Hebrew in Harmony—the new prayer curriculum for 4th-6th graders—features music from today's top Jewish musicians. This is part of a series profiling some of these talented artists.
Josh Breitzer is cantor and music director of Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn. As a dedicated and passionate Jewish music educator, he has coached young artists at NYC Opera, The Juilliard School, and Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts. He teaches at HUC-JIR and serves as a Vice President of the American Conference of Cantors. His recording of Oseh Shalom is featured in Hebrew in Harmony.
Who are your musical influences?
Mozart, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, John Denver, Joe Raposo, Fred Rogers, Billy Joel, Eliyahu Schleifer and Lawrence Avery.
How does prayer resonate with you, and why?
Avot v'imahot. It reminds me whose shoulders I stand on.
What's one instrument you wished you could play?
All about that bass!
What's one technique you use to engage an audience?
Leading from the back of the space or even from the balcony.
Visit www.behrmanhouse.com/hih to hear some of Josh's music and explore Hebrew in Harmony.
