Cantor Ronald J. Broden has been Cantor of Congregation Shaarei Shalom since August of 2006. Cantor Broden is a graduate of Vassar College with a degree in Psychology and Music Theory. Trained in classical music, he decided to pursue his Jewish musical studies and entered the School of Sacred Music of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion where he received a Masters in Sacred Music and was invested as a cantor in 1990. He has since served the pulpits of three congregations, Temple Shalom in Plainfield, New Jersey, Temple Avodah in Oceanside, New York, and Temple Israel of Jamaica, Jamaica, New York. A certified personal trainer since 1987, Cantor Broden has also managed and operated a full-time business as a health club owner. This has enabled him to address his other passion - health and fitness. Fluent in Spanish and Italian and with vast knowledge of Hebrew and Ladino, Cantor Broden is a cantor of great versatility who is equally at home in a wide range of musical styles. He has performed many leading roles with regional opera companies and in musical theater, has concertized throughout the United States and in Israel, and has appeared in Off-Broadway productions, as well as performing cabaret at leading New York nightclubs. Cantor Broden has given recitals and concerts at Weill Concert Hall, CAMI Hall, various synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, YM-YWHAs, and community organizations. He has toured with two cantorial colleagues as part of a trio known as The Three Jewish Tenors. They recently performed in concert together in Riverdale. While a scholarship recipient from the Musicians Club of America and a fellowship recipient from the Aspen Music Festival, Cantor Broden (who prefers to be called 'Ron') is particularly fluent in the wide scope of Jewish music, from the sacred traditions to the folksong repertory. His guitar playing and his deep tenor voice enable him to soar through the majestic compositions of the Reform movement's musical treasure trove, to the most contemporary spirited renditions of Shabbat evening and morning prayers. Considered a Ladino music specialist, Cantor Broden has served as a musical director, arranged temple choral festivals, and has organized and directed professional, volunteer adult and children's choirs. He has given many lectures on Jewish music and liturgy - some right here in Riverdale, and has directed religious school music and b'nai mitzvah programs, served as an Adult Education and Hebrew high school instructor, and has officiated at many life cycle events. Congregation Shaarei Shalom is delighted to have Cantor Broden serve as Cantor of the Congregation. Please take the opportunity to meet him prior to the start of our worship services or during our Oneg Shabbat and Kiddush collations that follow services.