An Evening Honoring Dr. David C. Kraemer
An Evening Honoring Dr. David C. Kraemer
Featuring Cantor Magda Fishman with Special Guest Avram Pengas and Their Ensemble in Concert, “Many Cultures, One People”
Thursday, December 3, 2026
7:00 p.m.
In Person At JTS and Online
Celebrate Dr. David C. Kraemer and his decades-long tenure and devoted service as The JTS Librarian
Host Committee*
Joe Rubin, Chair
Joan and William Brodsky
Helen Cytryn
Karen and Henry Glanternik
Pearl and Nathan Halegua
David Heller
Ruth and Stephen Hendel
Floy B. Kaminski
Lauren and Alan Klein
Adele Lobel
Karen Moss Lux and Marshall Lux
Alison Newman and Alan Levine
Jennie Rubinshteyn and Yaroslav Faybishenko
The Dorothy Tapper Goldman Foundation & Mark Polansky
Diane Stilwell
*in formation
About Dr. David C. Kraemer and Cantor Magda Fishman
Dr. David C. Kraemer has been part of the JTS community since 1977 when he enrolled at The Graduate School after completing his undergraduate degree at Brandeis University.
He began teaching as a graduate student in 1980, receiving his PhD in 1984. Dr. Kraemer’s focus as a professor is on the literary analysis of rabbinic literature, rabbinic ritual, the social and religious history of Jews in late antiquity, and Jewish diaspora ideologies. He accepted the position of Librarian in 2004 and played a crucial role in forging policy and expanding the impact of The Library’s world-renowned collections and programs.
Dr. Kraemer is a prolific author and commentator. In addition to his books, he has written influential articles on the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the Mishnah, and other subjects, along with a commentary on Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (in The Jewish Annotated New Testament, 2nd and 3rd editions). His most recent book, Embracing Exile: The Case for Jewish Diaspora (Oxford University Press, 2025), was named one of “The Best Books of 2025” by The New Yorker.
Cantor Magda Fishman, Senior Cantor of B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton, Florida, is an internationally acclaimed vocalist, musician, and dynamic performer whose extraordinary talent and magnetic stage presence have captivated audiences around the world.
A graduate of the H. L. Miller Cantorial School at the Jewish Theological Seminary, Cantor Fishman is celebrated for her remarkable vocal range, musical versatility, and unique ability to move effortlessly between Broadway, jazz, Israeli music, contemporary favorites, and traditional Jewish melodies. An accomplished trumpet player as well as a gifted singer, she brings an exciting and distinctive dimension to every performance.
Cantor Fishman is also a member of the Folksbiene Yiddish Theatre’s Soul to Soul ensemble, where she celebrates the richness, beauty, and emotional power of Yiddish music and culture.
From prestigious concert halls to intimate musical gatherings, Cantor Fishman combines breathtaking artistry with warmth, humor, and infectious energy. Her passion for music and her extraordinary connection with audiences transform every concert into an unforgettable celebration of music, joy, and the human spirit.
