MISSION STATEMENT

In the wake of the economic tsunami that has swept our country -- and the world -- budgets have been widely slashed. Within the Jewish community, the loss has been compounded. Foundations, nonprofits and federations whose monies were invested through Bernie Madoff were especially hard-hit, with many important entities either shuttered or hobbled by their losses.

Leaders of communities across the nation and around the world such as these -- leaders who are struggling to keep their social services alive -- are now finding themselves forced to choose between budgetary priorities. Stuck between rocks and hard places, they may feel forced to eliminate the artistic and the musical in favor of line items that appear to be more “practical.” At a time like this, however, it is precisely an experience such as Soul Journey that people need to facilitate healing and empowerment on both a personal and a communal level.

The mission of Soul Journey is to enable communities around the world to host musical, educational and spiritual experiences that they might not otherwise be able to afford.   Our hope is that events are used as both major Fund Raisers and “Soul Raisers”, both so desperately needed.  At the same time, we hope to unite and strengthen Jewish communities worldwide, together with its various interfaith and interracial neighbors.

Soul Journey hopes to journey to communities large and small, local and far-flung. We hope to fill the theaters of major American cities and the crumbling houses of worship of other continents. We hope to perform under the stars and inside living rooms. Envisioned as an intimate encounter with hands-on, experiential music and learning, Soul Journey seeks to empower and uplift through the universal power of music.

Soul Journey is envisioned as a traveling program that will swoop into places in need to deliver powerhouse community-wide concerts. At the same time, we will host holistic, educational workshops and master classes in music, Jewish learning and ritual observance. Working together with individual community leaders and organizers, we hope to tailor each visit to individual communities' needs. Each weekend or weeklong experience will have an indigenous flavor -- both reflecting and enhancing each unique setting.

The hope is that each of these performances will generate funds for a local charity or organization, while at the same time, supporting a charity of Neshama’s choosing.   

Our preliminary goal is to schedule 60 events (including evening, weekend or week-long experiences) per year.  As Neshama Carlebach’s current performance schedule exceeds 100 performances each year, we feel this goal is within reach. We plan to go nation- and world-wide, traveling with a full band and, very often, a gospel choir. soul Journey hopes to join communities in their moments of sadness as well as joy. Religious denominations might also request a visit from Soul Journey for an annual convention, seeking the opportunity to celebrate a momentous anniversary.

Music and spirit is a balm that soothes many ills – so the needs of our envisioned target community are many. We aim to visit communities that are struggling financially, struggling to maintain Jewish identity, or struggling to find peace within the larger world. We aim to be there for communities at all stages of life, at all stages of the journey of the soul.