For Samuel Rachmuth, singing during the Jewish High Holy Days at Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth is about more than performing. It is a return to the Rockville Centre synagogue where his musical and Jewish journeys began.
Rachmuth, a professional bass-baritone, appeared at the synagogue as a guest cantorial soloist for Rosh Hashanah services on Sept. 11 and 12. He is scheduled to return for Yom Kippur services, including Kol Nidre on Sept. 20 and Shacharit on Sept. 21.
Rachmuth grew up on Hempstead Avenue and has been connected to Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth since childhood. He attended the synagogue’s Jacob’s Ladder preschool and Jewish Experience Hebrew school, participated in its choir as a young child and became a Bar Mitzvah there.
Now based in New York City, Rachmuth has performed with opera companies across the country, including Central City Opera, Sarasota Opera, Charlottesville Opera and Opera Saratoga. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Mannes College of Music.
His career has taken him away from Rockville Centre, but Rachmuth said the synagogue helped shape his faith and his approach to music.
“CSBE helped to act as the fulcrum of my life when it comes to sorting the priorities of music and faith,” said Rachmuth. “I have discovered that my dedication to classical music and performance goes truly hand in hand with my desire to be involved in my faith.”
Rachmuth has returned to Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth for Shabbat services since 2022. This year, he is serving as a cantorial soloist for the first time during the High Holy Days.
The experience has brought back memories of celebrating the holidays in the same sanctuary as a child.
“As I am preparing for the High Holidays, there is an immediate emotional connection to the music because it echoes my childhood and memories of our past cantors in our shul,” Rachmuth said. “There’s a deeper emotional identity and connection tied to the religious text.”
Rachmuth said his role during worship is different from performing on an opera stage.
“My goal and job here is to usher us through the service and to help support the intensity of moments that call for it liturgically,” he said. “I see it as I am walking the congregation through this powerful moment. I may be walking at the front, but I’m certainly not ahead.”
Rabbi Aviva Bass said Rachmuth’s return has been meaningful for the congregation.
“Sam and his family have been members of our synagogue for many years, and Sam grew up here.” Said Rabbi Avivia Bass. “He has a beautiful baritone voice and now sings professionally. It is wonderful for him to return to the synagogue in this professional capacity, as the cantorial soloist for this year’s High Holy Day services. Working with him has been wonderful, and he will bring a great deal of musicality and spirituality to our worship this year.”
For Rachmuth, the opportunity is ultimately about reconnecting with the community where he grew up.
“I’m truly excited to see everyone in my community,” he said.
