For many years, Melita has worked as a songleader and freelance cantorial soloist, leading Shabbat services for people of all ages around the Bay Area. She leads ongoing contemplative Saturday morning Shabbat services as well as Tot Shabbat services and religious school sessions for young children, at many Bay Area synagogues such as: Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, The Kitchen Congregation in San Francisco, Chochmat Ha Lev in Berkeley, Peninsula Temple Sholom in Burlingame, Sherith Israel in San Francisco, Congregation Beth Shalom in Napa Valley, Temple Israel in Alameda and many many more.
In her children’s services, Melita comes with her guitar as well as kid-sized instruments to create an engaging and fun atmosphere, in which she invites children (and their parents) into prayer, contemplation and gratitude.
Melita has gathered her knowledge about Judaism in many different ways including study with various Rabbis such as Reb Zalmon Schachter-Shalomi, founder of Jewish Renewal, Rabbi Zelig Golden of Wilderness Torah, Reb Brian Schachter of Torah of Awakening, and many others. She received training as a Jewish songleader and facilitator through Song Leader Boot Camp (SLBC), and at the Davenning Leadership Training Institute (DLTI) at Isabella Freedman Retreat Center in Hartford, CT.
She is also available as a solo performer, or with her band mates, which could include a fiddle/mandolin player and/or percussionist.
Melita is also available for Zoom or online Shabbat service events.
“Melita has helped lead Tot Shabbat services at Temple Isaiah for years, and we love having her! She has such a warm, friendly, welcoming demeanor, and we love her beautiful voice, her interactive songs, and the way she uses scarves and other props to enhance the music. It’s wonderful having Melita lead music at Tot Shabbat!”
Hinei Mah Tov, Octopretzel
