cantorwallach@templebethelnj.org
Cantor Risa Wallach (she/her) brings to Temple Beth-El a deep commitment to using the power of music to share spiritual meaning and build community. She is passionate about issues of social justice and infuses inclusion and equality into her cantorate. She’s dedicated to caring for her congregants’ pastoral needs, facilitating their life transitions, and celebrating with them the restorative rhythm of Shabbat.
Cantor Wallach was ordained at Hebrew College in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. Prior to joining TBE, she has served as cantor at Temple Beth-El of Jersey City, NJ and at Congregation B’nai Shalom in Walnut Creek, California.
Cantor Wallach is a recipient of the Cantor Rick Boyar Award for excellence in Hazzanut. Her recording project, For the People, a collection of Yiddish songs, liturgical music, and New England folk songs was recently released.
Cantor Wallach enjoys spending time in nature, meditating, using delicious foods for health and healing, and watching independent movies. She lives with her spouse, Rhette, in Somerville.
You can reach Cantor Wallach at 908-722-0674, ext. 315 or via email.
Here’s a clip from the December 2022 Cantorial Concert. Cantor Wallach sings Dremlen Fagyl, accompanied by Dr. Larry Wallach (her father) on piano, Cantor Jeff Warschauer on mandolin, and Debra Strauss on violin.
When Cantor Wallach joined the TBE team, congregants Lou and Myrna Binder sat down with her to learn a bit more about her. Click here to watch their interview.
