Summary

Outgoing Cantor and JTS graduate seeks to bring life to a warm synagogue family through worship, education and community growth. Proficient in social media such as YouTube and Facebook, capable in basic computer software and electronic device troubleshooting, possessing goals of promoting congregational in-reach and outreach, and increasing the financial stability of the congregation. Passionate about creating a fun, and interactive education environment, providing interesting, spiritual, and musical worship services, and delivering creative and innovative programming for the Jewish and Non-Jewish Community. 

Work Experience

Cantor (High Holidays 2018-Present)
Congregation kol emeth (5310 W touhy ave, Skokie il 60077)

• Assisted In planning with the Rabbi, Choir Director.

• Conducted services with professional choir

• Introduced new melodies for greater engagement, and appeal across a wide range of demographics.

CRUISE SHIP CANTOR/JEWISH CHAPLAIN

Responsibilities included leading of weekly Friday night services, Channukah Candle Lightings and Passover Seder attended by Jews and non-Jews alike, Jewish programming, and providing spiritual counsel to the ship's passengers and crew.

• Seabourn, MV Seabourn Quest - South America/Antarctica – December 2019

• Celebrity, Edge-(Madien Voyage) Caribbean- December 2018

• Holland America, MS Zaandam- Valparaiso To Vancouver- April 2017

• Holland America, MS Koningsdam (Inaugural Voyage) Mediterranean - April 2016

• Holland America, MS Maasdam- Transatlantic and Mediterranean- October 2015

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutor (March 2018-March 2019)
Temple Israel (5725 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48323)

Functioning on a Part-Time basis, for a 3200 unit congregation. Responsible for the preparation of Torah Readings, Liturgy required to lead a full service, Haftorah, D’var Torah and Mitzvah Project for 10-20 B’nai Mitzvah Students.

• Emphasis on Special Needs and Difficult Cases.

• Instituted the use of Dropbox for the distribution of assignments and Recordings

• Utilized online scheduling services for parent convenience.

Cantor (July 2017-March 2018)
East Northport Jewish Center (328 Elwood Rd., East Northport, NY 11731)

As the full-time Cantor for a 250 unit congregation my duties included: leading davening for all services, Sole B'nai Mitzvah tutor for 20+ students, back-up Torah reader, and teaching in the Hebrew school program.

• Introduced Constant Contact and overhauled all congregational mass marketing.

• Applied for grants including Google grant giving $10,000/month in free advertising and free email services.

• Overhauled fundraising projects, including Rosh Hashana and Purim basket programs for a 25% increase in net revenue in each program.

• Created Shabbat Shirah programming with Kaskeset, acapella group from SUNY Binghamton University

• Instituted Grade-Based T'fillah Curricilum complete with Audio Files.

• Established and Taught Trope Curriculum for grades 4-7 in the Hebrew School

• Facilitated discussions with the local JCC on a reciprocal membership program

• Revitalized annual Channukah party with the National Circus Project

• Spearheaded snow-bird outreach and visit to Florida.

Cantor (High Holidays 2016)
Congregation Beth Shalom (3433 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062)

Led the congregation's main sanctuary service for Rosh Hashanna and Yom Kippur as well as assisted with the lay choir for N'ilah. 

Cantor (High Holidays 2015)
East Brunswick Jewish Center (511 Ryders Ln, East Brunswick, NJ 08816)

Led the Kahal in High Holiday services. Position required learning the new service in a very short period of time.

Cantor (August 2010-2015)
 Temple Torat Emet  (8600 Jog Rd., Boynton Beach, FL 33472)

As the full-time Cantor of a 600 unit congregation, duties included: leading davening for Shabbat, Festival and High Holiday services, teaching Jewish Music for the preschool twice a week, and teaching in the Hebrew school program. Responsibilities also included being the primary B’nai Mitzvah tutor, Adult Education, and directing the Volunteer Choir.

