Cantor laurel Barr
I have always striven to ignite the spark of spirituality that resides in each and every one of us, through education, spirited and soulful music and prayer. Presently, I serve as a “cantor on the go,” working with families in their homes bringing Jewish tradition, history, and customs to life with hands-on lessons. I’ve been honored to join dozens of couples under the chuppah in marriage, give Hebrew names to their children as well as walk with the bereaved in their time of grief. I continue to tutor the young and not so young to prepare for B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies that are unique and customized to enhance the student’s best abilities. One of my greatest joys is leading weekly and holiday worship services for our seniors in the community. What a delight it is to bring light and song into their Shabbat and witness them reconnect with our Jewish traditions and melodies.
My Jewish journey began and continues to grow here in Cleveland where I was born and raised in a traditionally observant home that produced two cantors and a rabbi! I met my husband, Chanan, an Israeli guitarist and “shaliach,” emissary, to Camp Wise in 1977, and my love for Israel was strengthened and each trip there only deepened my love for the land, its people, and our heritage.
Chanan and I are parents to Rabbi Sharon Barr Skolnik and our son-in-law, Rabbi Hillel Skolnik, son, Yoni, and grandparents to our shining lights, Dafna, Liav and Hadar.
I’m thrilled to be back together with my dear friend, Rabbi Rosie Haim, with whom I worked as her school music director for more than 20 years and to shape a new, vibrant and spiritually connected community that rekindles our collective Jewish spirits, hearts and souls to reach new heights.