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Cantor Ze'evi Tovlev

they/them

Cantor of Temple Shalom in Chevy Chase, Maryland

With roots in songleading, Jewish education, and classical voice, Ze'evi believes in the power of communal prayer, learning, and social justice to create meaningful change.

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Experience

Temple Shalom
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Cantor

2022-present

Cantor of vibrant, welcoming congregation in the Maryland suburbs of DC. Focused on creating a sense of belonging for all those who step through our doors, especially those who have struggled to find a home in Jewish community. Worship leader, educator, pastoral caregiver, social justice organizer.

Congregation Gates of Heaven

Schenectady, New York

Student Cantor

2021-2022

Held sole cantorial role in synagogue. In biweekly visits, crafted musically diverse and spiritually resonant services. Engaged 100+ learners aged 4-13 in experiential learning on tefilah and Jewish music. Forged connection to Torah for adults through discussion-based Torah study sessions. 

Congregation Beit Simchat Torah

New York, New York

Cantorial Intern

2019-2022

Pioneered the use of nonbinary Hebrew in services at monthly ba'alet tefilah. Provided pastoral care to members seeking guidance, from gender transition to mourning, and created rituals to mark the sanctity of the moment. 

J Street 

New York, New York

Seminary Student Fellow

2021-2022

Selected as one of five seminary students across North America. Gained a deeper understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Discussed clergy's role in fostering vibrant and respectful conversations about Israel, both in support of Israel as well as in criticism of the Occupation. 

T'ruah

New York, New York
Clergy Student Fellow

2019

One of six clergy students chosen among North American seminaries. Learned valuable skills for community organizing and mobilizing social justice work. In collaboration with other faith leaders, organized a five-borough-wide campaign to ensure a fair count of minority communities in the 2020 Census with interfaith nonprofit Faith in New York.

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Making prayer accessible, meaningful, and spiritually-resonant for Jews from many backgrounds

Cantor Tovlev leading Rosh Hashanah services with the incredible clergy team at University Synagogue (now Wilshire Boulevard Temple)

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