•    Produced Purim Masquerade Ball- Break Even Event- Featured a strolling dinner with wandering magicians, dancing and a floor show which included a mentalist, illusionist, juggler, comedian and escape artist. 
•    Created the Cantor’s Cabaret and Dinner Theatre- produced a net income of $25,000 for the synagogue featured a sit down, catered meal, and a show in the round of largely broadway and lighter Jewish repertoire. previous titles have included: “From 2nd Avenue to Broadway” and featured music from those genres. 
•    Founded Synagogue Entertainment Series- provided income of about $20,000 annually. the series featured entertainment events Jewish Year. Events included headliners such as: comedian Steve Solomon, Sarge, a Cantors Concert featuring Cantor David Propis and other Cantors, and a collaborative project between the Palm Beach Opera’s Young Artist Program which will split the proceeds of that specific event.
•    Coordinated Cantor’s Installation Concert 2012, a formal installation event that resulted in a net profit of $15,000 with an approximate attendance of 800 people, featured Cantors Alberto Mizrahi and David Propis. 
•    Assisted in the establishment of “Mercaz: The Teen Center”, the program features a 8th grade education/youth activity hybrid program and will be taught jointly by myself, the Rabbi and the Education Director. The Mercaz Teen Center will also include a monthly Lunch and Learn program on Shabbat afternoon with students in grades 9-12 facilitated by myself and the Rabbi.
•    Redesigned the “Shabbat With a Twist” (Friday Night Live) service which resulted in a stronger link between the members of the volunteer Congregant based band; overhauled the musical program to include a more “Rock and Roll” feel.
•    Spearheaded the creation of the “Shabbat with a Twist Siddur”;  Centennial Solomon Schechter Award Winner. A custom made Siddur designed in collaboration with the local Jewish Federation. It features commissioned illustration, full Hebrew text, translation, transliteration, and English song lyrics to facilitate greater congregant participation. 
•    Assisted in the establishment of “Shabbat B’yachad” an interactive Shabbat morning family service and integrated learning experience.
•    Established Synagogue YouTube Channel- http://www.youtube.com/TempleTorahTVBB

•    Created Synagogue Podcast Channel- http://ttwbb.podbean.com
•    Taught Synagogue Men's Club Liquor Tasting Series, a 5 part Course Series educating Men’s Club Members on Scotch, Beer, Other Whiskey, Tequila and Rum

•    Established “The Cantor’s Listening Room” course under Adult Education, “The Cantor’s Listening Room” is designed to introduce congregants to different areas of Jewish Music. Class Topics have Included:
•    A Very Jewish Christmas- Christmas Songs Written by Jews
•    Yiddish Theatre and Radio
•    Jewish Opera Singers

•    Facilitated the course  “L’eilah L’eilah:  is an in depth classical approach to studying liturgy in the Jewish year through Adult Education.
•    Designed Hebrew School Trope Curriculum including 4th, 5th and 6th grade Students in the Hebrew school and JACATT aftercare program learn Torah and Haftorah Trope Systems in a fun and engaging platform.
•    Designed T’fillah Curriculum, collaborating with the Education Director, established a self-paced, level based T’fillah program utilizing pre-recorded sound files.

Cantor (August 2009 – May 2010) (Student Pulpit)
Beth Hillel Congregation B’nai Emunah (3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette, IL 60091)

Functioning on a part time basis, responsibilities included leading davening during the High Holidays, Festivals, and Shabbat services approximately once a month, as well as assisting with adult and youth choirs.

(Summers 2006-2010)
Camp Hillard (Box 1226 Scarsdale, NY 10583)

•    2006-2007 Group Head Counselor, 4th grade boys
The group head is the lead counselor supervising approximately 30 campers and 3 other counselors
•    2008-2010 Tribe leader 3rd-10th grade boys
The tribe leader is the direct supervisor of all counselors in a specific “tribe”. We oversee day to day operations, deal with disciplinary issues with campers and counselors and field parent phone calls.

Cantor (High Holidays 2007-2008)
Congregation B’nai Moshe (6800 Drake Road West Bloomfield, MI, 48322)

•    Assisted in leading high holiday services for the congregation along with the choir, while the Full-Time Cantor was recovering from surgery

Student Administrator (2000-2004)
Congregation of Moses (2501 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo MI 49008)

•    Assisted the Hebrew School Principal and teaching staff with office support
•    Substitute Teacher
•    Dealt with parent, disciplinary, and teacher relations issues

Student Administrator (1994-2000)
Congregation B’nai Moshe (6800 Drake Road West Bloomfield, MI, 48322)

