Lorel Zar-Kessler served as the cantor of Congregation Beth El from 1990 through September 2021. In that time, she has led countless kiddush blessings, named babies, taught more melodies for “Adon Olam” than could be imagined, danced around the bimah as Belle in “Beauty from the East,” helped numerous young people become B’nai Mitzvah, served potato latkes to the masses, brought theater and live music and dance to our four walls, and missed only one Shabbat evening service because of inclement weather. With the help of the wonderful and participatory Beth El community, she has learned that all music serves as a pathway to inner growth, community strength and, hopefully, to God.
Lorel has also taught many workshops in the Boston area focusing on the music of the soul and the joy of communal song. She has led women’s seders, is an active member of the Women Cantor’s Network, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. She has studied Jewish Music Education at Hebrew College. Her husband, Arnie, is former head of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston. The Synagogue Council of Massachusetts honored Lorel with a Community Service Award in 2012.
