Dr. Scott Demsky, Cantor

It is a great privilege for me to be able to lead our congregation in prayer in my seventh year as Cantor of Congregation Shaarei Kodesh.  As Cantor, I feel it is my responsibility to pass down the ancient and traditional melodies which I have been taught while also bringing the freshness of some new melodies created by contemporary Jewish composers.  So when you come to join us in prayer on Friday nights, Saturday mornings, Festivals, weekdays or on the High Holidays, please be ready to sing along with your favorite tunes while listening to and learning some new ones.

I also have the privilege and joy of training most of our young people for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah.  Each child learns how to chant Torah, Haftarah and T’filah (prayer) in a welcoming and fun environment.  In addition, our B’nai Mitzvah program at Congregation Shaarei Kodesh helps to instill Jewish values and traditions in our young people, helping to build future Jewish generations.  I find it richly rewarding to watch my students learn and grow as they reach their special day of celebration in front of the entire congregation.

Of course, the High Holidays will soon be here and I always look forward to chanting and leading our congregation in the special melodies of this season.  We all go through much preparation at this time of year, both as individuals and as a community, and I hope that you find our services meaningful and inspiring as we begin the New Year of 5772.

May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a sweet and happy new year.

Scott Demsky

Cantor, Congregation Shaarei Kodesh