Rosh Hashana 5771

Over the past seven years, I have led the davening on the Yomim Noraim in the Seattle area in the Shevet Achim shul on Mercer Island. It was a wonderful experience, leading a shul whose members are truly growing in their Judaism. The rav their, Rav Yechezkel Kornfeld is a really strong leader, loved by everyone in the community, and it was always great being there for the Aseres Yemei Teshuva. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, the shul could not afford to have me back this year, and thus, I ask of you who read my blog, if you are aware of a shul (preferably closer to my home in Israel) that is looking for a Chazzan for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. I have done Ma'ariv, Mussaf and Ne'ilah, and baruch Hashem, the members of the shul on Mercer Island were uplifted from the davening. I try to take an emotional approach to the davening, which, with Hashem's help, really crescendo's at Ne'ilah. If you have any thoughts or leads, please contact me at arigoldwag@gmail.com. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please direct them here or have them email me.

Thanks so much.

Mariv
Hineni (introduction to Mussaf)
Musaf - first bracha

Here is a quote from a member of Shevet Achim, Dr. Lloyd Tucker:

"Ari Goldwag is not only an intensely spiritual man with palpable kavanah, but also has a rich, highly trained voice that fills the shul with a ruach kodesh. Ari tremendously adds to the holiness and beauty of the experience and helps to elevate the congregation any time he is davening."