•    Assisted the Education Director and teaching staff with office support
•    Substitute Teacher
•    Ad-Hoc Hebrew school director guided by the Religious School Committee
•    Dealt with parent ,disciplinary, and teacher relations issues

Synagogue Skills

•    B’nai Mitzvah Preparation: Torah/Haftorah, Davening, Tallit and T’fillin Training
•    Teaching Synagogue Skills: T’fillah, Hagbah, Gabbaiut, Davening, Leining (Torah, Haftorah, Megillot)
•    Tallit and T’fillin Knot Tying
•    Pastoral Care: Lifecycle Events, Hospital/Nursing Home Visitation

Other Skills

•    Arts Organization Management- Concert Planning, Marketing, Ticketing Systems
•    Event Coordination
•    Marketing Techniques
•    Computer Software and Electronic Device Troubleshooting
•    Sound and Projection System Troubleshooting
•    Fluent in Online Social Networking (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Podcasting)
•    Fundraising Techniques- Large Scale Concert Events, Parlor Concerts, In-Home Targeted Donor Receptions
•  Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Photoshop. Crystal Reports, Chaverware, ShulSuite

Education

Masters in Sacred Music, Jewish Theological Seminary of America, New York, NY (May 2010)
Diploma of Hazzan, Jewish Theological Seminary of America, New York, NY (Investiture, May 2010)
Bachelor of Arts in Music, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI ( 2000-2004)
•    National Association of Teachers of Singing, Regional Competition, 1st place (2003, 2004)
•    National Association of Teachers of Singing, Regional Competition, 2nd place  (2002)
•    Bach Festival Society of Kalamazoo, Young Artists Competition, 2nd Place (2002, 2003)
•    Kalamazoo College Autism Support Group, Respite Volunteer Coordinator (2000-2004)

Community Positions

•    2014, 2017 Cantors Assembly National Convention Co-Chair
•    Member, Cantors Assembly Executive Council (2014-2016)
•    Cantors Assembly Website and Technology Chair
•    Chaplain, Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Department (2013-2015)
•    Screening Committee Member, Jewish Experience,  Palm Beach International Film Festival (2014-2015)
•    Palm Beach Community Yom Ha’aztmaut Celebration Committee Member (2012)
•    Screening Committee Member, Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival (2011-2013)
•    Palm Beach Jewish Community Relations Council Member (2011-2013)
•    Bach Festival Society of Kalamazoo, Board Member (2004)

Guest Speaking Appearances

• Federation of Jewish Mens Clubs, International Convention (2019 Toronto, ON) Clergy and Shabbat Service Liaison

  • Bourbon 101

  • The Barchu Ballet: Davening Choreography

• Dix Hills Jewish Center (2017) Artist in Residence: The Life of a Cruise Ship Cantor

• Kalamazoo College (2016) Introduction to Judasim: An Introduction to Jewish Music and Nusach

• Kalamazoo College (2016) Music of the Middle East: The Inner Workings of Hazzanut

• Federation of Jewish Mens Clubs, International Convention (2013 Danvers, MA): Aren't We Special, The Meaning of The Alienu

• Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival (2012-2014)- Jewish Music: East vs. West

Performance Experience

Cantor’s Assembly 2012 Mission to Germany and Israel
•    Herkulessaal, 4th of July Performance- “If Ever I Would Leave You” Camelot
•    Berlin National Concert Hall, Friday Night Services, “Adon Olam” Soloman Sulzer
Cantor’s Assembly 2010 Mission to Poland and Israel
•    National Yiddish Theatre of Warsaw- “Yiddish Theatre Review”

Other Experience

•    Anti Defamation League- Domestic Extremism and Terrorism Seminar
•    National Council for Behavioral Health- Mental Health First Aid Training
•    Plaza Jewish Community Chapel, Funeral Home Rotation- This rotation allows Rabbinical and Cantorial students the opportunity to witness firsthand the procedures at a Jewish funeral home, from the time of death through the moment of burial. Participants are given the option of observing a Tahara (if available), chances to speak with active and retired clergy members about how they prepare for a funeral. Speakers included Rabbi David Lincoln, Rabbi Gordon Tucker, and Rabbi Alan Schrantz.
•    JTS Tour Guide for High Level Donors

Interests

Classical Music, Opera, Theatre, Wine Enthusiast, Cigar Aficionado, Cooking, Art, Film, Travel