Aviva Rajsky and Tom Bellman have been making music together for 15 years, some of it at Congregation Habonim of Toronto, where Aviva is senior cantor and Tom is music director. Their infusion of modern styles of music into the services at Habonim create a unique atmosphere at the synagogue during Friday night Kaballat Shabbat, Bnei Mitzvah and High Holy Day services. Neshamayim is a group they created to showcase their original pop and R&B compositions to Jewish texts and prayers, and some very hip arrangements of familiar Jewish liturgical material. The group debuted at the Ashkenaz-sponsored Ignite Festival at Beth Tzedec in December of 2023, and plans to record its first album in the coming year. In addition to Aviva on lead vocals and Tom on guitar and vocals, the band includes keyboardist Neil Gardiner, drummer Jim Gelcer, bassist Jesse Visser and vocalist Kim Doron. Neshamayim is thrilled to be part of this year’s Ashkenaz Festival.