From Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove

“People do not leave synagogue humming the sermon.” Even rabbis readily concede that great music can move us in ways that words never can. When our sacred prayers are set to sublime melodies and given expression by the cantor’s voice, they enable our souls to soar in ways otherwise impossible. A great cantor inspires Jews to cultivate what Heschel called “eloquence of the spirit,” standing humbly before God while aspiring towards the very heavens.

Park Avenue Synagogue has two great cantors, each with their own inflections. Cantor Azi Schwartz and Cantor Shiree Kidron are two of the most talented voices in the contemporary cantorate. It is an honor to serve our community at their side, to consider them colleagues and to be inspired not only by their voices, but by their examples of religious leadership and menschlichkeit. Their talent and dedication ensure that PAS continues to serve as the center of cantorial music in the American Jewish community.

Come hear the cantors throughout the year. After all, as good as the recordings selection on the website may be — the cantors are that much better live!