Music at Habonim
Habonim’s vibrant musical legacy is alive and thriving, fuelled by the passionate leadership of Rabbi Cantor Aviva Rajsky, Associate Cantor Kim Kowarsky Doron, and talented guitarist/accompanist Tom Bellman.
Music is at the heart of Habonim, infusing our services with joy and energy. Throughout the year, we welcome an exciting lineup of guest musicians who bring fresh sounds and creativity to our community. Summer months sparkle with our lively "Evening of Music," featuring the fabulous Habonim Band, while our special Shabbat Shira (Shabbat of Song) Service transforms Shabbat morning into an unforgettable celebration of melody and spirit. Join us for a truly uplifting musical experience at Habonim—where song and soul come together in harmony!
The Habonim Choir
The Habonim Choir, led by Rabbi Cantor Aviva Rajsky and accompanied by guitarist Tom Bellman, is a vibrant and energetic musical group that brings heart and soul to every performance!
We're always excited to welcome new voices to join our community. Whether you're a seasoned singer or a beginner, come be a part of the fun and help create something beautiful! No need to know how to read music or Hebrew—just bring your enthusiasm and your love for singing. Plus, you'll earn community service hours while making lifelong memories with fellow choir members. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, create, and share the joy of music at Habonim!
Listen to a few selections from the Choir at Habonim’s High Holiday Services:
Hiney Mah Tov
Shabbat Shalom
Hayom Harat Olam
Areshset Sefateinu
Brosh Hahshana
Lador Vador
Listen to the full selection here
Lay Down Your Arms – Israeli Peace Song
You can also watch:
Watch Kim Doron & Aviva Rajsky Chanukah Children’s Concert Highlights at Habonim, December 2013.
The Habonim Youth Choir
Congregation Habonim’s late cantor, Esther Ghan Firestone Z”L, was Canada’s first female cantor and co-founder of the Habonim Youth Choir in 1990 with Eli Rubenstein. The choir's powerful recordings, including the peace anthem Lay Down Your Arms, have gained international acclaim and featured in documentaries like Gorbachev’s Revolution directed by Habonim member Fern Levitt and From Despair to Defiance, David Kaufman’s 2003 film marking the 60th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
In 2014, the choir had the honor of opening for blind Puerto Rican virtuoso José Feliciano at an Israel Guide Dog Centre benefit concert. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of WWII’s end, the choir recorded a new version of Lay Down Your Arms, arranged by Rabbi Cantor Aviva Rajsky and Tom Bellman, debuting at the 2015 March of the Living ceremony in Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Listen to their music here
Listen to the Habonim Youth Choir sing for the International March of the Living.
Listen to Habonim Youth choir sing “One Day” by Mattisyahu.
For more information or to join the choir please contact Aviva Rajsky at avivar@rogers.com
Wed, July 30 2025
5 Av 5785
See photos of the construction of our beautiful building
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