Music

“The wave of a song carries the soul to heights which utterable meanings can never reach.” – Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel


“On Friday night, November 4th, 2022, together with my Rabbinic partner, Rabbi Jesse Gallop, I was installed as Cantor of Temple Israel of New Rochelle. It was a glorious evening with a full sanctuary, so many members in attendance, my sweet daughter present for the lighting of Shabbat candles and Kiddush, my esteemed colleague Cantor Benjie Schiller from Temple Beth Am Shalom in White Plains officiating, and a scrumptious dinner afterwards in Forbes. Along with all of these blessings and causes for celebration, there was one more thing that happened that evening that filled my heart with joy and gratitude. Just minutes before leaving home for services, I learned that my original composition “Turning/Hashiveinu” which I sang on Kol Nidre night back in October, was selected among hundreds of submissions for publication in a new High Holy Day Music Anthology to be distributed by the Union for Reform Judaism next summer.”
– Cantor Rita Glassman

Click on this image below, to listen to Cantor Glassman’s original composition “Turning/Hashiveinu,” here: 


Music is central to our prayer experience and to our sense of community. Whatever we do, music enhances our experience: music comforts those in pain, enhances joy, helps bring us peace, grounds us and binds together.

Listen to these musical prayers, composed and sung by our former Cantor Schloss, that have become central to the Temple Israel community. Then see below how music has shaped Chanukah and Passover holidays:

Mi Shebeirach
This blessing asks God to restore us with a complete healing of both body and spirit.
May the One Who blessed our ancestors, Abraham. Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah, bless those who are ill and send them a complete healing: a healing of spirit and a healing of body. And let us say: amen.


Oseh Shalom
Through both traditional and modern cantorial styles, this piece asks God to help create on earth a sense of peace and wholeness that exists in heaven, God’s abode.
May the One who makes peace in the high heavens, make peace for us and all Israel. And let us say: Amen


Shiru Ladonai
Psalm 96
Sing to Adonai a new song,
sing to Adonai, all the earth.
Sing to Adonai, bless God’s name,
proclaim God’s victory day after day.


Lo Yisa Goi
The prophet Isaiah’s vision of peace.
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; they shall never again know war.


A New Mi Chamocha/Hashkiveinu for our times:
A blessing of gratitude and praise combined with a plea for protection and care.


Chanukah Music

Passover Music Video