Pioneer Cantor
Deborah Katchko-Gray is a fourth generation cantor and the second to serve a conservative synagogue, Congregation Shir Shalom in Ridgefield has been her spiritual home since 1999. Her Music Shabbat programs with the Shir Shalom Adult Choir, Shir Shalom Talented Teens and guest artists are popular in the community.
Deborah founded the Women Cantors’ Network in l982, a national organization of 300 members. Her archives are housed in the National Museum of American Jewish History where two items are permanently displayed. The American Jewish Archives houses her complete archives.
She is the first recipient of the Debbie Friedman Miriam Award given at the Miriam’s Table Annual Women’s Seder event ( April 2020).
For more videos, articles and interviews, visit Cantor Debbie’s media page
Musical Programs
Deborah can create a program that shows the passion and beauty of Jewish music to suit any group. Using guitar and voice, she can simplify a program or bring instrumentalists to create a fuller sound.
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Scholar in Residence
A weekend of song, spirit, and learning! Special music for services can be tailored to the congregation- Yiddish, Ladino, Hassidic, Folk-New, Spiritual-Chant, Contemporary Hazzanut, and American spirituals.
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A Quote from Elie Wiesel
If a teacher had but one student- you- it would be Dayenu!……your songs bring joy to my heart! As a student at Boston University from Prof Elie Wiesel.
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Sacred Music in a Female Key
Cantor Deborah was featured in a Hadassah Magazine article highlighting the key role that women are playing in developing new tunes and liturgy.
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