Composer in Residence Program

A Legacy of Music

In January 2022, the Board of Directors of Temple Emanu-El announced the establishment of the Temple Emanu-El Composer in Residence program. Our synagogue has a long history of musical excellence, and this program builds on that by promoting the creation of music that strengthens the spiritual and artistic life of our congregation.  

The Board announced that, in addition to her position as our synagogue's cantor, Judy Adelman Gershon was appointed as our first Composer in Residence.

Temple Emanu-El has benefited from a host of original musical compositions and arrangements created by Judy. These pieces have helped enrich our synagogue and elevate our place in the Jewish musical world. Judy is a Juno award-winning composer whose original compositions and arrangements have become widely sought after by Jewish organizations and others.

Click HERE to see some of the many songs either composed or arranged by Cantor Judy Adelman Gershon.

The Future

With the July 2025 departure of Cantor Judy Adelman Gershon, the Composer in Residence Program is now suspended. However, our congregation and community will continue to benefit from the new compositions created under the program. In the future, if another Temple Emanu-El Composer in Residence is appointed, the program will likely be available again for new donations and dedications.

Major Donations and Compositions

Thank you to the major donors to our Composer in Residence Fund whose contributions of $1800 or more helped to build the musical legacy of Temple Emanu-El with the following new pieces of music: 

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• Sim Shalom • Composed with love and admiration for Pamela Roy on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah. Made possible by a generous donation to the Composer in Residence Fund. Listen to the audio demo track HERE.
• Y'hi Shalom (May There Be Peace) • A moment of peace when hope is lost. • Instrumental • Made possible by a generous donation from Rona Shuster to the Composer in Residence Fund. Watch a video performance of the piece HERE.

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• Adonai Ori: Four Psalms for Selichot • In Loving Memory of Judy Dan • Made possible by the Judy Dan Fund for Arts and Education. Watch the premiere at Selichot services in September, 2024 HERE.
• Oseh Shalom / Yeh'yu L'ratzon, Lovingly dedicated to Cheryl Shuster, in appreciation for the kindness, generosity, creativity and love she shares with all of us, everyday. Made possible by a gift from Liz Woods. Listen to the audio demo track HERE.
• V'Shamru, in honour of Randi Feldman's retirement as Executive Director of Temple Emanu-El. Made possible by an anonymous gift. Listen to the audio demo track HERE.
• Zeh Hayom, in celebration of Risa Hoffman's 60th birthday. Made possible by a gift from Risa and Lloyd Hoffman. Listen to the audio demo track HERE.

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• Ha-Mitzvah Hazot, in celebration of Pat Sinervo's recovery from illness, and of the love of her family and friends who wouldn't let her go. Made possible by a gift from Pat and Pekka Sinervo. Watch the debut performance at Temple Emanu-El Shabbat Shira HERE.
• Ha-Tov Shimcha, in memory of Anne Soren. Made possible by a gift from Reg and Rhona Adelman. Listen to the audio demo track HERE.
• Or Shalom, in honour of Harold (z"l) and Mary Chapman. Made possible by a gift from Jo Anne Chisholm. Listen to the audio demo track HERE.

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• Zachar Chasdo, dedicated in loving memory of Ron Weisfeld. Made possible by a gift from the Weisfeld family. 
  Listen HERE.
• Sh'lama Raba, dedicated in honour of Robin Leszner and all she has done for our congregation. Made possible by a gift from the Leszner family. Watch video HERE.