Cantor Marcos Askenazi: Promoting Jewish continuity through exciting educational innovation, soulful prayer, and pastoral care.

 

Thank you for reading a little bit about me. I’d love to get to know you, too!

 

Life can seem overwhelming, we have our families, jobs, and a variety of stresses that filter into our daily lives. And then, we come to Shul. This is where we, as a community, come together to mourn, celebrate, share experiences, and just breathe. I believe the Synagogue experience should be of absolute comfort; when we enter through the doors, assume our seats, and open our prayer book we are transported to another place, removed from our routine. We close our eyes and let the familiar melodies enter our hearts.

 

I am grateful for the privilege and honor of having some small measure in influencing and ensuring all of this happens. For me, serving as Cantor is not a job; it is a lifestyle, passion, and life philosophy. I have dedicated eighteen years to developing and evolving as a spiritual leader. From creating music programs for children and encouraging them through their B’nei Mitzvah to counseling couples and comforting those in mourning, I have built a reputation for being kind, compassionate, friendly, and fair. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve JCCH and know we will work together to strengthen our community. My door is physically and metaphorically always open so let’s get together, have coffee, and talk about what informs and influences your Jewish identity. If you’d like to know more about me, just ask! Here are some highlights:

Performed in the world’s most prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Wembley Arena and Sydney Opera House.

Entertained world leaders and dignitaries including Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and President Geroge W. Bush.

Created an after-school program for homeless children.

Planned and led volunteer mission to “Give Kids The World” a resort village for terminally ill children.

Served as spiritual leader on ” March Of The Living.”

Certified in conflict resolution and suicide prevention.

Born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens.

Likes pizza, peanut M&M’s, and Macallan 25.

Married to Joanna, father of Isaac (he’s really cute).

Dog’s name is Guiness. Yes, he likes beer!