CAJE veterans Helene and Michael Kates of the “Baal Shem Tones” traveled from Atlanta Ga. to participate in the NewCAJE conference, held at the beginning of August at the University of Hartford in West Hartford. The Baal Shem Tones performed at the conference’s closing concert. The Baal Shem Tones have created a program that brings professional songwriters into the classroom to co-write and record songs with Jewish children. Entitled “Hashir Shel-li” or “My Song,” the workshop allows children the experience of creating lasting expressions of their thoughts and feelings. The Baal Shem Tones’ third album – “8 Songs for Children” – is due out in October.

Photo credit: Robert C. Gartner Photography