My approach
Welcome. Thank you for visiting my site.
I’m a Cantor proudly serving at Temple Beth-El in Hillsborough, NJ; an educator; and a Jewish officiant.
I offer vibrant, inspiring, Jewish music to enhance and uplift ritual for my congregation and seekers of healing and meaning in a Jewish or interfaith framework of connection and social justice.
I bring innovative and inclusive educational experiences to people of all ages in my congregation. As an educator I employ creative arts, mindfulness techniques, differentiated instruction and community building as spiritual and educational tools. My social work background gives me insight into group and interpersonal dynamics and an empathic, psychologically informed approach to conflicts and challenges.
My musical skillset spans from contemporary Jewish melodies to the rich traditions of cantorial nusach (liturgical chant), folk, classical and jazz styles applied to gatherings and ritual throughout the Jewish calendar cycle.
I infuse social justice, interfaith dialogue, LGBT inclusion and equality into my cantorate. Collaboration is at the center of the work that I do in community and with fellow clergy and co-workers.
“Even if you can’t sing well, sing. Sing to yourself. Sing in the privacy of your home. But sing.
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My services
Let’s be honest, this is a difficult time to be alive. Many pressures bear on the lives of Jewish people especially when it comes to our identity, rising anti-semitism, our relationship to Israel, not to mention the divisive politics of this time, gun violence, social isolation, the increasing impact of AI, climate catastrophe, and so much more. All of this can amount to a strain on our souls and our nervous systems, day after day.
Some of us have had negative experiences with religion and are seeking ways to heal, especially if we are members of the LGBTQ community. It can be helpful to discover practices that bring us closer to community in ways that feel safe and supportive, or to access instruction for spiritual practices that we can take on for ourselves.
So, how then do we find our grounding?
For me, the practice of mindfulness has been transformative, and has allowed a compassionate approach to take shape in my own sense of presence each day, for myself and others. Jewish mindfulness is a wonderful resource that we can always turn to when we’ve lost our way or as a daily touchstone. Whether it’s reading the Psalms as a source of wisdom and comfort, spending time appreciating nature, meditation or chanting, or singing in community, mindfulness is always there for us.
We all need more of these nourishing resources these days, and I’m here for you and my community when they/you are ready to seek ways to plug in. I am now a Jewish mindfulness teacher in NJ.