Temple Ohev Shalom - New Hazzan

The Rock ‘n Roll, Really Impressive, Spiritual Leader picks up the reins — and the guitar — at New Tampa’s Temple Ohev Shalom

NEW TAMPA, FL, September 9, 2011… Look out, New Tampa. There’s a new spiritual leader in town. And he intends to rock.

Hazzan Paul Goldstein, a graduate of the H.L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York, is the new spiritual leader of Ohev Shalom, Temple President Steven Rothfarb announced.

Hazzan Goldstein’s background is rich in experience and prestige. But don’t let the pedigree fool you. His real claim to fame is his reputation as “The Rock ‘n Roll Cantor” — a man who can lead Temple services brandishing guitar and passion in a way that inspires participants of all ages to join in with gusto and pride.

The spiritual rocker made his New Tampa debut, guitar in hand, at Ohev Shalom for Friday night services on September 9 and was on hand to welcome students and families for the opening of Religious School and Open House Sunday morning.

With the High Holy Days around the corner, ripe with meaning for a Jewish New Year, the time is right for renewal and reaffirmation.

“We’re thrilled to have our new spiritual leader here to bring our community into a new year and the next level of sharing in our celebrations and traditions,” Rothfarb said.

Hazzan Goldstein has excited congregations throughout Florida, from Miami to St. Petersburg and points in between since conducting High Holy Day services in Miami Lakes in the late 70s.

“My Mom gave my brother and sister and I the two things she always wanted and could never have: piano lessons and a Hebrew School education,” he said. “I took piano lessons for 13 years and was the Cantor at Junior Congregation. I would come every Shabbat to Shul and sing with my Cantor.”

Music is not the only thing that makes Hazzan Goldstein a special draw for the kinder (children). He wields not only a guitar, but also a degree in Computer Science, a discipline tailor-made for these technology-happy times.

“I’ve been lucky to be able to blend my Computer Science skills with being a Hazzan by writing Windows® applications, adult education programs and specialized synagogue programs for the Shuls I have served,” he said. “Throughout my career, I have been blessed to be able to teach children and adults from preschool to seniors. My favorite is passing on my passion for Judaism to the children of those I have taught.”

The teaching and infectious enthusiasm starts at home, with Hazzan Goldstein’s autistic son, Jason, “the fabulous Torah reader,” who inherited his proud Dad’s love for music, and the spiritual leader’s vibrant attorney wife, Cynthia, who served on Synagogue executive boards before the two were married.

Now, the family brings its devotion and knowledge to the New Tampa Jewish community, poised to welcome a new year together. It’s only fitting that this journey brings them to Ohev Shalom to continue to inspire children, families and neighbors as a “light unto the world” in a new part of the state the Rock ‘n Roll Cantor has served so well.

“I love to inspire a room to get up and sing,” he says. And he’s come to the right place at the right time.