Meet Or Ha Lev’s Music Director

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Dr. Neil Smith, Rosh Ha Shir, Music Director, and Co-ordinator of Social Action Programs for Or Ha Lev, completed the two-year Davvenen’ Leaders Training Institute (DLTI). This internationally-acclaimed and award-winning program trains Jewish leaders in developing and leading creative and unique Jewish worship services. DLTI is sponsored and run by ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal and trains prayer leaders from across the denominational spectrum in Judaism.

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Neil has written many original musical settings for the liturgy as part of his role as Music Director.

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Neil also coordinates two ongoing social action projects dedicated to providing food and meals on a regular basis to those in need in our surrounding communities. Or Ha Lev’s ongoing social action projects include: donating 175 meals monthly to Saint Lucy’s Homeless Shelter in Jersey City; and starting the “10 Meals in a Bag” project. This project provides ready to cook meals to those in need. The meals are prepared by our congregation and given to local food banks for distribution.

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Neil is also a certified Mohel (ritual circumciser) and an obstetrician-gynecologist – now retired.

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