SoulAviv: Press

Press comments

Charles Donelan

Santa Barbara Independent - "SoulAviv has a timeless, yet contemporary sound and carries the message of Tikkun Olam" (Jan 28, 2010)

Dave Mason

Santa Barbara NewsPress - “The audience is clapping it's hands and dancing in the pews and aisles to the sounds of soul and gospel. A Baptist Church in the Deep South? Guess again—it's a synagogue in Southern California, and the music is being performed by SoulAviv (Jan 30, 2010)

Jewish Music Web Center - "...energetic and highly entertaining...combining the common threads of the 'soul' both in general and in Jewish contemporary spiritual traditions." (Oct 4, 2009)

Shirim Khadashim

George Robinson--music critic for Jewish Week and The Jewish Journal of LA, on our debut CD - "...the voices blend beautifully...an intelligent attempt to link Jewish themes to the African-American gospel tradition...4 Stars!" (Jan 2, 2009)

The Jewish Journal of Los Angeles

Danielle Berrin & Dikla Kadosh - "...a new emerging fusion combines traditional Jewish songs with soul and gospel. Don't miss a beat of the unique SoulAviv concert....sing along, clap your hands, and even get up and dance to the soul-filled melodies." (Jun 5, 2008)

Las Vegas Around the Clock

Jacqueline Monahan - "The group's harmonies are heavenly...they filled the room with a joyous sound...an appreciative audience stood up no less than three separate times to give SoulAviv a loud and lengthy ovation...Viva SoulAviv." (Nov 17, 2008)

Jewish Las Vegas

"...redefining Jewish music..." (Nov 1, 2008)

The Las Vegas Sun

"...unique brand of lively music.." (Nov 9, 2008)

What People are Saying about SoulAviv

commenting on SoulAviv's performances at the URJ's North American Biennial, Nov 2009

Josh Nelson - "You should know that you were EXTREMELY well received--a real hit, in fact." (Dec 29, 2009)

Temple Emanu El San Diego CA

Myrna Cohen, Cantorial Soloist - "We all had a wonderful evening. Your music was fantastic and the kids had a great time." (Dec 17, 2009)

Congregation Ner Tamid, Henderson NV

Rabbi Akselrad - "Truly, it was a joy and a pleasure to have you in our Congregation...Your music has a unique, soulful quality that warms the heart in a very loving way." (Dec 8, 2009)

Congregation Ner Tamid, Henderson NV

Philip Goldstein, Cantorial Soloist - "They were terrific!" (Dec 7, 2009)

Congregation Ohr Tzafon

Mimi Naish - "What a wonderful performance Saturday night! The concert certainly exceeded my very high expectations by miles...inspiring, fun, entertaining, smart, musically brilliant, full of feeling, classy...those are just some words that come to mind." (Oct 29, 2009)

Member, Congregation Ohr Tzafon, Atascadero CA

Sharon George - When she heard SoulAviv was coming to Atascadero..."I am SO excited!... I keep my SoulAviv CD in my car and play it almost every day, love all the songs & know them by heart...." (Aug 27, 2009)

Congregation B'nai B'rith, Santa Barbara, CA

Cantor Mark Childs - "The energy in the sanctuary was palpable. Your performance was amazing." (Feb 2, 2009)

Shalom Institute, Camp JCA Shalom

Bill Kaplan - "SoulAviv rocked the house...well, the camp, actually. The show was amazing. Everyone loved it! We look forward to SoulAviv returning in the future. Thank you." (Feb 4, 2009)

Hillel Foundation of Orange County

Jordan Fruchtman, Executive Director - "...it was the most lively Shabbat service we have had at UC Irvine all year! Thank you SoulAviv for such a great evening." (Mar 19, 2009)

Temple Beth Sholom--Las Vegas, NV

Cantor Daniel Friedman - "We enjoyed the concert immensely." (Nov 10, 2008)

UC Santa Barbara Hillel

Dr. Leonard Wallock, Program Coordinator, Taubman Symposia in Jewish Studies at UCSB - "All day long I've been hearing the same thing from those fortunate enough to hear SoulAviv's performance: 'Wow! Last night was fabulous!' " (Oct 17, 2008)

Valley Outreach Synagogue, Woodland Hills, CA

Cantor Ron Li-Paz - "We were absolutely thrilled with Soul Aviv. They were a great addition to our Shabbat celebrations." (Jul 11, 2008)

The New JCC at Milken, West Hills, CA

Saul Jacobs - "Upbeat, energetic entertainment... Singers who deliver deeply moving solos, then combine magnificently for ensemble harmony... Not to be missed." (Jun 8, 2008)

Leonard Felder, PhD--Author of Seven Prayers That Can Change Your Life - "What a blessing that SoulAviv has created such inspiring and accessible ways to heal our souls. Their music can take you to the places you were meant to go."

Temple Ahavat Shalom, Northridge, CA

Cantor Patti Linsky - "(SoulAviv) is more than wonderful....soulful and professional" (Jan 16, 2008)

Congregation B'nai B'rith, Santa Barbara, CA

Rabbi Steve Cohen - "SoulAviv rocked the house!" (Nov 4, 2007)