Faith, Amplified
Blending modern rock with Jewish values, the Institute of Jewish Rock strikes a new chord in Palm Beach Gardens with inclusive, intergenerational music education
By Sarah Wolf
August 19, 2025
At the Institute of Jewish, Abbie Strauss offers faith-based music classes to kids and adults, bringing communities together through music. Photo by Lila Photo
Get ready to turn up the volume on community education, as the new Institute of Jewish Rock opens in Palm Beach Gardens this fall. Abbie Strauss founded the program in Memphis back in 2017 before relocating to Palm Beach Gardens with her family in 2020. Now she’s ready to expand with a full roster of classes and special events.
Through the membership-based Institute of Jewish Rock, Strauss aims to help people embrace music and find their “authentic voice.” “Music has always been a big part of my life,” she says. “I have a ‘different-sounding’ voice—it’s not operatic, and I was sometimes afraid to share my vocal talent for fear of rejection. But I didn’t want to hold back something that I knew was a gift.”
Strauss is a cantor—a Jewish spiritual leader who leads prayer through music—and travels around the world, bringing communities together through music. She also sits on the executive board of the Cantors Assembly, mentors emerging teen and young adult leaders through Jewish Rock Radio, and shares her music and spirituality as a recording artist.
The school blends Jewish values, modern rock, and soulful community into an epic music experience that Strauss says is “for everyone, no matter your age or faith background.” Rock the Mitzvah courses, open to kids in Pre-K through grade 12, will be held Wednesdays in person and Thursdays online and teach the basics of rock band instruments—from guitar to drums to ukulele—while blending Jewish melodies and values. (One-on-one or small group classes can be requested.) For adults, there is a monthly class that Strauss describes as more of a laid-back jam session for all skill levels. Says Strauss: “The adult classes focus on coming as you are and sharing songs that bring you joy.” There is also a monthly “mommy and me” Tot Rock class open to children aged 6 and younger and their parents.
In addition to classes, Strauss plans to offer a mentorship program for music educators as well as a robust schedule of concerts and special events that will feature students and professional musicians (see sidebar for calendar).
Classes, which are open to members only, launch September 3; registration must be completed by August 22. Concerts and special events are free for members and open to the public for a fee.