Roswell cantor sings her way to Rome

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By Ralph Ellis

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

As a cantor, the musical leader of a Jewish religious service, Nancy Kassel of Roswell has performed all over the country.

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Nancy Kassel, the cantor at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell, was one of 20 American cantors chosen to perform at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs.

Nancy Kassel, special Nancy Kassel, the cantor at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell, was one of 20 American cantors chosen to perform at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs.

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This week she sang in an unusual venue: an ancient Roman basilica during a conference on Catholic-Jewish relations.

Kassel, the cantor at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell, was one of 20 American cantors chosen to perform Tuesday at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs. The cantors are considered clergy in the Reformed Jewish tradition.

“I’ve always been interested in opportunities to dialogue with anyone on matters of faith,” Kassel said before leaving for the trip. “How does that faith prompt us to live our lives? I’ve always been drawn to those types of people.”

Kassel auditioned for the group, made up of members of the American Conference of Cantors. They sang works by prominent Jewish composers in the church built in the 1500s and dedicated to Christian martyrs. They also held discussions with Vatican officials and other clergy.

Kassel grew up in Sandy Springs, attending The Temple on Peachtree Street. She earned her bachelor of music degree from Georgia State University and her master’s degree from Hebrew Union College -- Jewish Institute of Religion. She served as cantor for Temple Sinai in Oakland, Calif., before joining Temple Beth Tikvah in 1997.

“Music is one avenue to open up relations between people of different faiths,” Kassel said. “I know they’re hoping when our group comes back to the United States that cantors will be able to replicate something like this and strengthen Jewish-Catholic relations.”