The Film Is Made. Help Us Finish It.
SHAMATi: A Journey to Jerusalem is in the final stages of post-production. We're raising $36,000 to finish the film and bring it to its first audiences in 2027. Watch our trailer below.
The Story
For over 10 years, the band SHAMATi has brought joyful Jewish and Israeli folk music to weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, summer camps, and celebrations throughout Northern California. Led by singer Isaac Zones, the band blends Israeli folk music with American musical styles like the Grateful Dead, Phish, and Johnny Cash.
But behind the music was a question the band had never fully answered:
Where did these songs come from?
That question took SHAMATi to Israel, where the band met some of the legendary composers and performers behind the music they've played for years.
We've captured that journey in a feature-length documentary.
Why This Film Matters
You may have sung these songs at summer camp. You may have danced to them at a wedding. You may remember hearing them from your parents or grandparents without ever knowing who wrote them.
These songs have traveled across continents and generations and become part of Jewish life around the world.
Many of the composers and performers who shaped this music are now in their 80s and 90s. We had a rare opportunity to sit with them while we still could—to hear their stories firsthand, record music with them, and preserve those stories on film.
At a time when questions of identity and belonging resonate deeply across Jewish communities, this film offers another way to connect: through music.
We're Almost There
Production began in 2022, with principal photography in Israel in the summer of 2023.
Since then, our team has spent thousands of hours shaping approximately 80 hours of footage into a tightly crafted 73-minute feature documentary.
We've held test screenings, listened to audience feedback, and continued refining the film.
We've already completed some of the hardest parts of documentary filmmaking: earning the trust of extraordinary artists, coordinating an international production, capturing their stories, and shaping years of work into a compelling narrative.
Now we're asking for your help to finish what we started.
Help Us Cross the Finish Line
We're raising $36,000 toward the final costs of post-production and bringing SHAMATi to its first audiences.
This is an all-or-nothing campaign: pledges are charged only if we reach our $36,000 goal. Help us get there!
Your contribution will help fund: post-production editing and picture lock, professional sound design and mixing, color correction, subtitles and accessibility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and final deliverables.
Every contribution moves us closer to a finished film.
And if we exceed our $36,000 goal, additional funds will help us bring SHAMATi to more audiences through festivals, community screenings, educational outreach, and distribution.
Perks for Supporters
We've created special rewards for supporters—from early access to the finished film, to having your name in the credits ($250), to VIP tickets to the red-carpet premiere ($1,000), and more.
Explore the contribution levels and perks below.
When you support SHAMATi, you're not just helping finish a film. You're becoming part of the journey.
The Premiere—and Beyond
We're working toward a special SHAMATi premiere in 2027.
From there, our goal is to bring the film to audiences
through film festivals, community screenings at JCCs, synagogues and
cultural centers, educational programs, streaming platforms, and
Israeli television.
Our goal isn't to just finish SHAMATi. It's to make sure people see it.
Your Contribution Is Tax-Deductible
Through our partnership with our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, Jewish Creativity International, contributions to this campaign are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Our fiscal sponsorship also allows us to accept eligible contributions from donor-advised funds (DAFs) and foundations.
New for 2026
For the 2026 tax year, standard deduction filers may be able to deduct qualifying charitable contributions up to $2,000 if filing jointly or $1,000 if filing individually. Consult your tax adviser.
Giving through a DAF or a foundation? See our short one-page guide here.
Join Us
SHAMATi began with a simple question:
Where did these songs come from?
That question led us across the world and into the homes and stories of the people who created music that has traveled across generations.
Now the film is nearly finished.
Help us bring SHAMATi across the finish line—and bring these stories to a new generation.
✨ Become a supporter. Join the journey. Keep the tradition alive.
Meet the Team
JONATHAN MAIMON — Director & Producer
Jonathan previously directed Journey from Tunisia (2017), which screened at Jewish film festivals and synagogues around the world. He is currently an Executive MBA candidate at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
JENNIFER FRIEDMAN — Executive Producer
Jennifer is an attorney, youth advocate, real estate and hospitality investor, and philanthropist who serves on the Board of the Jewish Federation of the Bay Area.
DANA NACHMAN — Consulting Producer
Dana is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose credits
include
Pick of the Litter
(Disney+) and
Batkid Begins
(Warner Bros.).
DORON LEVENE — Editor
Doron brings more than 15 years of documentary and broadcast editing experience, including work for CBS, BBC, ITV, and film festivals.
