Cantorial Soloist

Brad Smith is our cantorial soloist.  He was born in the Bronx and grew up on Long Island. He received degrees in physics and astronomy from Yale University and the University of Arizona, did additional graduate school work in computer science, and has worked with computers for many years.

While in school, Brad studied trombone and organ, played in a variety of school and college groups, and even served as a church organist. Living in Virginia in the early 1990's, he decided to become more involved in the synagogue and learned to lead services. He received additional training in Reform and Conservative congregations and led services regularly for ten years before coming to Temple Beth El in July 2002.  He also served those congregations in other capacities, including congregation president. During that time he studied voice and sang with several groups, including Tacoma Opera chorus. In recent years he has arranged music for both flute choir and synagogue choir.

At Temple Beth El services, Brad uses a variety of music including nusach and traditional melodies plus composers ranging from the 19th century's Lewandowski and Sulzer to Debbie Friedman and other contemporaries.

Brad also directs Temple Beth El's choir, Shir Simcha, which sings at one service a month and at special events.

Are you getting ready to do an aliyah at an upcoming bar or bat mitzvah?  Brad Smith has recorded the blessings before and after the Torah.  They are available here in mp3 format.

You can contact Brad at bsmith@templebethel18.org.