(Courtesy of YIOT) A capacity crowd was mesmerized by Cantor Netanel Hershtik and a 17-piece big band recently at Young Israel of Teaneck. The music they heard combined classic cantorial selections from the likes of Yosselle Rosenblatt with the more contemporary sounds of classically trained jazz musicians. Hershtik sang new life into “Amar Rabbi Elazar” by Moishe Oysher and “Lefichach” by Israel Schorr. In addition, Hershtik performed his own composition, “Nerotai,” publicly for the first time. The music was arranged by Andy Farber and Eyal Vilner, who also served as conductors for the evening. Hershtik was joined onstage by singer Danny Palgon. Those who missed the performance can look forward to hearing the music later in the year as the world-renowned cantor and the band go into the studio to record.

Chazan Hershtik’s next public appearance is planned for the Joseph Dresdner Memorial Shabbat Chazzanut in March at the Young Israel of Teaneck, where he will be joined by his choir. Then it is off to the Hampton Synagogue for an exciting summer.