A new kind of summer music festival just landed in the Catskills—and it’s unapologetically Orthodox. The Tzamah Festival, held on a private farm in Parksville, NY, brought together hundreds of mostly Orthodox Jewish families for a weekend of music, learning, and unity.

Dubbed by some as a “Chassidic Woodstock,” the event featured live performances by popular Jewish artists like Zusha and Joey Newcomb, as well as a mix of shiurim (Torah lectures), yoga, art stations, and farm-to-table meals. The organizers, all Chabad-affiliated, said they aimed to create a spiritually uplifting environment that didn’t compromise on halacha.

The festival’s founders say their goal was simple: to give Orthodox Jews—especially those outside big cities—a safe space to enjoy live music and self-expression while staying true to their religious values. The result? A joyful, family-friendly atmosphere where modesty met musical freedom.

Many participants praised the event’s laid-back yet meaningful vibe. It’s part of a growing trend among young observant Jews seeking ways to blend spiritual life with modern cultural experiences.

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Read the full article from the original source:
JTA – Woodstock, but make it Orthodox: A Jewish music festival comes to the Catskills
Source: Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), July 2025