Congregation Beth Israel Welcomes Jacob Greenberg as its New Cantor

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scotch Plains will welcome Jacob Greenberg as its new cantor on Friday, June 30. His predecessor, Matt Axelrod, served as cantor of the synagogue for 33 years and is departing to become the Executive Director of the Cantors Assembly, the professional organization of cantors in the Conservative Jewish movement.

Jacob Greenberg comes to the Scotch Plains synagogue from Congregation B'nai Israel in Toms River, NJ, where he served as Cantor and Youth Director for the past three years. In Toms River, Cantor Greenberg produced many large concerts and performed at several gatherings in the community. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County.

Originally from the Baltimore area, Cantor Greenberg received his Masters of Sacred Music and Cantorial Ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Pre-Cantorial Studies from the Hartt School of Music in Connecticut.

“We are excited to welcome Cantor Greenberg to CBI as our newest member of the clergy,” said Ryan Teicher, president of Congregation Beth Israel. “Jacob Greenberg demonstrated the passion and maturity we were looking for in a cantor. More importantly, we experienced an instantaneous connection with Cantor Greenberg and felt he was a great fit for our close-knit synagogue family. He felt that connection too, and really wants to be part of CBI’s present and future.”

Congregation Beth Israel’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to hire Jacob Greenberg after a six-month-long cantorial search was undertaken by a group of volunteer lay leaders with the support of its synagogue professionals. Thoughtful consideration was also given to feedback from congregants, who participated in extensive surveys throughout the process. Cantor Greenberg underwent several rounds of interviews and spent a weekend at CBI in January, leading Shabbat services on Friday and Saturday and interacting with Religious School students and their families on Sunday.

“I was so impressed with the enthusiasm and energy Cantor Greenberg brings to the bimah when leading services,” said Howard Tilman, Rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel. “We immediately felt at home with his presence and leadership, which will help ensure a smooth transition into the High Holidays and beyond. Cantor Greenberg connected well with students and adults of all ages and is excited to work with B’nei Mitzvah families and many other members of our community.”

Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue, serving the religious, cultural, educational and social needs of congregants from Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns. It has an active Sisterhood, Men’s Club and youth group, plus a wide array of programs, ranging from adult education courses to social action opportunities. Congregation Beth Israel has been recognized as an ABLE Awarded Congregation by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest for its commitment to inclusion and accommodation for all its members.

Congregation Beth Israel is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, New Jersey (corner of Martine Avenue). For information, call (908) 889-1830.