How We Worship

Congregation Shaar Hashomayim is one of the few remaining synagogues in the world to maintain, on a weekly basis, the traditions of the great Choral Synagogues of Europe. The services are focused on the chanting of the Cantor, who is accompanied by an all-male choir dating back to 1887. Both the Cantor and choir sing at all Shabbat and festival services. The music is a seamless blend of traditional prayer modes (nuscha’ot), compositions for choir and cantor (traditional and contemporary), music for choir alone, and congregational melodies.
The sheer size of the Sanctuary, its acoustics, the specifically designed seating arrangement, and the beauty of the unaccompanied choir all work together to create a special, awe-inspiring ambience.

In the majestic Main Sanctuary, our meaningful and inspiring services are led by Rabbi Adam Scheier, Rabbi Yehoshua Ellis, Rabba Briah Cahana, and Yosi Even-Hen. The experience is elevated by the musical leadership of Cantor Gideon Zelermyer and the Shaar Hashomayim Choir, conducted by Conor O’Neil, Director of Music. Together, they create a sacred atmosphere where tradition, prayer, and soul-stirring music come together in powerful harmony.