2018 Cantorial Graduates

John Faulkner Guest

“As a caretaker of our musical heritage and an explorer or fresh musical pathways, I hope to speak for, and to, others in prayer, fanning the divine spark in individuals and strengthening the unity of our People.”

Thesis: “Commissioning Émigré Composers in Los Angeles, 1938-1945: Rabbi Jacob Sonderling’s Contributions to Jewish Musical History”

Summary: Rabbi Jacob Sonderling was a German emigre and the spiritual leader of a small synagogue in Los Angeles from the mid-1930’s until his death in 1964. His synagogue, Fairfax Temple – Society for Jewish Culture, was a magnet for other German Jewish emigres, including a number of well-established composers of secular music. Between 1938 and 1945, Rabbi Sonderling convinced four of these composers to write Jewish liturgical works. Rabbi Sonderling and the remarkable body of liturgical music he commissioned in Los Angeles are the subjects of this thesis.

Stephanie Rachel Kupfer

“As a cantor, and granddaughter of three holocaust survivors, it is my hope to invigorate a reawakening towards the belief in Judaism, through a synthesis of traditional hazzanut and contemporary, creative participatory music, enlightening all age groups.”

Lisa Ruth Peicott

“As a cantor, my goal is to lift people to a higher spiritual plane through the power of music and communal prayer, especially our youth, ensuring that they too build strong connections to their Judaism.”

Thesis: “Kol Nashim: An Exploration of Women’s Impact on the Cantorate”

Summary: My thesis was inspired by a NY Times article which analyzed a study that showed that the prestige of a profession went down, as soon as women entered the field in large numbers. Seeing as about 75% of seminary cantorial students are currently women and that number is growing each and every year, it is inevitable that women will soon comprise the majority of the cantorate. With this information, I wanted to look at the evolution of the cantorate, from ancient times when it was only open to the men, to the present. In particular, how the ordination of Women in the late 80’s has impacted the job description, and has essentially changed what it means to be a cantor in the year 2018.

Michelle Bider Stone

“As a cantor, my dream is to inspire through music, learning, ritual and prayer, culture, community and conversation, a love for our unique traditions and deep wisdom.”

Thesis: “What’s the Deal with Congregational Singing?
The Inevitability of the Demand for Congregational Singing in the American Synagogue”

Summary: My thesis explores the historical and sociological factors that have led to the demand for congregational singing in the American synagogue as well as the primary songwriters whose music influenced the new sound of the American synagogue. It also examines how each of the major denominations were affected by the increased demand and how the cantorate responded when congregants craved more involvement in services.

Cheri Renee Weiss

“My mission to create and elevate community and spirituality through liturgical music. My special passion is bringing Jewish prayers and songs to those unable to attend worship services due to illness or other reasons beyond their control.”