# Cantor Juval Porat

> Sing a new song to the Source of Life: Refresh the melody, always.


## Posts

- [Waking Up to What Is](https://juval-online.com/waking-up-to-what-is/): The month of Elul calls us to (re)turn toward the High Holidays and all they represent: celebration, creation, introspection, repentance, forgiveness,community, prayer and togetherness.  We prepare ourselves anew to wake up to that of which we remindourselves (at least) yearly: our interconnectedness, our being part of something greater than ourselves, our humanity, our imperfections, our flaws and our triumphs, the better version of ourselves and the memory of loved ones who are no longer with us. Even without two years of a global pandemic, the unrest and upheavalthat has forever changed the way we worship as a community, we are […]
- [Years & Years Concert Review](https://juval-online.com/years-years-concert-review/): Cantor Juval Porat’s annual holiday concerts have become a BCC tradition over the past 12 years, showcasing his musical talents and often those of guest musicians. This year he offered a one-person show, entitled “Years and Years,” in which he sang ten songs and read the reflections of BCC congregants on their experiences of BCC during the past five decades. Accompanied by Max Berlin on piano, he skillfully wove together the music and the monologues to form a unique celebration of BCC’s 50 years of community and struggle, music and spoken word. For several weeks before the concert date of […]
- [Acknowledging the Good](https://juval-online.com/acknowledging-the-good/): Originally published in the Jewish Telegraphic Agency Every year during the High Holidays, Jews recite a litany of ways we have fallen short, in a confessional prayer, known as viddui, that is a centerpiece of our Yom Kippur liturgy. This year, we will again reflect on our shortcomings. But one takeaway from the year just past is that even when we do our best, it may not be enough. So many of us joyously awaited the return to in-person High Holiday services, only to have our plans undermined by the threat posed by the Delta variant of COVID-19. Our congregation, […]
- [Intro to America the Beautiful](https://juval-online.com/intro-to-america-the-beautiful/): Towards the end of this week’s torah study session, I casually asked the group if they can recommend an appropriate tune for the weekend of July 4th, to be shared during services tonight. It was then that Rabbi Lisa informed us that “America the Beautiful’’ – considered to be one of the most universally known, beloved tunes in the United States, was written by a lesbian poet. To quote Perry Eaton from the Boston Globe – ‘America the Beautiful’ was written by a gay feminist badass from Massachusets’. It was written, originally as a poem, by a Wellesley College professor […]
- [The Great Pause](https://juval-online.com/the-great-pause/): Possibly none of us could have foreshadowed the length of this “Great Pause”, which we’ve all involuntarily been asked to lean into. I sincerely hope you are all taking care of yourselves and your loved ones. While the scope of those who suffer under this global pandemic can not be downplayed, the conversations, acts of kindness and connections made at this time prove to be a tremendous source of blessing and gratitude for me. How are you doing at this time? What sustains you? What practices have you found helpful in countering or softening anxiety, worry and a sense of […]
- [Introduction to L'chu Neranenah](https://juval-online.com/introduction-to-lchu-neranenah/): The indroduction below was given at a Healing Service. Go forth singing songs of joy to the Eternal – these words of invitation open up the weekly ritual of welcoming in the day of rest – the day I often refer to as the day where we switch from “doing” to “being”. Turning towards just “being”, we might face inconvenient and painful mental and physical states we don’t like – diseases and lack of wellness and yet, with those states alive within us, we sing and go forth with songs of joy to the Eternal. Is it in the music […]
- [Congregational Town Hall Meeting Remarks](https://juval-online.com/congregational-town-hall-meeting-remarks/): This week’s Torah Portion “כִּֽי־תֵצֵ֥א” / “When you go out” contains over 70 commandments, whose consistency with the values we uphold as Jews and the ways in which our jewish lives are informed fluctuates greatly. For today’s teaching, rather than zooming in on the more challenging verses in our Parasha- I wanted to take a look at a brief instruction on physical construction: כִּ֤י תִבְנֶה֙ בַּ֣יִת חָדָ֔שׁ וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ מַעֲקֶ֖ה לְגַגֶּ֑ךָ וְלֹֽא־תָשִׂ֤ים דָּמִים֙ בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ כִּֽי־יִפֹּ֥ל הַנֹּפֵ֖ל מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ Deuteronomy 22:8 The Jewish Publication Society offers the following translation:“When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet (railing) for your roof, […]
- [Blessing for Gavi](https://juval-online.com/blessing-for-gavi/): This blessing was offered for a legally deaf congregant on his 50th birthday. Dear Gavi, Welcome to this moment! You made it through twists and turns and lessons learned and signs along the way to help you reach this day and I think I can speak in the name of all of us who’ve gathered here tonight to celebrate with you this moment in time, into which you’ve arrived. Your journey has been marked by the loss of your father, your love for tennis, your adventuresome spirit and you will share further teachings and insights from your journey later on […]
- [Pride & Pain](https://juval-online.com/pride-pain/): As our annual Pride parade and celebration dawned this year, our lives were disrupted by a tragic event on the other side of the country. What should have been a time of festivities and coming together joyously in community became a bittersweet and potentially dangerous experience. I went out into the streets to march, but was wary of my environment. I watched the floats and felt the intensity of the presence of armed officers bookending the parade. I sang “True Colors” at the opening interfaith service and was a little more saddened than usual to be countered with words of […]
- [Purim](https://juval-online.com/purim/): Erev Yom Kippur 2015 occurred exactly on the first of the last 100 remaining days of 2015. I remember this because I got an email on that day titled “Can you be happy for the last 100 days of 2015?” from 100happydays – a Non-Profit Foundation “on the mission to make the world happier”. In the email, I was invited to participate in a 100 day long challenge, in which I’d take a daily picture of what made me happy – a ritual to help cultivate daily moments of happiness. I thought it might be a nice experiment, especially starting […]
- [Things I Learned from Working with the BCC Choir](https://juval-online.com/things-i-learned-working-with-the-bcc-choir/): Never underestimate the power of a kind word. Gratitude, a sense of accomplishment, and the trembling caused by musical vibrations are just as much part of a rehearsal cycle as are worry and anxiety. Both make a regular appearance, much like friends you can count on to show up when all else fails. It’s in those moments when I think the choir should feel comfortable with new pieces and I come to realize that there’s still some way to go, that worry and anxiety thrive. At times I doubted the choir’s ability to master all the music and to reach […]
- [The Essence of Torah](https://juval-online.com/the-essence-of-torah/): This Shabbat marks the beginning of the reading of the fifth book of Moses – a book which summarizes the last 40 years in the desert from Moses’ perspective, as he reaches the end of his leadership and the end of his life. Moses reminisces about both the past and the future in front of a new generation – a generation which is about to enter the promised land.  In Moses’ grand summary, the past resurfaces in all of its nuanced complexity: the accomplishments and failures are reviewed and plans for the future are outlined. Moses’ words reproach and caress, […]