SHAMATi — The Band
Isaac
Zones, Nathaniel Markman, Craig Miller, and Ben Bernstein have
performed Jewish and Israeli music throughout Northern California
for more than a decade.
Along with more than 30 additional legal, accounting, and
creative professionals, this team has spent years
bringing SHAMATi from an idea to a nearly completed feature documentary.
Rewards
Receive a link to watch the film when it’s complete and ready for general distribution.
INCLUDES:
• Certificate of support
• Digital link to watch
the film in the comfort of your own home
This is our deluxe digital edition of the film. You'll receive a password protected private link, before the wide release of the film, which includes bonus features such as outtakes, funny stories, and behind the scenes footage, which won’t be shown in wide release. Expected in 2028.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
• Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
Everything from the previous levels, plus early access to a digital
copy of the band's album of music from the film and original songs.
Includes an invite to a behind-the-scenes virtual Q&A with the
band members and the director about the journey. This is a unique
opportunity to ask your questions and hear about the musical journey
from the band and film crew.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
See your name in a film! You'll be acknowledged in SHAMATi's end credits, along with receiving all rewards from the previous levels.
All contributions at this level or above include on-screen recognition.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Your name
in the film’s credits
Two tickets to the red carpet premiere in your choice of San Francisco or Los Angeles at a future date (expected in 2027). The premiere will include a musical performance and dancing, and will be an event that you don't want to miss.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Your name
in the film’s credits
• Invite to premiere in San Francisco or
Los Angeles
• Two tickets to the red carpet premiere
- 0 bought
- 20 remaining
Two VIP tickets to the red carpet premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles at a future date in 2027 with reserved seating and entry to an exclusive pre-party. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to the band, film producers, and other VIPs, as part of a pre-premiere party with catered appetizers and drinks. We are still working out some of the details, but this is an event that you won’t want to miss! Limited quantity.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Your name
prominently listed in Extra Special Thanks in the film
• Invite
to premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles
• Two VIP tickets to
the premiere
• Exclusive party prior to the premiere
- 0 claimed
- 6 remaining
Isaac and Nathaniel (lead singers) will record a song video of your
choice (they have a list of 200+ songs including pop, rock, and folk)
to thank you for your support. Or if you have someone special, they
can record a song for someone else in your life, for a birthday or any
other celebration. This will be recorded as a personal video
message—captured directly by Isaac and Nathaniel to feel intimate and one-of-a-kind.
(Tax note: $100 estimated fair market value.)
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Your name
prominently listed in Extra Special Thanks in the film
• Invite
to premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles
• Two VIP tickets
to the premiere
• Exclusive party prior to the premiere
•
Personal video message of a favorite song dedicated to you or person
of your choice
You’re a film producer! Two VIP tickets to the Premiere + Exclusive Pre-Party. See the final cut of the film before it's completed, in collaboration with other producers. Your name is prominently in the end credits as an associate producer. This also includes your name, if you wish, listed as a film producer on IMDb.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Invite to
premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles
• Two VIP tickets to the
premiere
• Exclusive party prior to the premiere
• Your name
prominently in the film's credits as an associate producer
• A
credit on IMDb for you having helped produce this film
Executive Level recognition for our highest reward, to honor your truly exceptional generosity. Your name will be listed in the film's OPENING credits, and you'll have 4 VIP tickets for family and friends at the premiere including exclusive Pre-Party, a song of your choice played by our musical guests at the premiere, and special acknowledgement by the film's director at the premiere. This also includes a listing on IMDb, if you wish.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
• Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
• Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
• Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Invite to premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles
• Four VIP tickets to the premiere for family and friends
• Exclusive party prior to the premiere
• Song of your choice played by musical guests at the premiere
• Your name prominently in the film's OPENING credits
• Listed as a Contributing Producer in the film
• A credit on IMDb for you having helped produce this film
Support the film and get the band to play your event! The band will personally play at any event of your choosing in the U.S. (travel expenses are additional if outside the San Francisco Bay Area). This tier also includes Four VIP tickets to the Premiere + Pre-Party. If you’re considering a wedding, a large party, or a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, this is a way to support the film and have the music covered for your event at the same time. (Tax note: $3,000 estimated fair market value.)
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
• Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
• Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
• Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Your name in the film’s credits
• Invite to premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles
• Four VIP tickets to the premiere
• Exclusive party prior to the premiere
• 4 or 5 band members perform at an event of your choosing in
the U.S.
