Approximately 100 sent in 304 submissions from four countries including Israel, Argentina, Canada and the United States. The high caliber of music that was submitted strengthens our belief that Shalshelet is fulfilling an important need in the Jewish community.

It is our hope that this music will build bridges between the Jewish community and the rest of the world exposing wider audiences to Jewish religious music in creative ways.

Shalshelet is proud to report that we received music from all Jewish denominations—Reform, Conservative, modern Orthodox, Reconstructionist, the Havurah movement, as well as from individuals that are not affiliated with the Jewish community.

Out of the 304 submissions Shalshelet has chosen 36 new compositions that will be introduced at different workshops and an evening concert as part of the 2006 Shalshelet International Festival to occur on Sunday June 11 at the Ohr Kodesh congregation located in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The chosen compositions were selected without regard to professional or lay status. The selection of these compositions was difficult and does not constitute and under no circumstance implies a value judgment on the compositions that, for one or another reason, were not selected. We are convinced that each one of the composers had a unique message to share and the mere formality of not being included as part of the Festival does not diminish the importance of their contribution.

Following the 2nd International Festival, we are committed to promoting and disseminating the chosen compositions through the publication of a music book, CD and our educational outreach program.

We are grateful to your dedication to create original Jewish music that enriches our lives and wish you continued sharing of the fruits of your creativity with the word. The Jewish world is better because of your artistic contributions.

Sincerely,
The Shalshelet Board

Musical compositions selected for the 2nd International Festival of New Jewish Liturgical Music