A cantor with a theatrical flair

This summer the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre welcomed a new cantor, David B. Sislen, who has settled into the new congregation and community with ease.

Originally from Washington D.C., Sislen worked for more than 15 years as a theatrical lighting designer in multiple theaters along the east coast.

Throughout his years in theater he always held a job in a synagogue as well. He learned how to lead services before his Bar Mitzvah and by the time he was 15 he was leading High-Holiday (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) services.

After his time in theater he chose to devote himself to the cantorate full time. “It is one of those jobs that chooses you, instead of you choosing it,” Sislen said, describing his transition.

In his new position at the Jewish Centre in East Rockaway he is able to bring his theatrical background into his work as cantor to make him a better spiritual leader.

“No doubt he has a strong know-how to perform,” said Dan Gerstman, president of the temple. “His performer-type of mentality brings out the best of participation by congregants.”

Sislen was selected by a cantor search committee from approximately 40 candidates. He was selected based on his voice, his ability to lead and teach all congregants especially children, and his ability to inspire people spiritually.

“Based on the criteria I believe we have found the right person,” Rabbi Andrew Warmflash said. “So far the congregation has been extremely enthusiastic. We have even seen a marked increase in synagogue attendance since Hazzan [Hebrew for cantor] Sislen has joined us and I think that will only grow.”

Gerstman is very excited as well. “Our congregation deserves the best. I know the combination of Hazzan Sislen and Rabbi Warmflash will bring a lot of spirit.”

“It is important to work as a team to help the community," Rabbi Warmflash added. "It is a real partnership and he seems like a very good fit.”

Sislen brings a very eclectic musical style to services by combining traditional and contemporary music in order to appeal to

various tastes.

“I like to have a little bit of something for everyone,” said Sislen, who has also written many original pieces including congregational melodies and cantorial solos.

He has appeared in concerts and at special events as a solo artist, with groups of cantors and as a guest artist with various choirs. “I write pieces by necessity. I like it to be functional, I don’t write music to sell CDs,” Sislen said.

Sislen is very excited about joining the community. “I was

immediately grabbed by this synagogue because the people here are so nice,” he said. “So far settling in has been great.”

He admitted his hardest transition is in conducting services because people have certain expectations when they attend, but said so far it has been a natural transition.

“I am very excited and very fortunate to be here,” he says. “There is a strong, positive energy about this place that is greater than usual. It is a very close knit community.”

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