Ari Sussman. (Photo courtesy of Ari Sussman)
Ari Sussman loves music and Judaism.
The Elkins Park native is an adjunct professor of music theory and composition at the West Chester University Wells School of Music, but that’s just one of his three day jobs. He also works as musical director at Main Line Reform Temple in Wynnewood and as music associate at Adath Israel on the Main Line.
Needless to say, Sussman’s calendar is typically pretty full.
“My entire identity is based on being Jewish, and since I’ve been blessed with musical ability, I feel like I almost kind of owe it to myself to be able to pursue these things,” he said.
Sussman started his career in Jewish music at Adath Israel, where he is tasked with helping to create the musical programming for services and events. The synagogue’s head rabbi, Eric Yanoff, is an adept singer, so they sought someone with a more behind-the-scenes skillset to complement him. Adath Israel’s other rabbi, Andrew Markowitz, came to Sussman — whom he has known since they were kids — and proposed that he join the team.
“He approached me, and he took me out to lunch, and he said, ‘We’re actually looking for someone to help run the music at shul,’ and asked if I would be interested in it. We discussed further, and I decided to take on that job,” Sussman said.
That was in 2023. When Sussman joined Main Line Reform Temple, he took on a similar, but more expanded, role.
“I’m usually at Main Line Reform Temple anywhere from four to five days a week — meeting with the cantor, choir rehearsals, Friday night services, bar mitzvahs on Saturday mornings or afternoons. It’s a much larger undertaking than at Adath Israel, so it’s very different roles for the very different places,” he said.
As for differences in stylistic choices, Adath Israel usually prefers more modern, pop and folk Jewish tunes, while Main Line Reform Temple generally opts for a mix of those genres as well as more traditional romantic, old-school Jewish music.
“I feel very lucky that I’m able to navigate the needs that both synagogues have for their respective music [programs],” Sussman said.
Ari Sussman. (Photo courtesy of Ari Sussman)
He has gotten to compose some, too. As someone who holds a doctorate in music composition, this is a welcome challenge.
“I would certainly like to eventually do more of my own music there, but I’ve done a lot of arranging for them. I’ve arranged some choral pieces by other people. Basically, whenever the cantor might text me and be like, ‘Hey, I need this one piece, and I need it for the women’s choir. Can you whip up an arrangement for the next rehearsal?’” Sussman said. “If I have the time, I’ll certainly make it happen. And sometimes, I just do stuff on my own accord. I’ll text the cantor and say, ‘I just did this thing. Do you think it could be of any use?’”
Not surprisingly, there is almost always a use for the arrangements that Sussman drafts. After all, not many synagogues have someone with a doctorate in music on staff to help them shape their services and prayer.
Three jobs are a lot for anyone, but Sussman loves the life he has carved out in his hometown. The Center City resident and Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy graduate wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s a lot of work, and it’s very demanding work, but I absolutely view it as rewarding work. While I don’t necessarily consider myself a morning person, I never have issues waking up in the morning to lead my choirs, teach my students, do this, do that,” he said. “I just feel really lucky that there are two synagogues that trust me to bring music to congregants.”