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Get ready to sing, sway, and be inspired — Washington Hebrew Congregation is thrilled to welcome Cantor Becky Mann as our Artist-in-Residence from December 5–7, for a weekend filled with soulful music, joyful community, and the power of song to bring us together.
A composer, guitarist, and cantor, Becky Mann has been called “one of the brightest voices of a new generation of Jewish songwriters carrying our tradition forward in new and exciting ways.” Her music blends deep respect for Jewish liturgy with a modern, heart-forward sound that speaks to all ages. Whether she’s leading worship, teaching a class, or performing in concert, Mann’s mission is simple: to create meaningful connections through music and prayer.
Cantor Mann’s time with us begins on Friday, December 5, 6:30 pm at Temple, when she will join our Shabbat@WHC featuring Metro Minyan service, bringing her signature blend of traditional prayer and fresh melody. The service will weave together WHC’s familiar repertoire with Mann’s original compositions, and she’ll also deliver the sermon — perhaps in song! It promises to be a night of spiritual energy and musical discovery.
On Saturday evening, our Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation (WWHC) will host an intimate gathering with Cantor Mann where guests will enjoy appetizers, conversation, and the chance to learn more about her work and inspiration as a composer.
Sunday morning, December 7, Becky will take her music to our Religious School, leading individual classroom sessions and teaching students new songs that bring Jewish prayers to life. She’s also mentoring two of our confirmands on songwriting, helping them craft original melodies and lyrics that express their own connection to Jewish prayer. The morning culminates in a special concert at 11:30 am, as students take the stage with Cantor Mann to perform what they’ve learned. Parents and grandparents are invited to attend, and there will be sweet treats for the kids after the show.
The weekend concludes Sunday evening at 5:00 pm at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center with a not-to-be-missed Cantors’ Concert. Joining her will be WHC Cantors Susan Bortnick and Suzanne Hamstra, along with guest cantors Rachel Rhodes (Temple Sinai), Sydney Michaeli (Temple Rodef Shalom), and Ze’evi Tovlev (Temple Shalom) — a joyful reunion of cantorial colleagues and classmates, sharing music, friendship, and a deep love of Jewish song. Heavy appetizers and drinks will round out this festive evening.
These interactions are about more than entertainment. WHC commissioned Mann to compose a new piece in honor of our upcoming 175th anniversary. By connecting with members across generations, she will learn some of the things that make our community special. This collaboration will bring her creative voice into the next chapter of our congregation’s history, adding new music to the soundtrack of WHC life.
From worship to workshops, teaching to performance, Cantor Mann’s residency will be a weekend of music that moves both heart and soul. Come sing with us, learn with us, and experience the joy of a new generation of Jewish music at WHC.
