Caldwell Synagogue Bids Fond Farewell To Retiring Cantor

CALDWELLS, NJ — A synagogue in the Caldwells is bidding a fond farewell to a retiring cantor who has become well-known for his musical prowess – along with his community work.

Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell is honoring Joel Caplan as he retires at the end of June. A familiar face to the local community, Caplan has served as the synagogue’s cantor since 1982.

The cantor has earned his reputation as a music expert, Congregation Agudath Israel said:

“He plays numerous instruments and has created choral arrangements of more than 100 Jewish songs. He has toured Europe and America as part of the Zamir Chorale of Boston and has performed frequently in Israel. He served for several years on the staff of Camp Ramah and of the North American Jewish Choral Festival and since 1994 has been an instructor at the Jewish Theological Seminary’s H.L. Miller Cantorial School in New York.”

Caplan has worn many hats in addition to singing prayers during religious services. He teaches in the synagogue’s religious school, has been an officiant for thousands of bar and bat mitzvah services, weddings and funerals, and is a founding director and member of several choral groups for both children and adults.

Working alongside rabbi emeritus Alan Silverstein, senior rabbi Ari Lucas and educational director Susan Werk, he has been a leader and driving force of efforts to grow and strengthen the conservative congregation and its 850 family member units, the synagogue said.

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