Spiritual Leadership

Cantor Steve Levin has an extensive musical background.  Born and raised in Los Angeles, he began his career serving as High Holy Day cantor at several area synagogues, including Valley Beth Shalom, and worked extensively with the late musical director and composer Aminadav Aloni in concerts and recording projects.

He then went on to hold synagogue pulpits in Los Angeles and Vancouver, where he currently resides. He has served the WRSSJCC as its spiritual leader since 2005. He is a member of the Cantors Assembly of America, receiving his commission as Hazzan-Minister in 2001.

He received musical training at California State University, Northridge, studied voice in both New York and Los Angeles, and has sung professionally several of the lead tenor roles in operas including Don Giovanni, the Magic Flute, and the Barber of Seville. He has directed choirs, organized city-wide choral festivals, participated in interfaith community events, and has served as the musical director for productions of Carmen, the Merry Widow, and Fiddler on the Roof.

He has given seminars and introspectives on the history of Jewish art music and the music of Jewish songwriters such as George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. He is also active at the keyboard, singing and playing jazz for private parties and corporate events. For Jewish events and Friday Nite Live evenings he performs contemporary liturgical music, jazz, rock, and blues with his band, Rakia.

Cantor Levin has released two albums of Jewish music: "Aleinu Leshabeyach - a Jazz Service" featuring music of Ami Aloni, and "Don't Ask Me To Leave You."

Click here to listen to Cantor Levin singing Avinu Malkeinu.