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Cantor Ted Labow joined the professional staff of Temple Beth-El as our cantor in 2004. In addition to leading our services beautifully in song and prayer, and directing our adult choir, Cantor Labow has provided pastoral support for our congregants, and has charmed congregants with his wit and enthusiasm for all matters musical. Cantor Labow has initiated and enhanced many programs which have come to involve congregants of all ages and abilities in the world of Jewish music. As a result of his efforts, Temple Beth-El’s active adult choir provides additional sources of inspiration at special Shabbat services and concerts.
In the spring of 2008 two major Jewish musical events took place at Temple Beth-El under the direction of Cantor Labow. Many synagogue choirs participated in the Annual Regional Choral Festival which was highlighted by a new work of composer David Shukiar. This choral work, entitled Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, was commissioned for the festival under the leadership of Cantor Labow. Our other special event, “The Magic of Chazzanut,” was a memorable evening featuring the film “The Cantor’s Tale” with Cantor Jack Mendelson; the film was followed by a live concert with Cantor Mendelson and Cantor Labow thrilling the audience with both classic and modern Jewish musical offerings.
In recent years Ted Labow has developed and taught adult music courses to enthusiastic audiences at Temple Beth-El, including “The Bible in Jewish Music” and “The History of Jewish Music Around the World.” His “Broadway Bound” course features Jewish contributions to the Great American Songbook.
Although a classically trained musician and singer with extensive experience in synagogue music, Ted Labow has also arranged and composed jazz and opera pieces. He has composed for television and orchestras in the United States and Israel and has been involved in the Jewish music scene for many years. This unusual combination of talent and passion are especially highlighted during our unique Selichot and Shabbat Shira services each year.
Cantor Labow has served congregations in Canada and overseas. He grew up at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto, where he served as a Chazzan Sheini (Second Cantor) for many years. There he was also an accompanist and teacher under the direction of his mentor Cantor Benjamin Maissner.
Cantor Labow has also served as High Holyday Cantor to the United Hebrew Congregation of Singapore, officiating with Rabbi Leonard Thal. He brings extensive teaching experience to his Cantorate based on many years of teaching at the Leo Baeck Day School in Toronto.
Among Cantor Labow’s most prized goals for our congregation and the broader Jewish community are increased Torah study and an enhanced appreciation of the beauty and joy of every aspect of Jewish life and ritual observance.
 To contact Cantor Labow, please call him at 908-722-0674 ext. 15, or e-mail Cantor Labow.
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