## Pages

- [Rest](https://juval-online.com/rest/): Connected (J. Porat) Connected even if i don’t see your faceConnected with every choice we makeImpacted by every little thing we doCan we take care of each other?Can we follow through? You say: Let us reach out, let us connectdon’t detach, tell me what you need Don’t be afraid, I’ll be hereI’m not gonna walk away You’re not aloneKeep hanging onWe all belongwe’re all connected Even if you feel aloneConnected, no, you’re not on your ownImpacted by every little thing we sayAre we really in this together at the end of the day? You say:You can share what’s on your […]
- [Discography](https://juval-online.com/discography/): Rest (November, 2022) My 4th album contains music written during – and inspired by – the ”great rest” imposed on humankind during the global COVID pandemic. Grateful for my setting of Zochreinu to have made it into the upcoming High Holiday Anthology by Transcontinental Music. Theology (2018) Working on this album was a true labor of love, in which I fully embraced both my identities as a cantor and songwriter. Several songs from this album found themselves in other complications and publications, for which I am very grateful! Optimism (2015) Focusing mainly on original material, Optimism contains songs on faith […]
- [My vegan cooking](https://juval-online.com/my-vegan-cooking/): When I’m not writing music, I enjoy cooking and baking as a creative outlet. For the past 4 years or so I’ve been mostly plant based in my food choices, which I find an easy and delicious opportunity to learn more about nutrition and cooking and to take a stand for the environment and against animal exploitation. Images of the dishes below are from recipes by Chef Allison Kennedy, Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Sue Quinn, David and Stephen Flynn, Katharina Seiser and Ori Shavit.
- [Religious School programming](https://juval-online.com/religious-school-programming/): BMitzvah Curriculum In collaboration with BCC’s Rabbi and Education Director, we’ve developed the process/curriculum for BMitzvah students. To see the document outlining the BMitzvah process, click here. High Holiday Family Service In collaboration with BCC’s Rabbi and Education Director we’ve developed several family oriented services for the High Holidays. Please check out a script for Rosh Hashana 2019 here and for Yom Kippur here. Baby Kibbutz In collaboration with BCC’s Rabbi and Education Director, we’ve developed the Baby Kibbutz – a weekly opportunity for families with babies to enjoy Jewish community, music and noshing together. To view the curriculum I […]
- [Vision Statement](https://juval-online.com/vision-statement/): The old shall be made new and the new be made holy. Abraham Isaac Kook As Reform Jews and as spiritual leaders, we are blessed to occupy ourselves with the reforming of our tradition, our liturgy, our rituals and our music. We are charged with the responsibility of making informed choices in regard to our sense of spirituality and creating communities. I believe in a Cantorate that is informed by choices that emerge out of knowledge, study, experience and inner memory, so that a strong connection between the ancient and the new is upheld and cultivated. Come here, I will show […]
- [Bio](https://juval-online.com/bio/): I consider myself a third culture kid, having grown up both in Israel and Germany during my formative years and beyond. In Israel, I studied at the B’nai Akiva Yeshiva. In Germany I earned a Masters degree in Architecture and worked in Berlin as an Architect. While in architecture school, I served as a cantorial soloist at several congregations. The passion for singing and service leadership bred by those experiences led me to pursue cantorial studies at the newly established Institute of Cantorial Arts in Berlin, part of the Abraham Geiger College. I spent my final academic year at the Hebrew Union College in […]
- [Fundraising](https://juval-online.com/fundraising-efforts/): Annual Concerts I stage annual concerts that serve as fundraisers for BCC.   Working in collaboration with the congregation’s development/marketing committee, I oversee and coordinate all musical aspects of the concerts.  These concerts have proven to be significant fundraising events, as well as joyful occasions for the congregation. To check out a selection of produced concerts, click here. Vision Awards For BCC’s major annual fundraiser, the Vision Awards, I produce, direct and perform the music, including writing original music for the occasion. In addition to my musical responsibilities, I solicit event sponsorships and tribute advertisements for the commemorative booklet. Great […]
