Temple Israel will feature one of the premiere contemporary cantors in the United States, Cantor Magda Fishman. Cantor Fishman brings vibrant experience to Jewish music through a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Her repertoire includes liturgical masterpieces, Israeli songs, jazz, musical theater, as well as her own compositions.
Cantor Fishman will lead the May 31 Friday night service infusing familiar melodies as well as music that features her virtuoso strength. She will engage the congregation seeking everyone to join her. She will continue Shabbat morning June 1, by being the lead vocalist in the service. She will teach us about the history of our most familiar melodies as well as nontraditional music that inspires and reflects our tradition. She will also engage everyone in music and dialogue after kiddush lunch.
Cantor Fishman has performed extensively throughout the United States, Israel, Europe, and Canada. She had a lead role in the Prague State Opera, and she performed during the annual America-Israel Cultural Foundation Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center and at a National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene event honoring Elie Wiesel. She was featured in Folksbiene’s popular Soul to Soul concert at the Central Park Summer Stage NYC and at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles with Maestro Placido Domingo and Melissa Manchester.
Prior to her investiture in May 2011, Cantor Fishman served in the Israeli Army Orchestra as a vocal soloist and trumpet player. She came to the United States as part of the Tel-Aviv Broadway Musical Theater Project and was the recipient of the prestigious America-Israel Cultural Foundation scholarship. Cantor Fishman believes that music and prayer offer people hope. She brings an infectious enthusiasm and Broadway-quality vocal ability to her congregational leadership, and she says that what she loves the most about her work—and prioritizes above all—is forming relationships. She will bring this experience, warmth and talent to our bimah. Register