Northeast Hillel A Cappella Tournament hosted at the University of Maryland, the group held their spring concert on May 4 at the Stamp Student Union. The group delivered a performance that was as emotionally provocative as it was musically compelling.
The concert opened with senior Talia Moshman and freshman Mali Blanka harmonizing on an arrangement of “Teisha Neshamot.” Their voices blended together beautifully in a tone that interested the audience right from the beginning. Blanka’s rich alto gave the song a feeling of steadiness and emotional depth, and Moshman’s lighter soprano lended an essence of longing and passion.
The group continued to showcase their musicality with a hauntingly beautiful mash-up of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” and Yaakov Shwekey’s rendition of “Im Eshkachech,” combining contemporary folk with timeless spiritual melodies. Soloists Orrin Berkeley, Nate Shemony and Liv Herman provided emotional depth and vocal texture to the piece, delivering an extremely moving performance.
One of the night’s most powerful moments came courtesy of senior Dani Schwartz, who gave a breathtaking solo of May Sfadia’s “Instinctim Shel Rechov.” Schwartz’s soprano infused the emotionally charged song and captivated the audience with steadfast emotion and vocal dedication.
Junior Anna Turk Karan delivered a stunning performance of Rihanna’s iconic song “Stay,” offering a soulful performance that highlighted her vocal control and sensitivity. Her rendition offered a fresh interpretation of the pop hit, marked by heartfelt delivery, making it one of the standout numbers of the night.
The night concluded with an infectious performance of “Lecha,” featuring solos by Hannah Glazer, Shai Marguiles and Rafi Marzouk. In a touching gesture, the group invited Rak Shalom alumni onstage in a full-circle moment for the final number. Originally performed by The Chevra, “Lecha” draws its lyrics from 1 Chronicles 29:11, a powerful verse that exalts God’s glory. The uplifting energy and spiritual resonance made it the perfect finale.
Rak Shalom has already established its reputation as the one of the most dynamic Jewish A Cappella groups, and their right to that title is evident in their dedication and passion for the music. Throughout the concert, each member of Rak Shalom brought their own spark to the stage. With seamless harmonies, vivid solos and thoughtful arrangements, their musical stylings combine a commitment to sacred anthems with the energy of pop to create a sound that is devoutly sacred and refreshingly modern. Though the group bids farewell to three seniors this semester, they leave behind a legacy in the hands of a dedicated generation of vocalists. The future of Rak Shalom is bright, rooted in tradition but always evolving. The group is an embodiment of both continuity and musical innovation.
