Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel
432 Scotland Road
South Orange, NJ 07079
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Member Musicians and Clergy at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel Make Beautiful Music and Memories at South Orange Synagogue
Cantor Rebecca Moses Directs the TSTI Band, Which Performs Traditional and Popular Tunes at Monthly Musical Evening Service
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J., October 23, 2017 – One Friday evening a month from September through June, the sanctuary at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel (TSTI), the Reform synagogue in South Orange, resonates with the sounds of live musical accompaniment featuring the TSTI Band, a group of talented synagogue members who play instruments, sing and bring their spirit to the community as they usher in Shabbat. The liturgy is played and sung to both traditional and contemporary melodies—including Broadway and pop tunes—as Cantor Rebecca Moses leads the community in rocking the house in new ways.
The musicians, who all volunteer their time, are: guitarists Adam Seidman of Maplewood and Mark Sussman of West Orange, bass player Larry Kantor of South Orange, drummer/percussionist Barry Hausman of West Orange, saxophone and woodwinds player, Steven Pomerantz of Montclair, keyboard player Jamie Probber and singer Roberta Probber, both of Montville, and singer Jack Parry of South Orange. The youngest band member at age 15, Parry is in the chorus at Columbia High School in South Orange. Cantor Joan Finn also sings with the musicians.
Moses’ playbook ranges from familiar Reform melodies to classic rock hits. “We like to incorporate modern songs or American standards that align with current events or the rabbi’s sermon in some way,” explained Moses, who came to TSTI five years ago. “The song teaches something about the week’s Torah portion and serves as a ‘musical midrash,’ a commentary on that portion.”
The TSTI Band has played pop, rock, folk and blues numbers such as “Rainbow Connection,” “We are Family,” “Help!”, “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “This Land is Your Land” and “What a Wonderful World.” Song sheets are provided for congregants so they can join in the fun.
The band performs pieces from a variety of contemporary Jewish composers as well, some of whom have been artists-in-residence at TSTI such as Noam Katz, Sheldon Low and Dan Nichol.
TSTI offers professional musical accompaniment every other Friday evening, rotating keyboard, guitar, and mandolin and percussion, depending on the style or theme of the service. However, Moses said the TSTI Band adds another level of specialness to the service.
“It has a different meaning when it’s your own people. That’s something very unique here that many other congregations don’t have. Our members are fantastic musicians; we are so fortunate to have them not only within our community but also available to do this for us. They give something very unique of themselves to TSTI.”
She also said that the music chosen helps add a festive note which gives people an opportunity to truly celebrate Shabbat in a way “we don’t always give ourselves permission to do. There are members who come specifically for this service and our younger members see that services can be really fun.”
Musical notes from the musicians
Drummer Barry Hausman has been a TSTI member with his family for approximately 30 years. He comes from a musical family of singers, dancers and composers, and has played drums since age 8. He got involved with the TSTI Band at its inception a few years ago, somewhat by accident.
“My wife Ivy and I met with Rabbi Cohen in his office about a family matter. I spotted a guitar in the corner and asked who played. Rabbi Cohen said he did, and Ivy quickly told him I play drums. I was ‘hired’ on the spot.”
Although he is a rock drummer, Hausman says participating in the TSTI Band has given him the opportunity to learn a different style of music and has instilled a greater understanding of the importance of being involved and expanding one’s horizons.
“I feel I am a part of something bigger than I am, and the services we play at are engaging and fun for us as musicians and as a congregation.”
Guitarist Mark Sussman is another TSTI member for nearly three decades; his musical roots go back to his high school days in various rock bands. Involved with the TSTI Band from its beginning, he said that, “I enjoy playing with the other musicians on a regular basis and appreciate the diversity of music that is incorporated into the services.”
Roberta Probber serves on TSTI’s Executive Committee and has also been performing along with husband Jamie since the band started. They joined Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel around seven years ago.
“I’ve always loved singing; celebrating Shabbat with our community through music is a joy,” she said. Jamie Probber has been playing keyboards since childhood, and performs in a 1980’s tribute band called “80’s Revolution.”
Steven Pomerantz who joined TSTI in 1994, has also served on the Executive Committee and remains active on other committees. A fan of jazz and American standards, he has been a woodwind musician since his high school days.
Of his experience with the TSTI Band, Pomerantz said, “I love how Cantor Moses works in the weekly parsha with contemporary music, finding a way to make that accessible and meaningful to attendees. She also brings out the best in the TSTI Band members.”
Playing at TSTI has enriched Pomerantz’s personal and spiritual life, too.
“The band provides a musical outlet and spiritual component for me personally and allows me to pursue music. This reinforces the importance of Jewish worship, music and TSTI in my life.”
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel (TSTI), located at 432 Scotland Road in South Orange, is a vibrant, inclusive Reform congregation that welcomes Jews by birth or by choice, interfaith, traditional and non-traditional families, and children of all abilities. It offers lifelong learning and creative, enriching programs for all members, from preschoolers and teens to older adults. Its full complement of religious services, early childhood and religious school education, cultural programs and activities foster connection, engagement and community outreach. TSTI’s members live in Maplewood, South Orange, West Orange, Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston and surrounding areas. For more information, please visit www.tsti.org.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Members of the TSTI Band include (left to right): Roberta Probber of Montville, Cantor Joan Finn, Steven Pomerantz of Montclair, Adam Seidman of Maplewood, Mark Sussman of West Orange, Cantor Rebecca Moses, Larry Kantor of South Orange, Jamie Probber of Montville and Barry Hausman of West Orange. Not pictured: Jack Parry of South Orange.
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