Cantor Rachael Littman
Music, no matter how we may hear it, can instill a feeling of serenity and harmony – an environment in which all things become possible!
Cantor Littman’s extensive dossier — which features a Bachelor's degree in Classical Voice from the Manhattan School of Music, a Masters of Sacred Music from the Jewish Theological Seminary (from which she was invested as Cantor) as well as a Doctor of Ministry in Interfaith Pastoral Counselling from Hebrew Union College, NYC — underscores a lifetime spent serving her community through faith and outreach.
Although originally from the US, having spent the previous decade living in CT— coincidentally in the same city where Rabbi Cory Weiss grew up, Cantor Littman moved to Toronto approximately three years ago. The Cantor joined us after serving as the religious leader of The Stashover-Slipia Congregation — a small, unaffiliated congregation in Toronto. Cantor Littman was acquainted with Toronto before “officially” moving north due to her performances in Jewish Music Week and Baycrest’s celebration of a Century of Women’s Contributions— featuring her one-women show: “The Music and Life of Molly Picon, Sweetheart of Second Avenue Yiddish Theatre.”
Cantor Littman was a Spiritual Counsellor at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, CT for over four years. She facilitated spiritual healing in patients across socio-economic, religious, age, and educational lines. This complimented her expansive cantorial experience within Conservative, Reform, and unaffiliated congregations. In addition to leading Friday evening, Shabbat morning, and all High Holy Day and Festival services, Cantor Littman devises unique services to inspire and maximize congregational participation. Other roles have included synagogue organization, and community and life cycle facilitation.
And she can sing! Cantor Littman has spearheaded various music programs for adults and children within and beyond multiple congregations, consistently fostering joy. She is looking forward to continuing to offer similar opportunities at THZ, as soon as she is able to do so.
Moreover, her wide-ranging interest in working with congregants of all ages to foster hidden or unknown talent and interests within all aspects of Judaism and music, along with the pastoral work she is trained in, cements Cantor Littman’s commitment to uplifting the interior lives of all in her orbit.
Cantor Littman is excited to continue building upon THZ’s amazing legacy as a congregation that makes amazing music together, encourages meaningful prayer, and nurtures souls. She has been impressed by the tremendous talent, participation, and interest amongst THZ’s members and is delighted to be part of a community full of such active participation and joy.
Cantor Littman views her passion and love of music as a way to connect with all of members of Temple Har Zion. She is ecstatic to be working with Rabbi Cory Weiss, Eleanor Rice, the THZ Board, professional staff, and all ages of the congregation. Her goal is to serve both the tangible and spiritual needs of the congregation in every way possible.
Cantor Littman, her fiancée Alyssa Gilman, and Tchotchke (their ten-year-old hypo-allergenic dog) cherish getting to know all members of the THZ community.