One of the most renowned and respected musicians in contemporary American Judaism, Cantor Jeffrey Klepper joined Temple Emanuel’s 50th Anniversary celebration as Musician-in-Residence on March 24 and 25, 2012.
Cantor Klepper has performed throughout the USA and Israel, in England, France, the Netherlands and Russia. His original songs, such as the universally beloved “Shalom Rav,” are known throughout the Jewish world.
One of a handful of contemporary Jewish musicians responsible for changing the sound of American synagogue music, Cantor Klepper is a champion of congregational singing in worship. His influence is demonstrated not only in the hundreds of cantors, song leaders, teachers, singers and musicians who regularly teach and perform his songs, but in the thousands of students, campers and shul-goers who sing them.
The weekend began with the first of two workshops lead by Cantor Klepper – “Jewish Roots: A Hands-on Workshop” for TE musicians and musically enthusiastic TE members, followed by Havdalah and a spirited concert with the Temple Emanuel Band. On Sunday morning, Cantor Klepper led the religious school families in song, and then presented his second workshop – “American Nusach: What is the Jewish Music of Today and Tomorrow?” for the adults in the congregation, during which he discussed interesting trends and ideas in modern Jewish music.
It was a memorable weekend of song, worship and study that helped to set the mood for the remainder of our 50th anniversary activities.
