“I wish to continue to build our communal voice, where our music truly reflects the depth of the spirit found within our walls.”
– Cantor David Shukiar
David Shukiar is thrilled to serve as the cantor at TAE. He brings his love for music, Judaism, and children to bear on his Cantorial responsibilities. He is a magna cum laude graduate of UCLA, where he developed both his vocal and musical composition skills. The Guild of Temple Musicians has twice selected him as the best young composer–only three other composers have been so honored during the three decades the international award has been granted. His music is published by Transcontinental Music Publications, the largest publisher of Jewish music, and can be heard in concert halls and synagogues around the country. He has often visited communities as a Composer-in-Residence and has enjoyed compositional commissions from synagogues all over the world. He also writes for the stage. One of his many musicals is Benjamin and Judah, a modern play based on the Chanukah story. Benjamin and Judah has enjoyed productions in New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
At TAE, Cantor Shukiar is proud to interact with congregants of every age. He serves the needs of our community through bikur cholim, counseling and being there for the highs and lows of the cycle of life. Cantor Shukiar’s involvement in the Early Childhood Center (ECC) helps to connect the children to TAE and give them a pride in their newly forming Jewish identities. He also teaches in our religious school and oversees the B’nai Mitzvah Program, working with each candidate to not only master the Torah, Haftarah, and liturgy, but to also to gain a deeper personal understanding of our traditions and writings. Cantor Shukiar also supports the activities of our Youth Groups, especially those activities dealing with Tikkun Olam, the healing of our world. He loves to see our newest young adults organize and carry out Tikkun Olam projects, working to build a stronger world for future generations, and thereby reinforcing our teens’ Jewish identities. Cantor Shukiar oversees and facilitates all aspects of TAE’s music program. He works directly with the Junior Choir, giving our children an outlet to explore Jewish music on a personal level. The choir is not only a fixture at our monthly Family Shabbat Celebrations, but they also enhance the celebrations of Chanukah and Pesach at local retirement communities. He also works directly with TAE’s Adult Choir and the Band of Milk and Honey to help enhance our spiritual experiences through music.
Why I’m Here…
“I love serving a community filled with love and warmth, where my family is welcomed with open arms. I enjoy being a part of a place where my kids and the young people in the congregation can develop and foster growth in their new and forming Jewish identities and where they are encouraged to challenge and ask questions. I embrace my role in helping our community to not only pray with their mouths, but with every part of their bodies. I wish to continue to build our communal voice, where our music truly reflects the depth of the spirit found within our walls.”
Other Things I Love
“When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my wife, Leasa, and my two beautiful daughters, Carly and Hayley. I also enjoy being on the golf course. I am terrible at it, but I love the idea that for those 5 hours I get lost in the environment and in the sport. I also compose a lot of music. Many times, you will find me in my studio creating new pieces that have been commissioned by cantors and synagogues from all over the world.”