Cantor Evan Kent’s “Shards: Putting The Pieces Together”

Dr. Cantor Evan Kent received his doctorate in music education from Boston University in May, 2014. His doctoral research examined how music at Jewish summer camps in North America assists in the development of Jewish identity. Evan’s academic interests also include the use of community music as a vehicle for conflict resolution, music and collective memory, and the intersection of spirituality and music. He is currently a lead researcher involved in a project examining the phenomenon of public Kabbalat Shabbat services in Israel.

He is currently on the faculty of Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem where he teaches liturgy and sacred music. His publications have appeared in the Journal of Reform Judaism, Sh’ma Magazine, Conservative Judaism, and the Finnish Journal of Music Education. Additionally, Evan was on of the editorial committtee for the new CCAR Reform High Holiday prayer book, “Mishkan HaNefesh.”

Dr. Kent is also a musical theatre performer having starred in Jerusalem productions of “Guys and Dolls”, the musical drama “Next to Normal,.” “Avenue Q”, “She Loves Me”, “Singin’ in the Rain” and Sondheim’s “Assassins”.” Evan also portrayed Yitzchak Rabin in a new musical drama (“November”) that dramatized the last week of Rabin’s life.

Evan’s one man show “Shards-Putting the Pieces Together” has been presented in Jerusalem, Prague, New York, and California. In the coming year the show, which chronicles Evan’s aliyah to Israel as well as his grandparents’ immigration to the United States from Eastern Europe, will be seen in Chicago, Boca Raton, New Orlean, Southern California, and East Hampton.

Cantor Kent is also one of the co-chairs for the Cantorial and Rabbinic Cabinet of J Street.

When not singing, teaching, and conducting research, Evan is an avid runner having completed a dozen marathons, many half marathons, and ultra-marathons. < Less

During his tenure as Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Goor demonstrated his determination to strengthen the synagogue in two further areas: as a Learning Community and as a Caring Community. For many years, he served on the faculty of Hebrew Union College, in Los Angeles, where he taught second- and fifth-year rabbinic students, addressing topics that relate to the practical aspects of being in the clergy.

Rabbi Goor continued his own studies at the Hartman Institute as a fellow in the Center for Rabbinic Enrichment Program. He co-founded the HOPE Network and the Valley Interfaith Council’s Homeless Project. He chaired the “Jewish Federation/Valley Alliance’s Jewish Community Relations Council,” and co-chaired the Jewish Federation’s “Cults and Missionaries Commission.” Rabbi Goor also served as Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Kalsman Institute on Judaism and Health at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, Los Angeles.

After serving Temple Judea for 26 years, Rabbi Goor now lives in Jerusalem, having made aliyah in June 2013. He is working part time for ARZA World Travel, the Reform Movement’s travel department, planning trips to Israel for rabbis and synagogues. In Israel Don serves on the boards of the Israel Religious Action Center of the Reform movement, Shutaf, a program for special needs kids, and the David Forman Foundation. < Less