Before beginning his rabbinic studies, Max spent several years working in synagogue religious schools and Jewish day schools. He taught a wide range of subjects, it was music that first helped him love Judaism, first in his synagogue junior choir and later at camp. He served as the Head Songleader at the URJ Camp Harlam from 2004-2009, and at the URJ Kutz Camp from 2011-2011. He continues to use music with folks age 0 to 120 as one of many tools that can engage and nurture dynamic Jewish life. 

Watch a clip from Shabbat worship at Congregation Kol Ami. The melody is  Elana Arian's beautiful setting of Yih'yu L'ratzon.

Max's best known song, Eliyahu Hanavi, was recorded at the URJ Camp Harlam on its 50th anniversary album, and was featured on the Ruach 5771 compilation.

In 2012, Max collaborated with a couple friends to form "The Max Chaiken Band," playing for community and holiday events around Boston before self-producing an album, All That Breathes. The self-produced, crowd-funded album features eleven original Jewish compositions, along with a silly, jazzy cover of the classic folk song "If I Had a Hammer." Listen on Spotify or iTunes and check out song sheets below!

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Max proudly has his original compositions licensed for use in synagogues throughout the country on Jlicense.com

​Chord Sheets for Max's music:

Eliyahu Hanavi  Ken Y’hi Ratzon  Kol Hanishama   Oseh Shalom  Sh'ma Koleinu