Music
ABOUT | OUR CHOIRS | LISTEN NOW | UPCOMING EVENTS | OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
About
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation has a long and storied history of musical innovation. The role of cantor over the years has been filled by wonderful singers, composers and interpreters of Jewish music. Aided by choirs and music directors, their legacy of music programming has ranged from the classical masters of the 19th century German synagogue to the popular folk musicians of today.
BHC prides itself on being a “singing congregation” where all are eager to join in with the cantor and choirs, participating in both the familiar and new tunes of our liturgy. Cantor Ben Ellerin invites you to peruse these pages to learn about and hear samples of our wide variety of musical offerings.
Our Choirs
Kol Rinnah 
Kol Rinnah, formed in 1982, is the Congregational choir of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, and is currently under the direction of Cantor Ben Ellerin. The group consists of 25 – 30 congregants whose dedication to the worship and musical life of BHC is immeasurable.
Although some members have previous musical and choral experience, most just come with a love of singing and the camaraderie that comes with singing in a choir. Some members have sung with the group since its inception—others joined just this year. Everyone loves the joy and community that come from singing, and especially in singing God’s praises.
Kol Rinnah rehearses most Monday nights from 7:30 - 9 PM, most often in the Hoffberger Chapel. They perform once every three weeks at Shabbat Evening Services and often at other special musical events in and out of the building. Occasionally we collaborate with other synagogue and church choirs. Our members consider Kol Rinnah as their second family, and sometimes our fun continues with social outings. No ability to read music or Hebrew is required to join, just a love of singing and a dedication to our worship community.
Learn the songs: Alto, Bass, Soprano, Tenor, Hush of Midnight
Professional Choir
BHC's High Holy Day Services are graced by the beautiful sounds of choral singing from our professional singers. In the Sanctuary an octet of glorious voices under the direction of Cantor Ben Ellerin. The professional singers are sometimes used as section leaders among the ranks of Kol Rinnah. INFO: Cantor Ben Ellerin, bellerin@baltimorehebrew.org.
Listen Now
To listen to music, click here.
Upcoming Events
Check back for our next exciting musical performances.
Other Opportunities
Additions to Shabbat Services
On occasion, a percussionist, string or woodwind player from the congregation joins us at services on Friday night to enhance the music of the service.
Shofar Blowers
For the High Holy Day season, a group of Shofar blowers is needed to cover the multiple services and rooms where the shofar is sounded. The group gathers to rehearse in late summer. INFO: Cantor Ellerin, bellerin@baltimorehebrew.org.
