Jewish Prayers and Sacred Music
A Letter From Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky
Dear Listeners,
It is with a sense of trepidation and excitement that I present to you this recording. allow me to share with you a little of the background and sources used in putting this together.
Over the years I have heard many great chazzonim and equally outstanding ballei tefila. I have always believed that the ultimate synthesis should be that of chazzonus and ballei tefila. I am not presenting this CD as an authority on Nusach but rather as a Talmid of so very many Ballei tefila. I have put together what I believe are some unique ideas in the presentation of the Nusach. however, of all the great chazzonim I have heard, none have had a greater impact than the one and only master of Nusach Hatefila, Chazzan Noach Schaul. the vast majority of the nusach presented here is derived from ideas I learned with this great teacher.
While I have spent much effort on perfecting the sound of this CD, I was more concerned with the authenticity of the Nusach and the attempt to share some new ideas that will help you, the chazzan and Baal tefila in your community.
I hope that in some way, this CD will be a source of enhancement in your Tefila and I would always be happy to hear from you with questions or comments. Ultimately, I would leave you with a thought I heard the great chazzan Yossele Rosenblatt used to say "before you go to the amud make sure you understand what you are saying." Nusach is only the spice that adds color to the delicacy; at its core we must know what we are saying.
Finally, remember that nothing can be more powerful than Tefila B'regesh. When you put your heart and feeling into the Tefilos it will be sensed by the Kehila and will inspire not only the listener, but the ba'alla tefila himself.
May all our tefilos be heard and answered.
- Benny
About Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky
Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky is a world-renowned Cantor, lecturer, teacher, mentor, and event producer. Affectionately known as “Cantor Benny,” he serves as Cantor at the historic Park East Synagogue, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Born in Liverpool, England, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Talmudic Studies in Manchester Yeshiva and an advanced degree in Music. He has performed for audiences of thousands at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the White House and the United Nations. As a lecturer of music and its application to prayer, Cantor Rogosnitzky routinely studies and practices both traditional and modern liturgy and music. In 2012, he worked with Sony Music on the production and marketing of the historic album and concert series, “Eternal Echoes: Songs and Dances for the Soul,” a collaboration between world-famous violinist Itzhak Perlman and Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot.
At Park East Synagogue, where he has served as Cantor since 2009, Cantor Rogosnitzky also leads marketing and community engagement efforts for both the Synagogue and Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School, where he serves as Director. He serves on the board of several charitable organizations and is the co-founder of Cantors World and the founder of Frum Divorce.
Cantor Rogosnitzky is married with four children and resides in New York.
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