New musical talent will enhance Temple Beth-El’s services and special events as Cantorial Soloist Stephanie Horowitz-Mulry and Accompanist Shy Kedmi join the temple’s worship team.

“After an extensive search in which our committee considered a variety of options and interviewed numerous candidates, we are thrilled that TBE’s new music team will include cantorial soloist Stephanie Horowitz-Mulry and accompanist Shy Kedmi,” announced Rabbi A. Brian Stoller.

A lifelong active member of Long Island’s Reform Jewish community, Horowitz-Mulry is a classically trained musician with more than 10 years of experience as a cantorial soloist in reform congregations.

“The search committee was deeply moved and inspired by her powerful voice, her magnificent piano playing, her passion for reform Judaism and her warm, cheerful and engaging presence, and we know the community will be, too,” said Stoller.

In her role as a professional prayer leader, she has significant experience leading Shabbat and High Holidays worship, officiating b’nei mitzvah and family services, and performing in Jewish communal choirs and ensembles.

“Stephanie is a versatile musician with an incredible ability to sing in a variety of settings and styles, from opera and musical theater to participatory congregational worship,”  Stoller explained.

She won Classical Crossover Magazine’s Classical Crossover Star 2023 competition for which she composed and performed her original Hanukkah song “Under the Same Sky,” a beautiful piece she dedicated to the victims of the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel.

“Stephanie will be an integral part of our collaborative worship team, participating with our rabbis and accompanist in all service planning and rehearsals,” noted Stoller.

She will co-lead Shabbat services with TBE’s rabbis three times per month, as well as all High Holiday, festival, b’nei mitzvah and special worship services, including the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat.

“On Friday nights when Stephanie is not on the bimah, we will bring in occasional special guests who will add variety and richness to our worship experiences,” Stoller added.

In addition, a familiar musical presence for attendees of TBE programs and worship services will take on a more prominent role.

“We are delighted that our beloved and talented accompanist Shy Kedmi will be continuing at TBE in an expanded role,” beamed Stoller.

Beginning in July, Kedmi will play piano at Friday night services every week, as well as at all b’nei mitzvah services, occasional Shabbat morning services and special events including MLK Shabbat and choir performances.

For the first time since he’s been with the congregation, Kedmi will be a full member of TBE’s collaborative worship team, participating with the rabbis and cantorial soloist in all High Holiday and Shabbat planning meetings and weekly Shabbat rehearsals.

“We are excited for Shy to share his deep love for our community by lending not only his soulful piano playing but also his creativity, his vast knowledge of Jewish and Israeli music, and his innovative spirit,” expressed Stoller. “We are eager to welcome Stephanie and Shy into their new roles, and we are looking forward to a wonderful year of inspiring Jewish music.”

The community is welcome to attend Horowitz-Mulry’s first service as TBE’s cantorial soloist on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m.

Founded in 1928, the peninsula’s first synagogue is located at 5 Old Mill Road in Great Neck. To learn more, call 516-487-0900, visit www.tbegreatneck.org or email [email protected].