Hazzanut Lewandowski and the Case for Communal Singing Cantor Heller, August 4, 2026 In the nineteenth century, synagogues across Europe faced a contentious question: should an organ be part of the liturgy? For many, the answer was no. The organ seemed to belong to the Christian church, not to Jewish worship. It was seen as a symbol of assimilation, a departure from tradition…. Continue Reading
Hazzanut Come and Sing: Lewandowski’s Psalm 92 Cantor Heller, July 31, 2026 Last week I wrote about one of our Lewandowski masterpieces, Tavo Lefanecha, and the High Holidays approaching. Today I want to invite you to something simpler and equally beautiful: our Friday night services, where another jewel from Lewandowski’s pen is part of it. Psalm 92 is part of Kabbalat Shabbat, the… Continue Reading
Cantorial Tavo Lefanecha: A Masterpiece Through the High Holidays Cantor Heller, July 27, 2026August 6, 2026 As we approach the High Holidays, there is one piece that has become woven into the fabric of Belsize Square’s liturgical year—Louis Lewandowski’s Tavo Lefanecha (May It Come Before You). It is a work that embodies much of what we preserve and continue in our tradition, and this seems a… Continue Reading
Hazzanut Summer weddings are back Cantor Heller, June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 At Belsize Square, the sanctuary carries its own atmosphere: the light through the windows, the familiar stillness of that space, and the sense of accumulated ceremony. Everything is in place for a chuppah. In Italy — Bari, this time — the grandeur is architectural and the air conditioning is, shall… Continue Reading
Hazzanut Summer Weddings and the Sacred Harmony of Hans Bloemendal’s Sheva Brachot Cantor Heller, June 19, 2025July 21, 2025 There’s something uniquely magical about summer weddings. The golden light, the scent of blooming flowers, and the warmth of long days create a perfect backdrop for love and celebration. In Jewish tradition, this joy is elevated by the Sheva Brachot—the Seven Blessings—recited under the chuppah and during the week of festivities… Continue Reading
Hazzanut At the 16th European Cantor’s Convention Cantor Heller, December 6, 2024February 13, 2025 In Budapest, colleagues and friends, Hazzanim (prayer leaders) and music scholars, to share our knowledge aimed at enhancing community engagement through prayer. An example of our rehearsal can be heard here before Shabbat in the beautifully designed Rumbach Synagogue, known for its impressive architecture and intricate stucco walls. Also my… Continue Reading
Hazzanut At St. Pölten Synagogue Cantor Heller, April 18, 2024April 22, 2024 By invitation of the Institute of History of Jews of Austria. I had the privilege of participating in the re-inauguration ceremony of what was once my father’s parents and family’s Synagogue in St. Pölten, Austria, which suffered from the 9th of Nov 1938 pogrom and went through several renovations. This… Continue Reading
Hazzanut The High Holy days music at Belsize Square Synagogue Cantor Heller, September 19, 2023September 19, 2023 The capability to live stream, and archive, our services, allows me the luxury of being able to review, and edit, our important musical legacy. I’d like to share one such development. It’s a new composition by Dr Benjamin Wolf, our synagogue’s Music Director, Choir Master and Composer that was commissioned… Continue Reading
Hazzanut At New London Synagogue Cantor Heller, September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 An evening of song invited by the song shul of Canada in their tour with Cantor Simon and Mrs Aliza Spiro. Hosting at New London Synagogue it’s Cantor Yoav Oved and guest Cantor David Rome who shared songs composed by British Jewish composers accompanied by the excellent pianist Leo Nicholson…. Continue Reading
Hazzanut At West London Synagogue Cantor Heller, December 13, 2022January 16, 2023 As a guest of the Zemel Choir in support of World Jewish Relief in their aid to the crisis in Ukraine, I sung and prayed asking for peace and for the souls of the departed in this cruel war. Here is a little slide show of this beautiful Synagogue and… Continue Reading