Huntington Synagogue Names New Cantor

Cantor Deborah Zeitlen

Temple Beth El of Huntington (660 Park Ave.) has named Deborah Zeitlen to be its new cantor as of July 1, 2012.  In this position, Cantor Zeitlen will be responsible for leading services with the rabbi, co-officiating at life-cycle events, teaching bar and bat mitzvah students, teaching prayer and providing pastoral counseling.  She succeeds Cantor Sandra Sherry-Pilatsky, who is retiring after 22 years with the congregation.

Zeitlen comes to Temple Beth El from Kehillath Shalom Synagogue in Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., where she was cantor for six years.  Previously, she taught for several years in Reform and Conservative congregations, and for two years was cantor at North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.

“Cantor Zeitlen possesses such a love of Judaism and a sense of excitement about her cantorate,” says Temple Beth El Rabbi Jeffrey Clopper.  “I know she will bring great energy, enthusiasm and caring to our community.”

Zeitlen received her bachelor of music degree from the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford and a master’s in sacred music and her cantorial investiture from The Jewish Theological Seminary in 2000.  Before studying to become a cantor, she was in the business world for 12 years as a human resources manager.  She also has sung professionally.  Zeitlen currently resides in Cedarhurst with her husband Mac and is looking forward to moving closer to Huntington.

About Temple Beth El

Temple Beth El of Huntington is a warm, caring and vibrant reform Jewish congregation.  It has served greater Huntington for more than 50 years, embracing a broad spectrum of practices and beliefs.  Temple Beth El nurtures and engenders progressive thinking as well as traditional values to create an environment that is both comfortable and stimulating.  Additional information about the temple is available at www.tbeli.org or by phone at (631) 421-5835, ext. 200.