- [Client Portal](https://juval-online.com/clients/): [jetpackcrm_clientportal]
- [Selection of Produced Concerts](https://juval-online.com/selection-of-produced-concerts/): A celebration of Jewish German composers’ music December 2024 Co-sponsored by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany View the concert program here. Elana Arian in concert withCantor Juval Porat February 2022 Years & Years December 2021 Read the concert review here. A Hanukkah Queernucopia December 2020 As the global pandemic prevented communities from coming together in person I produced this Hanukkah concert made up entirely of pre-recorded takes edited together. featuring Cantors and student cantors from the LGBTQ community.  View “Don’t Let the Light Go Out”  here. View the concert program here.  Intimate Voices – Music of […]
- [Classes and Programming](https://juval-online.com/classes-and-programming/): Unveiling the Beauty of Piyut November 2025 Discover the captivating world of the piyut, the ancient art of Jewish liturgical poetry, its rich history, intricate structures, and profound themes. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or poetry is required. High Holiday Preparation Class September 2022 Practical Teshuva Click here to view the class. Havdalah Healing Service 2018- A monthly opportunity to bid farewell to Shabbat and welcoming in the new week with music, Jewish texts and prayers of healing, recovery, strength, and hope. Click here to view a special format of the service called “After Roe”, created by the National Council […]
- [Selected Teachings](https://juval-online.com/selected-teachings/)
- [Selected Writings](https://juval-online.com/selected-writings/): The articles below, unless otherwise noted, were published in various communication outlets of congregation Beth Chayim Chadashim.
- [Gallery](https://juval-online.com/gallery/)
- [Portfolio](https://juval-online.com/portfolio/): Classes & Programming Produced Concerts Selected Writings Selected Teachings Fundraising Religious School
- [Audio Recordings](https://juval-online.com/audio-recordings/): Please click here for a program detailing the pieces. Please click here for my entire discography on Spotify.
- [About](https://juval-online.com/about/): My Bio Download my resume My Vision Statement
- [Shalom,](https://juval-online.com/): I am a spiritual leader devoted to building communities and sacred spaces within Jewish life through music, creativity, empowerment and friendship.
- [Theology](https://juval-online.com/theology/): Theology (J. Porat) Can we create a safe spaceBetween the sacred and the profaneCan we let peace flow where love growsHow long can we go on chasing the likes?Swiping left then swiping right Can we create a safe space? You want to hold on to something realA System to believe in All we haveIs now and what to make of itEven if not every song become’s a hitWe’re gonna get past our doubts, shut them out and let love inLet’s live life while we’re in itInfuse it with our harmoniesLet’s make it our theology Can you find what you’re looking forIf […]
- [Optimism](https://juval-online.com/optimism/): » Higher Power (J. Porat) I’ve always wanted to be loved by everyoneAnd when I was shut outI chose to shut downAnd when I really needed someone to gently lift meTo show meThe paradise that lies within meYou came along and made me seeI guess someone like youWas all it took to face my truthWith your faith in me I find light in the darkest night Could you be my higher powerYou’re lifting me up when I am downMaybe you’re my higher powerWhat took me so long to realize You’re the proof for more than one truthAnd that reality insideIsn’t […]
- [Shalem](https://juval-online.com/shalem/): 1. Blessing (Lech L’cha) – For many, Debbie Friedman is a pioneer in the musical scene of the Jewish Reform movement, having introduced folk music and crowd participation to the services. Debbie was not only a beloved member of Congregation Beth Chayim Chadashim, but she also premiered one of her most famous songs L’chi Lach at BCC back in 1986, which she wrote together with Savina Teubal. I wanted to pay tribute to Debbie Friedman, not only for the great musician and educator she was, but also for her strong ties with BCC. Lech L’cha samples Debbie’s original vocals in […]
- [Contact](https://juval-online.com/contact/)
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- [Video Recordings](https://juval-online.com/video/)

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