Click Here to listen to a video recording of Shehecheyanu by Cantorial Associate, Todd HerzogÂ
This Shabbat marks a sacred first. After fifteen years of serving as a Cantorial Associate at Temple Beth El, I have the privilege of beginning a new chapter as your Senior Cantorial Leader. This Shabbat, our new Cantorial Associate, Todd Herzog, will also join us on the bima for his very first full service with our congregation.
Jewish tradition teaches us that life’s milestones deserve to be marked with intention. We do not let meaningful moments pass by unrecognized; we ritualize them. This is why we chose to share a special recording of Shehecheyanu, Todd’s beautiful original composition to words of an ancient prayer. This prayer invites us to pause, to notice, and to give thanks for reaching this moment together.
It feels especially fitting that this week’s Torah portion, Matot – Masei, opens with the importance of vows. The Torah reminds us that our words matter; that the promises we make have the power to shape our lives and our communities. As I begin this new role as Senior Cantorial Leader, I find myself reflecting on the vows I hope to live by: to lead this congregation with love, compassion, strength, and humility; to continue creating meaningful worship and inspiring music; and to help build a community in which every person feels seen, heard, and loved.
As I prepared for this Shabbat, I found myself thinking back to a text message I received on November 11, 2025, from Beth Mazur, Head of Admissions at the Academy of Jewish Religion. She wrote, “I have a fabulous person for you to consider for the music job. He is phenomenal. So, so talented, very mentschy and a great team player…trust me, he is a GEM!” Everything that happened after that text has felt beshert, meant to be. From the very first time I heard Todd sing, my instincts knew we would create beautiful, sacred music together.
I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary musical community we have built together at Temple Beth El over so many years with Cantor Emerita Lori Brock. In this sacred new beginning, I am overflowing with joy and gratitude, and marvel at the possibilities of what will come next. I cannot wait to see what we will create together; with our choirs, our musicians, our clergy, and all of you.
May this first Shabbat be more than the beginning of a new position or a new partnership. May it become a holy moment that we remember for years to come, a moment when we pause to say Shehecheyanu, give thanks for God’s blessings, and begin dreaming together about the beautiful music still waiting to be created.
Shabbat Shalom,
