Hazzanit Tara Abrams
For 20 years, Hazzanit Tara Abrams shared her love of Jewish music with the Temple Har Zion family. From infusing our warm, participatory services with song, to connecting with those in need, she became an integral member of the clergy team at Temple, and her dedication to the well-being of congregants was apparent in all of her interactions, consistently demonstrating compassion and empathy.
In addition to bringing us beautiful melodies that elevated our worship experience, she also created incredible harmonies in partnership with Rabbi Cory Weiss, Music Director Eleanor Rice, and the Adult Choir.
Some of Tara's many achievements include:
- The annual, meaningful Yom HaShoah commemorative services in which she engaged many participants, young and older alike;
- her contribution to THZ’s Hak’hel et Ha’am CD;
- the intense planning and execution of several Artist-in-Residences that benefited many demographics in our congregation;
- the multitude of ways that she contributed to our High Holy Day worship experience;
- the creation, along with Rabbi Weiss, of our meaningful Yom Kippur Afternoon Creative service Achieving T’Shuvah;
- her ability to nurture other musicians in our congregation to participate in many endeavours including the leading of services and the annual Purim Shpiel;
- the creative ways that she encouraged and guided the young people in our congregation in preparation for their B’nai Mitzvah, as well as the relationships she developed with them and their families in the process;
- the teaching of cantillation to people of all ages, and the support she brought to congregants who wanted to continue to use those skills by chanting Torah and Haftarah;
- her dedication to the Mitzvah Committee and its leaders; and
- along with her husband, the leading of a very successful DeVine Jewish Italia trip, combining her love of wine with Jewish history in southern Italy.
Pre-COVID-19, Tara, Eleanor, and Rabbi Weiss began work on a second CD for the congregation. She looks forward to getting back into Dr. Dave’s studio with her colleagues, and finishing what they started – Moreshet shel Shira, a Legacy of Song.
It’s Tara’s hope that, in addition to her other key accomplishments, she created a sanctuary of song – a congregation that feels comfortable praying and expressing themselves with music as a vehicle, and one that she knows Cantor Littman will continue to nurture. In her parting words to the congregation, she wrote “My life has been enriched by the opportunity to make a difference in yours.”
Beloved by all, Tara touched our souls and hearts, enriching our synagogue experience in so many ways. We are grateful for the times she consoled us in our grief, and celebrated with us in our joy, and for all the wonderful music she brought into our lives. We welcome her ongoing presence in the congregation, and look forward to her continued dedication to Temple Har Zion in her capacity as retired clergy, further demonstrating her love of Torah and this community.
For Tara, THZ always was, and always will be, home.
Tara is married to THZ past president David Abrams, and has two children, Emily and Ryan, one son-in-law, Matthew, one beautiful grandson, Cole, and one adorable grand puppy, Ellie, all of with whom she is now grateful to spend a little more time.
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