Behind the Scenes: Rak Shalom's Victory with Franciska's Song "Tov Lehodot" - with Olivia Herman & Shua Kanarek

In this episode, join Olivia, Herman, and Shua Kanarek as they discuss their experiences with Rak Shalom, an acapella Jewish choir at the University of Maryland. The conversation covers personal backgrounds, how they got involved, and how the group operates democratically, including song selection and leadership roles. They also delve into the impact of being part of a diverse Jewish community, arranging music, the challenges and benefits of a co-ed acapella group, and the logistics behind managing performances and tours. The discussion highlights their journey toward enhancing their Jewish identity through music, culminating in their recent first-place win in a national acapella competition.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Backgrounds 00:58 Olivia's Journey and Connection to Judaism 02:28 Shua's Story and Connection to Rock Shalom 03:28 Running Rak Shalom: Leadership and Song Selection 05:14 Performances, Competitions, and Time Commitment 09:51 Funding and Album Production 10:44 Host's Musical Journey and Inspirations 15:59 Social Media and Jewish Identity 18:29 Personal Connections to Judaism 19:01 Diverse Backgrounds in the Group 22:02 Spirituality and Music 24:20 Group Dynamics and Roles 26:35 Musical Arrangements and Positions 34:40 Alumni and Community 36:01 Living in Israel and Musical Backgrounds 37:27 Closing Remarks and Plugs   About Our Guests: Olivia Herman is a first year student at the University of Maryland. She is the current business manager of Rak Shalom- an award winning collegiate a cappella group at UMD. She is also a proud member of the Jewish community on campus.   Shua is a med student living in Israel. He graduated from Rak Shalom in 2023. His hobbies include playing piano, reading, and sweet potato.   https://www.instagram.com/livherman_?igsh=MXJzbzc1ZGM0enV1NQ== https://www.instagram.com/rak_shalom?igsh=MWczMHFneXpycWZnMA==   Tov Lehodot by Franciska https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7AYCnN_6SQ