The Young Israel of Teaneck (YIOT) will honor the memory of Brad Greenbaum, z”l with its inaugural Shabbat Shira program this Shabbat, Feb. 7-8, Parshat Beshalach. This special Shabbat will feature the world-renowned a cappella group SIX13. Brad, a devoted husband, father and lifelong music lover, was a cherished member of the YIOT community. His passion for music and connection to Judaism made a lasting impact on all who knew him, and this program will serve as a meaningful tribute to his legacy.
Brad, his wife Avital, and their children Lyla, Jonah and Rae, joined the YIOT before Brad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. His courageous battle began in 2019, and while he experienced a period of remission, the cancer ultimately returned with a vengeance. Despite undergoing numerous treatments, Brad sadly passed away just two days after his 38th birthday.
Music was one of Brad’s greatest joys in life. A talented guitarist from a young age, he appreciated music of all genres and used it as a way to connect deeply with his family, friends and Judaism. “Music was a way for Brad to connect with his family, friends and Hashem,” shared Rabbi Beni Krohn, rabbi of YIOT. “It was one of his great passions in life and a way in which we can all remember him. Dedicating the annual Shabbat Shira in his memory is a beautiful way to honor Brad through two things that were so dear to him — music and his connection to Hashem.”
YIOT President Dror Barber expressed the community’s excitement about the upcoming event. “We are thrilled to welcome the world-renowned a cappella group SIX13 to the Young Israel for Shabbat Shira, a weekend of song, tefillah, unity and inspiration,” Barber told The Jewish Link. SIX13, known for their energetic and creative musical arrangements, will enhance the tefillah experience and help make the weekend unforgettable.
A lifelong Yankees and Knicks fan, Brad cherished moments of connection with others even during his illness. During a hospital stay, he was visited by Yankees legend Bernie Williams, who sought to boost his spirits. Upon learning of Brad’s illness, Eitan Katz came to visit, guitar in hand, and sang for Brad. Shortly before Brad passed away, Zusha visited Brad and sang Brad’s favorite Yom Kippur niggun, “Mareh Kohen.” Though he was 50% paralyzed and blind by then, his face lit up, demonstrating the profound impact music continued to have on him.
Avital shared, “Brad’s final week was a testament to the incredible impact he had on those around him. As we navigated the difficult process of saying goodbye, we were overwhelmed with love and support from our community, including the surprise visits from the musicians Zusha and Eitan Katz, which brought so much joy to Brad’s last days. Though it was hard to let him go, I’m grateful that his final week was filled with laughter, music and the warmth of loved ones. I know Brad would have loved this musical Shabbat more than anyone else coming this weekend. He really connected to Hashem through music and he would be so happy that we are remembering him in this beautiful way.”
The Shabbat Shira program will include the following schedule: Friday: Kabbalat Shabbat at 5:10 p.m., followed by an oneg at 8; Shabbat morning: Shacharit at 9 a.m.; Motzei Shabbat: Musical Havdalah at 6:20 p.m.
The YIOT is located at 868 Perry Lane in Teaneck. For more information about the program or to sponsor Shabbat Shira in Brad’s memory, contact [email protected].
