ABOUT OUR MUSIC AND CANTORIAL SOLOISTS...
 

One of the first things that people comment about Ahavat Torah Congregation is, “Wow! You folks love to sing passionately!”

Whether you have a trained voice, an untrained voice, or you can’t carry a tune whatsoever, this congregation invites you to dig down into your kishkas to pour out your soul in the easy-to-follow melodies and participatory singing that make each Shabbat and High Holyday service come alive.

Our beloved Cantorial Soloists are:
 

-- Gary Levine, who has an opera-trained voice with more than 15 years experience leading prayer services and who brings us to tears and joy quite often with his heartfelt singing, and…

-- Kimberly Haynes, who is also a trained professional singer with a magnificent voice and sincerity that moves us and inspires us whenever she is called upon to lead or co-lead our prayer services.

In addition to the warm and uplifting way these two talented individuals get the entire congregation singing and connecting each week, our congregational music is frequently enhanced by the creative musicianship

 of soulful pianist Joel Warren, Kabbalistic drumming instructor Eli Lester, singer Arva Rose, guitarist Sandy Siegel, tambourine player Sherry Modell, maracas player Pattye Asarch, and several other talented musicians who show up from time to time.

At High Holyday services each year, we also have a volunteer mini-choir that adds depth and holiness to several of the traditional melodies, plus Marion Klein on the cello for Kol Nidre, numerous volunteer Shofar blowers, a guest pianist, and lots of participatory singing.

 

But most importantly, we are a congregation that invites you not to sit passively but rather to let the music raise you up to heights you haven’t experienced previously. It’s truly amazing how much our voices can fill the room and reach the heavens during our weekly and High Holyday services.