Hazzan Pablo Duek
hazzanpablo@templeetzchaim.org
To Sing as One Voice to Adonai
As laughter and tears,
music unites us,
prayer elevates us.
I invite you to pray,
to learn Torah together,
to sing as One Voice to Adonai.
Shalom,
I believe that Temple Etz Chaim is much more than a Temple. We are striving to be a “kehilla kedosha,” or a holy community. Each gathering in the synagogue is an opportunity to feel and meditate, to sing and listen, to thank G‑d for the precious gift on earth, being alive. Praying together in song and music brings a unique energy, a special flavor that puts us in contact with our emotions. I find the experience of being together, involving people in reading, lifting, tying and carrying the Torah to be a rich experience. Celebrating happy and sad moments in a community is beautiful because sharing love and knowledge is everything.
I consider myself a very fortunate person. As Temple Etz Chaim's Hazzan, I accompany families during their happiest and most difficult life passage events. Because of that, my life is enriched. I have learned that living in a community means sharing our joys and sorrows. By sharing, we grow in happiness and diminish our pains.
I am very happy to make available the melodies and prayers we sing on Erev Shabbat at Temple Etz Chaim on our website (see "Music" under the "Education" section of this website, or select the link to the above). Please feel free to listen, learn and to enjoy.
Hazzan Pablo Duek
hazzanpablo@templeetzchaim.org
More About Hazzan Duek:
A native of Argentina, "Hazzan Pablo" joined Temple Etz Chaim in June 2001 after serving nine years as cantor at Bet Hillel in Buenos Aires. Moving to another country on another continent was a transitional moment for Hazzan Pablo and his wife, Julieta, and now they make their home in Ventura County. Hazzan Pablo and Julieta are the proud parents of two beautiful children, Carmel and Dahlia.
Prayer and song, especially in communal expression, have central meaning to Hazzan Pablo. He believes these elements are essential to put us in contact with our emotions, G‑d, and each other. In his own words, “praying together in song and music brings a unique energy.”
Hazzan Pablo’s beautiful voice is complemented by his warmth, his sincere interest in people, and the education of our children, youth and adults alike. He brings energy and enthusiasm to our services and special events, and he imparts that energy to all who attend. Hazzan Pablo truly touches the “neshama,” the soul, of each of us as he brings our ancient prayers to life.