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)
Experience
Congregation Gates
of Heaven
Cantorial Intern
2021 - present
Holds sole cantorial role in synagogue. In biweekly visits, crafts musically diverse and spiritually resonant services. Engages 100+ learners aged 4-13 in experiential learning on tefilah and Jewish music. Forges connection to Torah for adult learners through discussion-based Torah study sessions.
Congregation Beit Simchat Torah
Cantorial Intern
2019 - present
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
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.
University Synagogue (now Wilshire Boulevard Temple)
Cantorial Intern
2019 - 2020
Served in collaboration with the senior cantor. Brought musical diversity to services as prayer leader. Guided 100+ 4th-6th graders in creating personal connection to prayers. Mentored b'nei mitzvah students in exploring their own beliefs about Jewish practice, Jewish values, and God.
T'ruah
Clergy Student Fellow
2019
One of six clergy students chosen from among the 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.