Highlights
See all activity4Activity
Receive a link to watch the film when it’s complete and ready for general distribution.
INCLUDES:
• Certificate of support
• Digital link to watch
the film in the comfort of your own home
This is our deluxe digital edition of the film. You'll receive a password protected private link, before the wide release of the film, which includes bonus features such as outtakes, funny stories, and behind the scenes footage, which won’t be shown in wide release. Expected in 2028.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
• Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
Everything from the previous levels, plus early access to a digital
copy of the band's album of music from the film and original songs.
Includes an invite to a behind-the-scenes virtual Q&A with the
band members and the director about the journey. This is a unique
opportunity to ask your questions and hear about the musical journey
from the band and film crew.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
See your name in a film! You'll be acknowledged in SHAMATi's end credits, along with receiving all rewards from the previous levels.
All contributions at this level or above include on-screen recognition.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Your name
in the film’s credits
Two tickets to the red carpet premiere in your choice of San Francisco or Los Angeles at a future date (expected in 2027). The premiere will include a musical performance and dancing, and will be an event that you don't want to miss.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Your name
in the film’s credits
• Invite to premiere in San Francisco or
Los Angeles
• Two tickets to the red carpet premiere
- 0 bought
- 20 remaining
Two VIP tickets to the red carpet premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles at a future date in 2027 with reserved seating and entry to an exclusive pre-party. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to the band, film producers, and other VIPs, as part of a pre-premiere party with catered appetizers and drinks. We are still working out some of the details, but this is an event that you won’t want to miss! Limited quantity.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Your name
prominently listed in Extra Special Thanks in the film
• Invite
to premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles
• Two VIP tickets to
the premiere
• Exclusive party prior to the premiere
- 0 claimed
- 6 remaining
Isaac and Nathaniel (lead singers) will record a song video of your
choice (they have a list of 200+ songs including pop, rock, and folk)
to thank you for your support. Or if you have someone special, they
can record a song for someone else in your life, for a birthday or any
other celebration. This will be recorded as a personal video
message—captured directly by Isaac and Nathaniel to feel intimate and one-of-a-kind.
(Tax note: $100 estimated fair market value.)
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Your name
prominently listed in Extra Special Thanks in the film
• Invite
to premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles
• Two VIP tickets
to the premiere
• Exclusive party prior to the premiere
•
Personal video message of a favorite song dedicated to you or person
of your choice
You’re a film producer! Two VIP tickets to the Premiere + Exclusive Pre-Party. See the final cut of the film before it's completed, in collaboration with other producers. Your name is prominently in the end credits as an associate producer. This also includes your name, if you wish, listed as a film producer on IMDb.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
•
Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished
film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
•
Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
•
Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Invite to
premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles
• Two VIP tickets to the
premiere
• Exclusive party prior to the premiere
• Your name
prominently in the film's credits as an associate producer
• A
credit on IMDb for you having helped produce this film
Executive Level recognition for our highest reward, to honor your truly exceptional generosity. Your name will be listed in the film's OPENING credits, and you'll have 4 VIP tickets for family and friends at the premiere including exclusive Pre-Party, a song of your choice played by our musical guests at the premiere, and special acknowledgement by the film's director at the premiere. This also includes a listing on IMDb, if you wish.
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
• Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
• Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
• Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Invite to premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles
• Four VIP tickets to the premiere for family and friends
• Exclusive party prior to the premiere
• Song of your choice played by musical guests at the premiere
• Your name prominently in the film's OPENING credits
• Listed as a Contributing Producer in the film
• A credit on IMDb for you having helped produce this film
Support the film and get the band to play your event! The band will personally play at any event of your choosing in the U.S. (travel expenses are additional if outside the San Francisco Bay Area). This tier also includes Four VIP tickets to the Premiere + Pre-Party. If you’re considering a wedding, a large party, or a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, this is a way to support the film and have the music covered for your event at the same time. (Tax note: $3,000 estimated fair market value.)
INCLUDES:
• Acknowledgement on the film’s website
• Certificate of support
• Early access to view finished film
• Deluxe digital link to watch the film
• Behind-the-scenes Q&A call with the director and band
• Access to the band’s original upcoming music album
• Your name in the film’s credits
• Invite to premiere in San Francisco or Los Angeles
• Four VIP tickets to the premiere
• Exclusive party prior to the premiere
• 4 or 5 band members perform at an event of your choosing in
the U.S.
