• cantor's message
• cantor's music

When a person sings a prayer, he awakens the essence of his soul, which is connected with God. Thus, when we sing, we feel a sense of security knowing that this life is taking place in the presence of God. A tune can touch a soul, in a way no words ever could. Music filters the air, removes the negativity and leaves a purified and positive atmosphere.

I was born and educated in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am the full-time Cantor at MJC&S, and live here in Malibu. In addition to my certification as Hazzan & Ba'al Tefillah from the Latin American Rabbinical Seminary, I have degrees in Music Therapy and extensive experience as a teacher, composer, choir director and performer. I have taught music at a variety of levels, from preschool, kindergarten and elementary school to the training of adult Hebrew music teachers. As a music therapist, I have worked with a wide range of people, from children to the elderly, and led workshops at many World Conferences and Seminars.

Tot Shabbat Program

Our Tot Shabbat Program occurs on Friday mornings when children, teachers, and parents gather in the sanctuary to join together to celebrate Shabbat with songs and dancing. In the year 2002, we celebrated the release of our CD, "Tot Shabbat With Cantor Marcelo." Parents, children, teachers, and congregants contributed by composing, singing or offering production related assistance. "Tot Shabbat with Cantor Marcelo" has been well received throughout the Jewish communities around the world including New Zealand, Argentina, Lithuania, Israel and Canada. Since the CD was released, we have been invited to bring our music to national education and religious conferences. Schools have called upon us to come and perform the music, demonstrating our Tot Shabbat Program. Teachers, Rabbis and Cantors around the country, use the CD in their classrooms, and families listen to the CD at home.

Inter-Generational Program

We visit the residents of the Jewish Home For The Aged to celebrate Shabbat with our pre-school children and adult choir. Everyone joyfully celebrates with dancing, prayers and songs with a Latin beat.

To Be Different

This is a once a week program where I work with a group of children who have special needs. We assemble for exploration of music through body movement. It is very inspiring to see all students developing their potential through music.

Religious School 

I teach music and songs from our beloved Israel. I also teach prayers and blessings to every class, progressing further with each level. Together, we learn to embrace and enjoy our culture.

B'nai Mitzvah Program 

I personally mentor each student to insure that they are proud of their Jewish heritage and enjoy this important milestone in their life. Our students learn to read Torah, lead Tefilot, and Brachot. Our B'nai Mitzvah class learns the Torah Tropes (Parashah and Haftarah).

Torah Trope Classes 

It is tremendously rewarding to see people of all ages stand upon the bimah, reading Torah for our congregation. I also prepare kids to read Torah during the High Holy Days. These classes are available to everyone in the synagogue; I prepare the Torah readers so they can bring the light of Torah to our lives.

Sing-A-Long 

This repertoire encompasses music about Jewish life and our heroes - from Abraham Avinu, to the creation of the State of Israel. Everyone is welcome to join. As we learn, our voices and spirits soar to new heights. Each song resonates with the entirety of the Jewish experience, the devastations and victories, the separations and reunifications, and above all, the constant bond with the eternal.

Concerts 

We have two major concerts annually, our Chanukah Concert in December, and the Cantor's Concert in our beautiful new sanctuary. These are exiting successful events that the whole community looks forward to.

Choir & Musical Ensembles 

Everyone is welcome to participate to the full measure of his or her spiritual desire, singing or playing music. We meet regularly to prepare for holiday celebrations. We invite every congregant, from child to adult, who plays an instrument to join our Musical Ensembles. We perform on Shabbat and in memorable concerts throughout the year.

Working together with Rabbi Judith HaLevy and our school directors, coupled with the families of our community, brings together all the ingredients necessary to form a meaningful educational, and spiritual Jewish experience.

I truly believe that each of us has a deep sound inside… a frequency that is unique to each of us, an essence that makes our community shine. Come and join us in the warmth of G-d's love, our Torah and community through music. We wish to include your voice and energy in our embrace. As music transmits the contents of our hearts, it becomes the vehicle through which we project ourselves into a better future for our community and for our children.

The Best is Yet to Come! Let's sing together to bring the Synagogue to new heights!

Stay tuned….