Hazzan Asa Fradkin

Cantor Asa Fradkin comes to Beth El from Connecticut, where he served as Hazzan at Temple Sholom in Greenwich for the past 10 years. During his time at Temple Sholom he founded and directed the Temple Sholom Teen Choir, one of the most active synagogue teen choirs in the country, culminating in the commission of Oseh Shalom by renowned composer Gerald Cohen to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the congregation. Cantor Fradkin also instituted monthly classes in Jewish Meditation and wrote and arranged new music for the synagogue.

Raised in Baltimore, Hazzan Fradkin spent his younger years on an ashram outside of Philadelphia where he learned yoga and meditation, practices that he continues to incorporate into and blend together with traditional worship. Cantor Fradkin holds an undergraduate degree in Vocal Studies from the Indiana University School of Music. While at IU, he became actively involved in Hillel and also graduated with a Certificate in Jewish Studies. In 2007, he was ordained by the H.L. Miller Cantorial School at JTS, earning the degrees of Hazzan and Masters in Sacred Music. He also has extensive experience as a song leader and teacher.

According to Cantor Fradkin, the most rewarding part of his job is building community and being actively involved in congregational life. He places strong value on establishing relationships with members of all age groups – with those experiencing joyous life cycle events as well as with the sick and bereaved. He strives to “rouse the soul,” to make prayer a moving and spiritual experience for all congregants.