Chazan Joel Kaplan

Chazan Joel Kaplan

Joel Kaplan has served as Cantor of Cong. Beth Sholom since 2003 and has recently been elevated to Chazan Emeritus. Cantor Kaplan served previously as Cantor of Cong. Kneseth Israel (the White Shul) in Far Rockaway, Queens and the Ocean Avenue Jewish Center in Brooklyn.

Cantor Kaplan is beloved by all for his rich tenor voice as well as for his caring and concern for all our congregants.  His commitment to Chazanut reflects his deep regard for the uplifting power of tefillah and his gentle caring for all in Beth Sholom and our community.  His love of Chazanut has been reflected in his deep involvement in our Annual Beth Sholom Cantorial Concert. 

As a child, Cantor Kaplan was an alto soloist with the Ben Friedman choir, accompanying Cantor Moshe Koussevitzky and Paul Zim and was a featured soloist on a number of record albums, including the Zamir Chorale, Pirchei Sings, and the Ohr Chodosh.

Cantor Kaplan served a four year term as President of the Cantorial Council of America and was elected Honorary President of the Council. The CCA is affiliated with the Sarah and Philp Belz School of Jewish Music of Yeshiva University and is the member organization of orthodox cantors in the United States and Canada.

Cantor Kaplan and his wife, Leah reside in Far Rockaway, and are the proud parents of twelve children and many grandchildren.

                                                                                        Click to listent to Chazan Kaplan's Pesach Recordings