IDF Chief Cantor- Prayer for the State of Israel

Earlier this year, my father-in-law sent me a video of a guy singing a "Prayer for the State of Israel" (Avinu Shebashamayim). It just so happens, it was Shai Abramson, the IDF's Chief Cantor as of 2009. Apparently, in 2008, he was asked to sing at an IDF function and after he finished, the Chief of Staff said on the podium, “I greatly enjoyed that amazing chazan (cantor),” Ashkenazi said. “Your voice is amazing and if you lack a horizon at Elram [the previous name for Technology and Logistics Branch – ed.] then you have one in chazanut with us,”.

The Voice Teacher- Rabbi/Cantor Donald Neil Roberts

Let me tell you about Rabbi/Cantor Don Roberts, my Voice Teacher, for the last decade. Don teaches some of the greatest Cantorial talents of our time. He also teaches an impressive roster of classical singers and pop singers. He is the best kept secret in Voice Pedagogy and has completely transformed the way I approach the Voice and singing in general. Here is a documentary called "The Voice Teacher", that was put together by one of his students, Daniel Mendelson, son of another long time student, Cantor Jack Mendelson (see "A Cantor's Tale")

Cantor Yaakov Motzen Sings at Kemp Mill Synagogue in Maryland

This past friday evening I went to the Kemp Mill Synagogue in Silverspring MD to hear the visiting Cantor Yaakov Motzen lead Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv.

I did not know what to expect. Over the last several years all the buzz had been about Cantor Helfgot and a select other few. I am familiar with a handful other Chazzanim that are all very talented but Cantor Yaakov Motzen had slipped under the radar.

He is a true professional. Every phrase that comes out of his mouth is carefully crafted with strong vocal technique and artistic interpretation. He sounds like he could night float as an Opera Singer.

The accompanying choir from YU was passable at best but still added an important element that is essential for a strong Cantorial experience. A good choir not only helps push the Cantor/Congregation to new heights but helps make the Cantorial soloist's singing more accessible so the congregation can sing along as well.

Cantor Motzen's high notes were the most exciting part of the evening. Whether just touching a high note during an arpeggiated chord or holding a sustained high note at the end of Lewandowski's tzadik katamar they all were thrilling, effortless, and inspiring.

This type of experience is what we so desperately need to jump start Jewish music as an art form in the synagogue again.

I Dread Going to Shul- By Daniel Schwartz

This article about Chazzanut appears in issue 9 of Conversations, the journal of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals.

It provides a historical context for the decline of the role of Cantorial Music in Synagogue practice, stemming from the emergence of the Young Israel movement, who's mission was to render synagogue services more relevant to the contemporary worshipper.

Read the article here- I Dread Going to Shul

Naftali Herstik - Shomer Yisrael

Last week I came across a video by Naftali Herstik, backed by the Neimah Singers doing a choral arrangement of Shomer Yisrael. Videos like these "Save" my life every once in a while, breathing fresh clean air into my lungs and fueling my continued passion for life and music. Not bad for a few minutes on youtube!

Cantor Herstik's voice soars over the choir in a light Falsetto, adorning the beautiful choral arrangement that rests beneath it, uplifting all those who choose to immerse themselves in the music. One can only hope more congregations will adopt similar practices to uplift congregants.

Virtual Cantor- Nussach Library

For those of you that want a free resource for basic traditional Nussach (tunes), visit Virtual Cantor.

It has MP3's for just about every prayer you may want to learn. This site is ideal for a novice Cantor. If you are training to be a professional cantor you probably would want something else. Enjoy and have a great weekend, all!

Cantor Benzion Miller Lights Chanukah Candles

Listen to the Chanukah blessings as you've never heard them before. This is Cantor Benzion Miller's rendition of the candle lighting blessings for Chanukah back in 1989.