"Temple Emanuel is very excited about this year’s expanded music program," said Executive Director Carrie Lavoie.

Cantor Idan Irelander, Cantorial Soloist Judy Blankstein and Song-Leader Nick Burka will join Rabbi Robert S. Goldstein on the bima (raised platform from which services are led).

Lavoie explained that each musician will bring their own musical style to weekly services, as well as to the education program.

In addition, the reform synagogue located at 7 Haggetts Pond, will feature Cantorial Soloist Mark Kagan for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. According to the website, Kagan is an accomplished high holiday soloist who has previously led services at Temple Sinai in Brookline and Temple Beth Shalom in Needham.

The change in format follows Cantor Donn Rosensweig's retirement last Spring, according to Lavoie. Rosensweig served as cantor of the congregation for over 25 years.

Cantor Idan Irelander is the temple's Music Director. "He will join Rabbi Goldstein one Friday each month, including all of the Family Services. Cantor Irelander also teaches music in the Temple Religious School and is responsible for special musical programs," said Lavoie.

In addition she said he will participate in all of the Havdallah Bar/Bat Mitzvah services, as well as lead the Adult Choir and Religious School Chorus. Irelander previously served as Music Director of the Religious School and Assistant Music Director of the Temple.

Although Irelander, who was  born in Israel, is an ordained cantor," he is not the singular musical voice on the Cantorial staff," said Lavoie.

Cantorial Soloist Jodi Blankstein is new to to the Temple Emanuel community. According to Lavoie, she will share the bima with Rabbi Goldstein, two Friday nights a month, as well as at all Saturday morning Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. In addition, she will lead the Junior Choir.

Although Burka is not a member of the cantorial staff, Lavoie said the Youth Educator Advisor and Song-Leader "is part of the music staff that together forms the music program for the temple."

Congregants will hear him on the bima one Friday night each month. In addition, Lavoie said  Burka will conduct Tot Shabbats, a half hour service for pre-school age children and their families, as well as lead a Friday morning Shabbat Program for the Temple Pre-School.

"Our new format was one we developed to enhance the overall musical experience for our own congregants and the community, and we are very excited about that," she said.