Jewish Music For The People
My Approach
I bring a vibrant, exuberant Jewish musical and innovative educational experience to diverse
communities of Jews and other faiths. As an educator I employ creative arts, mindfulness techniques,
differentiated instruction and community building as educational tools.
My social work background gives me insight into group dynamics, interpersonal
relationships and an empathic, psychologically informed approach to conflicts and challenges.
I incorporate the rich traditions of cantorial nusach (liturgical chant modes) with contemporary
melodies, rhythm and improvisation, with or without instruments to services throughout
the Jewish calendar cycle. I infuse social justice, interfaith dialogue, LGBT inclusion and equality into my cantorate.
Cantor Wallach with
preschool students at
Congregation B'nai Shalom
About Me
It is my honor to serve as Cantor at Temple Beth-El in Hillsborough, New Jersey. I received ordination with a Masters in Jewish Education from Hebrew College in Newton, MA in 2015. I have performed with Koleinu Jewish Community Choir of Boston, and Kol Arev, a vocal ensemble of the School of Jewish Music of Hebrew College. I have also taught sixth grade and music to students of religious schools at Congregation Dorshei Tzedek in Newton, MA, Congregation Beth El of the Sudbury Valley, and Temple Emunah in Lexington, MA.
I was awarded the Cantor Rick Boyar Award for excellence in Hazzanut from Hebrew College in 2015. I was a medical social worker at Sutter Visiting Nurses and Hospice for 7 years, and hold a Masters of Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work. I served on the elected council of the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, CA for 4 years.
“Substantively, Cantor Wallach’s tutoring was superb. [..] Availability and teaching excellence only go so far. Effective teaching
also requires the right attitude and personality. A frustrated, overwhelmed, or stressed student cannot learn. Cantor Wallach
was positive and encouraging, even while being demanding. She cultivated an ideal learning environment for Asher over the
course of his preparatory year.”
— Scott & Ami Dodson
Cantor Risa Wallach
Liturgical Music
I have completed a recording project, For The People, available on Spotify.
At High Holy Days at Temple Beth-El this year, our congregant, Grace Amodeo and I sang this beautiful duet by Hollis Shachner. Yih'yu L'ratzon is a text that concludes the Amidah, once our personal prayer is complete:
Please click below to listen to sample music:
Jewish liturgical music, Yiddish songs from Russia and Eastern Europe, New England folk music, and songs about social justice. Vay'chulu by Robbie Solomon, and Y'hallelu by Yehudi Weiner, performed with my father, Larry Wallach, on piano.
Writings
I am currently collecting and adding to my writings.
Please click below to view or download:
Thank you!
Connect
Please take a moment to fill out this brief form to contact Cantor Risa Wallach.