Hallel B’Shir, the adult choir of Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, will perform at the North American Jewish Choral Festival on August 3 in Stamford, Connecticut.
Hallel B’Shir — Hebrew for “Praise in Song” — has been a fixture of the festival since 2019 and is the only synagogue-affiliated choir to perform at the festival every single year; the other ensembles featured in the festival’s evening concerts are independent community groups not tied to a congregation. Since its debut appearance, Hallel B’Shir has grown into one of the festival’s most anticipated performing ensembles.
The choir has been part of Temple Israel’s musical life for most of the congregation’s 75-plus year history. In 2008, then-Cantor Devorah Avery, together with Choir Director Edward Pleasant, gave the ensemble its distinctive name — choosing “Hallel B’Shir” both to describe the choir’s mission within the Temple Israel community and as an invitation for others to lend their voices in praise.
Music direction for Hallel B’Shir is led by Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky, who has served Temple Israel of Northern Westchester as Cantor and Director of Education since 2023. Cantor Kobilinsky earned a B.A. in Psychology from Columbia University while also studying at The Juilliard School and went on to combine her passions for music and Judaism by pursuing the cantorate. She received a Master of Sacred Music degree and was ordained as a Cantor by Hebrew Union College in 2005.
Rabbi/Cantor Dan Sklar serves Temple Israel as Rabbi, Cantor, and Assistant Director of Education. He was ordained as a cantor through the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in 2006, and as a rabbi by Hebrew Union College in 2008.
Choir Director Edward Pleasant, a professional singer in his own right, holds a B.Mus. and M.A. from Texas Tech University. Under his direction, Hallel B’Shir has become one of the finest synagogue choirs in the country. Pleasant has also led workshops and interest sessions at the festival, and beyond his work with the adult choir, he directs other vocal ensembles at Temple Israel, including the Brotherhood Choir.
Hallel B’Shir is accompanied by pianist Dina Pruzhansky, a New York City–based, award-winning composer, pianist, and educator. Born in the former Soviet Union and raised in Israel, Pruzhansky maintains a diverse international career spanning classical music, musical theater, liturgical music, and cabaret.
