Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray is a fourth generation cantor and pioneer woman cantor. She is the second female cantor to serve a traditional conservative congregation. In l982 she founded the Women Cantors' Network as a way to connect with other women cantors. It has grown to include over 250 members. Growing up in a cantorial family gave Deborah a strong connection to the tradition of Hazzanut- the cantorial art. Combining that with a love of folk music and artists like Judy Collins, James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt help create a soulful and unique sound. Jewish Soul is a collection of favorite songs sung in concert over the years.
Deborah serves Temple Shearith Israel in Ridgefield, Connecticut. She recently concertized in Ireland for the Tziporah Children's Music Festival in Kildare. This music festival was created in memory of Tzipora Wiesel, the sister of Elie Wiesel.
Studying with Elie Wiesel inspired Deborah to appreciate and treasure Jewish music and life.
" Both perceptive and sensitive, Debbie is well equipped to translate Jewish experience in song and prayer. This she will do with grace and passion.
Listen to her. Debbie will enable you to hear and feel the exquisite yet melancholy beauty of Jewish melodies that must never be forgotten.
Elie Wiesel
REVIEWS of Jewish Soul
" If your tastes run to such classics as Yerushalayim Shel Zahav and you enjoy everything from Sephardic to Yiddish to contemporary pop, Katchko's soprano renditions and acoustic rhythms are the perfect musical menu for you. Her inspiring version of , " The Place Where I Belong" will have you singing along."
Hadassah Magazine
" Impressively eclectic, Deborah Katchko - another pioneer female cantor puts a refreshing, colorful spin on quintessentially Jewish songs and stories. Drawing upon Middle East rock, Country Western and traditional and contemporary Jewish melodies, Katchko's powerful voice can sound both sensual and spiritual"
Hadassah Magazine
" Connecticut based Cantor Deborah Katchko has wide appeal. With a strong and soulful voice, she covers a broad range of songs in several languages, exposing us to Jewish culture from various times and places."
Boston University Alumni Magazine
"Nurturing our family's Jewish identity is an art, rather than a science. Fortunately people like Deborah Katchko can help. Her three cds offer a rich array of traditional and contemporary Jewish music suffused with her warm and welcoming spirit. "
Jewish Woman Magazine
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