Hazzan Brian Baruch Shamash’s passion for Jewish music is self evident by the way he conducts Shabbat and Holyday services. Families are captivated and engaged to actively participate in prayer by his unique vocal and communicative talents.
Brian Shamash is equally at home both in Ashkenazic and Sephardic music, while his love for teaching and learning Jewish music proves to inspire all ages.
Hazzan Shamash has unique and original ways of finding the voice in each of us. By incorporating middle-eastern hand percussion instruments, guitar and sign language in the classroom our hallowed prayers come alive to help us better communicate with our Creator. Nothing brings him more joy than helping a couple create a meaningful wedding ceremony, being part of the growth of a B’nai Mitzvah student, or bringing comfort to a congregant in the hospital with the Jewish expression of song.
Hazzan Shamash leads our Jewish community with innovation while encouraging the understanding of traditional texts and prayer modes. It is apparent that he strives to pray and serve us with both kavod and kavanah: honor, respect and intent. He inspires us with beautiful music, and has quickly become an integral part of our lives.
The Hazzan holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in music from the University of Maryland and the University of Miami respectively, where he was awarded full scholarships. He is a member of the Cantors Assembly and the Jewish Ministers Cantors Association.
Prior to coming to South Huntington Jewish Center, the Hazzan served Temple Israel of Greater Miami and B'nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton, Florida.
When he's not serving the congregation, Brian enjoys snowboarding, skateboarding and swimming in the ocean. He and his lovely wife Emily are proud parents of two beautiful girls Ella and Maya.
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