Second Soul was able to fill an unexpected need — having come out in time for shul lockdowns
After having served as chazzan at Chabad of Midtown Manhattan for six years, SHLOMIE RABIN was happy that his recently released album of Friday-night and Shabbos-day davening, Second Soul, was able to fill an unexpected need — having come out in time for shul lockdowns. The freelance chazzan, dedicated to preserving the authentic melodies and nuances of classic niggunim, is currently working on an album of niggunim of the Chabad rebbes. And to meet the needs of the public in a constantly changing industry, he created JPlacing talent agency, which helps clients navigate the abundance of Jewish talent out there for their events, making it easy for clients looking to hire a chazzan, entertainment, or inspirational talent, and facilitates new opportunities for Jewish music artists.
Shwekey’s “I Can Be.” I was really moved by it when I first heard it. I found it nice to be reminded that we can be anything even if we feel or think we can’t. Just gotta take the first step. When I left my salaried employment to start JPlacing, I questioned whether I could be someone whom I hadn’t yet been — and I found I could.
Yitzchak Meir Helfgot’s CD Avot. I love the songs and the way he presented them. I listened to that CD until I knew every nuance by heart. As a chazzan, I’ve tried to see if I could hit those notes and use those melodies, and when I tutor new baalei tefillah, I share some of these gems, such as the way Helfgot ends “Magen Avraham” and “Mechayei Hameisim.” I’m currently tutoring someone who never learned how to daven for the amud, but his father’s yahrtzeit falls on Shabbos this year, so that’s giving him a good reason to have to learn.
“Eilecha” by Carlebach. My grandfather Moshe Polter a”h was a great chazzan, and my grandmother Kayla Polter — may she have many more healthy years — loves music and this song in particular. We’d sing it around the Shabbos table and at family get-togethers.
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