Get ready to turn up the volume on community education, as the new Institute of Jewish Rock opens in Palm Beach Gardens this fall. Abbie Strauss founded the program in Memphis back in 2017 before relocating to Palm Beach Gardens with her family in 2020. Now she’s ready to expand with a full roster of classes and special events.
Through the membership-based Institute of Jewish Rock, Strauss aims to help people embrace music and find their “authentic voice.” “Music has always been a big part of my life,” she says. “I have a ‘different-sounding’ voice—it’s not operatic, and I was sometimes afraid to share my vocal talent for fear of rejection. But I didn’t want to hold back something that I knew was a gift.”
Strauss is a cantor—a Jewish spiritual leader who leads prayer through music—and travels around the world, bringing communities together through music. She also sits on the executive board of the Cantors Assembly, mentors emerging teen and young adult leaders through Jewish Rock Radio, and shares her music and spirituality as a recording artist.
The school blends Jewish values, modern rock, and soulful community into an epic music experience that Strauss says is “for everyone, no matter your age or faith background.” Rock the Mitzvah courses, open to kids in Pre-K through grade 12, will be held Wednesdays in person and Thursdays online and teach the basics of rock band instruments—from guitar to drums to ukulele—while blending Jewish melodies and values. (One-on-one or small group classes can be requested.) For adults, there is a monthly class that Strauss describes as more of a laid-back jam session for all skill levels. Says Strauss: “The adult classes focus on coming as you are and sharing songs that bring you joy.” There is also a monthly “mommy and me” Tot Rock class open to children aged 6 and younger and their parents.
In addition to classes, Strauss plans to offer a mentorship program for music educators as well as a robust schedule of concerts and special events that will feature students and professional musicians (see sidebar for calendar).
Classes, which are open to members only, launch September 3; registration must be completed by August 22. Concerts and special events are free for members and open to the public for a fee.
Special Events
- August 22: Back to School Music Gathering featuring composer Michael Hunter Ochs
- September 23: Music for the New Year
- October 2: Music Break-Fast
- October 17: Music Under the Stars
- November 21: Gratitude Concert
- December 19: Candlelight Concert
- January 19: Music Renewal
- February 20: Musical Costume Ball
- March 20: Spring Concert
- April 17: Music for Freedom
- May 15: End of the Year Concert
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