Album Notes

Shir Harmony (Rochelle Potak and Bob Emerman) is based in the New York metro area and provides a broad range of musical entertainment. Performing both original compositions and adapted works, they specialize in Jewish music, both contemporary and traditional. Each engagement is customized to best fit the occasion. Their material enhances Shabbat and holiday services, as well as life-cycle and other special events. Their unique musical blend features accompaniment on keyboard, piano or guitar. They regularly conduct musical Shabbat services at several assisted living facilities and often perform at special events both Jewish and secular. Recently, they marked the occasion of their 525th performance.

Both Rochelle and Bob are prominent members of their synagogue choir and are active in Hava Nashira, the Jewish Songleaders' network. Rochelle is a music educator and song leader at three synagogues. A member of The Guild of Temple Musicians and The Children's Music Network, she has also been a pianist for the Music Institute of Long Island and has taught music and movement to preschoolers at the Mid-Island JCC, the JCC of Bayside, Beth Hagan at Temple Israel and North Shore Synagogue. She has composed or arranged much of what Shir Harmony performs. Bob has been conducting services as a lay leader for many years and has an extensive knowledge of the many forms of Jewish music.

Their first CD, "Grant Us Joy and Blessing", is a collection of original works composed by Rochelle. It has been well received and acclaimed:

“achingly beautiful” – cantorial soloist, Washington, D.C.
“beautiful songs and singing” – cantorial soloist, Boston area
“What a delight! We love your CD and it has already given us many hours of pleasure.” – congregational member
“The melodies are great. They reflect the spirit of the liturgy . . . .” –Craig Taubman, recording artist and composer of Jewish music