LORI FAITH WEBER
vguahk hk hvhu v-h, rnzu hzg uvbnnrtu hct hvk-t uvubtu hk-t vz
God is my strength and song and has become my deliverance. This is my God, to whom I give glory— My ancestor ' s God, whom I exalt. ~ Exodus 15:2
I often tell people that if I were to become famous, my claim to fame would be that I was singing before I could talk. I remember my Grandma Helen proudly sharing stories of pushing me in my stroller singing“ Sunrise Sunset” in her beautiful operatic voice while I echoed her, singing back“ Suh-rei Su-seh” at 9 months old. Rashi’ s commentary on Proverbs 3:9 teaches us to honor HaShem with the gifts that we are given. I believe that’ s the reason I became a Music Therapist and a Jewish Music Educator and now … a Cantor.
Born in Riverdale, I moved to Long Island at 3 months old. I grew up and worked there until I met my husband, Robert. After living in Manhattan we moved to New Rochelle and joined Beth El Synagogue. I decided to chant a Haftarah( first one since becoming a bat mitzvah) and I had the incredible opportunity to study with Cantor Lawrence Avery z” l, who asked if I had considered enrolling in Cantorial School. I had a 1 year old son then and my joke was“ Why should I enroll in Cantorial School? Do I need to fill my time between midnight and 6:00 am?” Our younger son came along 2 years later, and I began teaching music at Beth El’ s religious school under Ilana Davidov’ s leadership.
In addition, I continue to be fulfilled by my work as a Jewish Music Educator, B’ nei Mitzvah teacher and Torah for Tots leader. Whenever I have the chance, I enjoy performing as a lead vocalist in pop / jazz wedding bands.
I love watching the“ lightbulb” go on as a child learns a new skill. There was no greater joy than watching my own children; each learning to lead the Shaharit service and leyn Torah when each one celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah both in New York and in Israel. Their Jewish pride and their deep connection to Israel is what tells me that I’ ve succeeded as a parent.
I am overflowing with gratitude for the beautiful friendships that resulted from the whole learning process. I am forever indebted to my family for their patience, love, and support that I received during these past 10 years. Sammy, Zachary and Rob … I couldn’ t have done this without you and I love you all so very much.
When Ilana began teaching for AJR, she could not contain her enthusiasm for the program and the people. I found myself at an AJR open house and the rest is history.
AJR gave me the tools to work as a cantorial soloist, leading beautiful Shabbat and High Holiday services for multiple synagogues / assisted living facilities within the Tri-State area.
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