Our Cantor

About Us

Dr. Eric L. Wasser, Hazzan is an experienced Hazzan and master educator who, before arriving in Fair Lawn at the FLJC/CBI served a singular congregation for over fifteen years. He is presently thrilled to be completing his eigth year with his new extended FLJC/CBI family!

Throughout his Cantorial career, Wasser has functioned as a dynamic leader in his community, attracting numerous young families to synagogue life while adding vibrancy and genuine ruach to not only his shul but his entire surrounding Jewish neighborhood.

Wasser prides himself on his versatility and has served congregational life not only as Hazzan but also as choral director of adults and youth, tutor of local Hazzanim, pastoral force, Mashgiach, certified Mohel and magnetic spiritual leader. He was chosen one of the top Jews in Chicago by the Jewish Federation in the fall of 2000.

In his past role as president of the Midwest region of the Cantors Assembly, he is proud to have opened musically and humorously at the Chicago Theatre for both Bill Cosby and Dennis Miller. Today he proudly serves his collegial community as an active member of the CA Placement Committee.

Furthermore, Hazzan Wasser has been invited to lead both national and regional seminars teaching synagogue officers to become competent Shlichei Tzibbur for both weekday and Shabbat services via the Baal Tefilla program. Locally, he continues to challenge members of his congregation to increase their skill sets and fluency in worship skills by training them to take a more active role as lay prayer leaders.

Wasser is a master Torah reader who remains committed to the perpetuation of the traditions of Taamei HaMikrah. Throughout services he advocates traditional Nusachot and well paced davening and enjoys keeping congregants “on their toes” by incorporating new niggunim and melodies in both the Shacharit and Musaf services. His unique style of cantorial leadership is truly engaging and brings hundreds of visitors to the shul community to celebrate both Simchat Torah and Purim services!

Significantly, Wasser is doctoral fellow at the William Davidson School of Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and is pursuing an EdD the field of philosophy of Jewish education. His academic work today focuses on transformative ritology and his dissertation proposal has received excellent feedback from practitioners in the fields of education and ritual studies.

Wasser is most proud of his family which includes Rachel (his wife of twenty one years, God help her), and his three daughters, Danya (19), Leor (17) and Nava (13).

He continues to be thrilled to be part of the transformation and innovation at the FLJC and he is more than thrilled to make your acquaintance and have you join him for Shabbat or Holidays.