Rashanim, an ensemble dedicated to the exploration of Jewish, Middle Eastern and improvised music, performs as part of Makor’s “Beyond Jazz” evening. Founded in 2000 by guitarist Jon Madof, the trio — Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz on bass and Mathias Kunzli on drums and percussion — released its debut CD in April on John Zorn’s Tzadik Records. Rashanim’s varied influences include klezmer, Turkish classical music, sacred Jewish melodies and the music of the late “downtown” saxophonist and composer Thomas Chapin. The group’s performance is preceded by award-winning drummer-composer Darren Lyons and his acoustic quartet, and composer and saxophone-flute player Jessica Lurie and the trio Living Daylights. Also in the lineup is the Lemon Juice Quartet, which blends jazz, rock, funk, be-bop, Afro-Cuban, ethnic and experimental music.

Makor, 35 W. 67th St.; Lyons 7 p.m., Lurie 8 p.m., Rashanim 9:30 p.m., Lemon Juice Quartet 10:30 p.m.; $12. (212-601-1000 or www.makor.org)

Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief

- Alyssa Katz, Editor-in-Chief

You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.

And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.

That’s where you come in. Gifts of any size keep the Forward free and accessible to everyone and ensure we have the resources we need to power the Forward at this critical time for American Jews.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you support our work today?

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT