Balancing Campus Life with Performances

Ganz, a first-year student at Lander College for Men (LCM) majoring in finance, regularly teams up with other local singers to add ruach during davening and at bar and bat mitzvahs, Shabbat programs, and community events. At some programs, the singers join the chazan to strengthen the tefillah with harmonies and backup vocals. At others, they lead spirited Jewish songs to energize a celebration on Shabbos in lieu of musical instruments.

Originally from Hollywood, Florida, Ganz came to New York after studying for two years in Israel. Music has long been an important part of his life.

“My family is very musical,” Ganz said, noting that his father is a chazan and other relatives are also singers. He has taught himself to play piano, guitar, and drums, while also developing the ability to play songs by ear.

That skill has proven useful at events where flexibility matters. While performances on Shabbat rely on a cappella harmonies, some events that take place before or after Shabbat, such as musical havdalahs, call for him to play the guitar. From time to time, requests also range beyond traditional Jewish music into more contemporary favorites.

A Fast-Filling Docket

Ganz said he only started singing with groups at these kinds of events this year, and opportunities have grown steadily through networking and word of mouth.

He has performed throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as in Boston and Kansas, and has an upcoming event in Chicago. Some out-of-town jobs even cover airfare.

Alongside those performances, Ganz also started his own a cappella group, the Nefesh Singers, with friends from yeshiva in Israel, aiming to bring a youthful, high-energy sound to communal events.

“We have the voices, and we’re bringing a lot of energy,” he said.

Learning That Carries Over

While Ganz said his singing and school schedules are largely separate, his experience at LCM has shaped how he approaches both.

He is part of the masmidim track, which includes additional structured beis medrash learning during the week, and studies in the shiur of LCM Rosh HaYeshiva Rabbi Yonasan Sacks, whom he described as “incredible.” The program allows students to build a rigorous learning schedule alongside their academic coursework.

“I came here so I can continue my Judaic studies while getting a degree,” Ganz said. “It’s been a really good situation.”

That structure, he said, has helped him develop discipline and focus, qualities he brings with him to his performances, whether leading a choir-style davening or contributing as part of a group.

Ganz said he is enjoying his experience at LCM, and noted that his professors have worked with him to make up missed coursework when travel is required to get to gigs.

He also pointed to Jodi Smolen, LCM’s Director of Career Services, as a major resource for students navigating their next steps.

“No matter what stage you’re at, she makes time for you and helps you figure things out,” he said. “She’s a superstar.”

Music With Meaning

Ganz said one of the most rewarding parts of performing is seeing how deeply music can affect people.

He recalled singing for a widow and her children during Passover and performing “Happy Birthday” for a teenage girl who became emotional. At one Shabbat davening, he and his fellow singers were asked to sing the Mishabeirach for Israeli soldiers multiple times.

“Sometimes people come up and sing with us during a meal or something, and it always adds to the experience,” he said. “Even if they don’t have a good voice, it’s good energy, and another voice always makes us sound better.”

For Ganz, the schedule can be demanding, but it is also deeply rewarding.

“It’s a lot, but it really is a great arrangement,” he said. “I get to learn and get an education, have a great Shabbos, and enhance simchas by doing something I love.”