Rebecca started her musical journey in 1974. As a singer-songwriter and guitarist, she performed original and popular songs in coffeehouses, colleges, and restaurants. Also a trained Hebrew songleader, Rebecca worked at Jewish camps and synagogues, singing and teaching music to children and adults.
In the mid-1980s, Rebecca had the opportunity to start singing at weddings and b'nei mitzvah, as well as other social and political functions. She has performed at over a thousand receptions all over the United States, including performances for Barbara Walters, William Shatner, Vera Wang, and PA Governor Ed Rendell. In 2001, Rebecca released her first album, "Only Time Can Tell," a CD of original love songs.
After many years away from Hebrew song-leading and drawn back to her roots, Rebecca was asked to take over the music for a Shabbat morning service at her temple. That's when all "heaven" broke loose. While performing old songs and learning new music, Rebecca began hearing her own melodies.
"The Light of Shabbat" was a true labor of love, as well as a spiritual experience for Rebecca. She hopes her music will be uplifting to you as well, and create a sense of peace in this tumultuous world.
This CD can also be used as a Shabbat morning service in the home or while traveling, and includes Hebrew (transliterated) lyrics and English translations. If you prefer to read in Hebrew, all lyrics are from the Siddur. Even if you are not Jewish, you can enjoy this CD and understand the meaning of the songs.
"The engaging melodies that fill this CD come from a mysterious place in Rebecca's soul. Her new settings for traditional tefilot infuse fresh meaning in words you've known all your life." Rabbi Phil Cohen
"What a delight to share Shabbat with you. Thanks to your marvelous CD, I was able to continue that 'Shabbat feeling'! I put the CD on as I moved around doing little things in my home and had an extended Shabbat, singing along and just - feeling... You made my day. Thanks so much." from a note written by S. Weitz, fellow congregant
Rebecca currently works as a cantorial soloist, songleader, choir director, and music teacher in the Philadelphia area. She created and presented "The Power of Prayer Through Music - Enhancing Worship with Song" for the 29th Annual Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education at Hofstra University (August, 2004). Rebecca is also Songleading Director at URJ (Union for Reform Judaism) Crane Lake Camp in West Stockbridge, MA.
In November of 2004, Rebecca performed and received an award for two original compositions (Y'did Nefesh and Birkat Haneirot) at the First International Festival of New Jewish Liturgical Music held in Chevy Chase, MD.
In November of 2005, Rebecca released her third album, "Ahavah Rabah - with deep love." Her "Modim" was also published by the URJ in a compilation songbook/ album, "Shabbat Anthology III."
Rebecca has performed her songs during t'filah at the URJ's PA Regional Biennial (11/04) and performed on the Transcon Stage at the URJ National Biennial held in Houston, TX (11/05).
In August of 2006, Rebecca sang back-up vocals for popular Jewish composer Noam Katz at CAJE 31 held at Duke University in Durham, NC. The following night she enjoyed her own stage and performed her original liturgical music. Her "back-up band" consisted of noted Jewish musicians/composers Joe Eglash, Josh Nelson, Kathy Gohr, and Susan Colin.
In November of 2006, Rebecca received an award nomination for Best Jewish Album and was a winner in the Best Jewish Song category for "Ahavah Rabah" in the Just Plain Folks 2006 Music Awards.
Rebecca presented a workshop called "Shir Chadash: New Music for Shabbat" at the URJ National Biennial held in San Diego, CA (12/07), where she sang "Or Chadash" which was published in "Shabbat Anthology IV" as well as other songs published by the URJ.
Rebecca released her fourth album, P'tach Libi - Open My Heart" in January of 2008. She has performed in the US, Canada, Israel and The Netherlands.
For more information, please visit her website (see links).
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