19 March 2019

Cantor Tamara Wolfson was formally inducted to her two communities, Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) and Kehillah North London, in a weekend of special events.

A Friday evening induction service took place at NPLS and was led by Rabbis Andrew Goldstein, Aaron Goldstein and Lea Mühlstein and Cantor Zoe Jacobs, along with the talents of Ruth Colin, the NPLS choir and a small multigenerational ensemble of singers.

VIPs in attendance for the upbeat and moving musical service included the Mayor and Mayoress of Hillingdon, the Mayor of Harrow and the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss CBE.

Cantor Zoe Jacobs delivered an emotional and beautiful induction address for Tamara and then joined Rabbi Andrew Goldstein in sanctifying proceedings with the Priestly Blessing.

Saturday morning’s service at Kehillah was taken by a skilful lay leadership team that together crafted a service that celebrated both Tamara’s induction and the musical and spiritual traditions of the community.

The community’s Emeritus Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu inducted Tamara with poignant and inspirational words of wisdom in front of the open Ark. Student Rabbi Anna Posner chanted from the Torah and the Kehillah North London cheder assisted throughout the service including the presentation of a class-made gift to Tamara at the conclusion of the morning.

Saturday evening saw the sanctuary and balcony of NPLS packed to the brim as Tamara presented a cantorial concert which featured the vocal talents of Ruth Colin, Cantor Zoe Jacobs, Mich Sampson, Robin Samson, Cantor Gershon Silins and Rabbi Mark Solomon with accompaniment by Franklyn Gellnick.

The programme spanned the history of Jewish Music from antiquity to modernity, including cantorial solos, duets, trios, larger ensemble pieces and, of course, some congregational participation.

The concert highlighted the emerging role of the cantor in British Progressive Judaism, as well as showcasing musical talents from various Progressive Jewish communities including NPLS, Finchley Progressive Synagogue, Finchley Reform Synagogue, Norwich Liberal Jewish Community, Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation and Kehillah North London.

Tamara said: “I am so wordlessly grateful to all involved for the truly perfect induction services. I was proud to be part of this weekend of events that showcased the strength of Liberal Jewish prayer, music and community.

“It also showed the strong bond between NPLS and Kehillah, with congregants and leadership from both synagogues attending each others’ services.”

New Yorker Tamara graduated from American Jewish University in Los Angeles, California, with a degree in Jewish studies and then entered cantorial school at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. She now lives in London.

[Picture: Cantor Tamara Wolfson with Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Rabbi Lea Mühlstein, Cantor Zoe Jacobs and Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein (left) and with Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu (right)]