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Ari Sussman. (Photo courtesy of Ari Sussman)<\/p>\n Ari Sussman. (Photo courtesy of Ari Sussman)<\/p>\n
Ari Sussman loves music and Judaism.<\/p>\n
The Elkins Park native is an adjunct professor of music theory and composition at the West Chester University Wells School of Music, but that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Needless to say, Sussman\u2019s calendar is typically pretty full.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy entire identity is based on being Jewish, and since I\u2019ve been blessed with musical ability, I feel like I almost kind of owe it to myself to be able to pursue these things,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s head rabbi, Eric Yanoff, is an adept singer, so they sought someone with a more behind-the-scenes skillset to complement him. Adath Israel\u2019s other rabbi, Andrew Markowitz, came to Sussman \u2014 whom he has known since they were kids \u2014 and proposed that he join the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe approached me, and he took me out to lunch, and he said, \u2018We\u2019re actually looking for someone to help run the music at shul,\u2019 and asked if I would be interested in it. We discussed further, and I decided to take on that job,\u201d Sussman said.<\/p>\n
That was in 2023. When Sussman joined Main Line Reform Temple, he took on a similar, but more expanded, role.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m usually at Main Line Reform Temple anywhere from four to five days a week \u2014 meeting with the cantor, choir rehearsals, Friday night services, bar mitzvahs on Saturday mornings or afternoons. It\u2019s a much larger undertaking than at Adath Israel, so it\u2019s very different roles for the very different places,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel very lucky that I\u2019m able to navigate the needs that both synagogues have for their respective music [programs],\u201d Sussman said.<\/p>\n
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Ari Sussman. (Photo courtesy of Ari Sussman)<\/p>\n
He has gotten to compose some, too. As someone who holds a doctorate in music composition, this is a welcome challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would certainly like to eventually do more of my own music there, but I\u2019ve done a lot of arranging for them. I\u2019ve arranged some choral pieces by other people. Basically, whenever the cantor might text me and be like, \u2018Hey, I need this one piece, and I need it for the women\u2019s choir. Can you whip up an arrangement for the next rehearsal?\u2019\u201d Sussman said. \u201cIf I have the time, I\u2019ll certainly make it happen. And sometimes, I just do stuff on my own accord. I\u2019ll text the cantor and say, \u2018I just did this thing. Do you think it could be of any use?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t have it any other way.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a lot of work, and it\u2019s very demanding work, but I absolutely view it as rewarding work. While I don\u2019t 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,\u201d he said. \u201cI just feel really lucky that there are two synagogues that trust me to bring music to congregants.\u201d<\/p>\n