December 19, 2010

Broadcast Date: 
Dec 19 2010

Beyond the Pale explores the role of the cantor (or hazzan)in the liturgical and musical tradition of Ashkenazi Jews. Have liturgical reforms made the cantor a dying breed?

Episode segments
  • The Cantor Today
    Religion, Jewish Communities, Jewish Life

    Benjamin Matis is Cantor at the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Roslyn NY.

    Jonathan Gordon is Cantor at Woodlands Community Temple in Greenburgh NY.

    Judith Berkson is a soprano, musician and composer whose recordings include LuLu (Peacock Records) and Oylam (ECM).  She was also Cantor at Old Westbury Hebew Congregation Kehilat Shir Ami in Old Westbury NY. Her experimental band Platz Machen is inspired by cantorial music and Hebrew liturgy.
    Jenny Romaine and Marissa Brostoff

    Today's Beyond the Tale explores the rich tradition of the Cantor ranging from the golden age of the first half of the 20th century to the challenges of today. Listeners will hear from two Cantorial greats of the golden age:  Pierre Pinchik (1900-1971) singing Rozo d'Shabbos and Leibele Waldman (1907-1969) singing Shehecheyanu and from two of our guests: Jonathan Gordon (singing a niggun and the Sabboth prayer, V'Shomru) and Judith Berkson (singing Ahavas Oylam from Oylam).