Our religious leader, Cantor Lyle Rockler comes to us from many directions. He was born and raised in Minneapolis and attended public schools in Minnesota - as well as the Talmud Torah of Minneapolis. In 1967, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor's degree in English Education. He taught High School English in Minnesota and Michigan before entering the Cantor's Institute at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

After his studies, he took on cantorial positions in New York and New Jersey.

In 1990, he took his first position as religious leader of a congregation in Westchester County, New York. It was there that he began writing fiction seriously. His passion for writing led him to pursue a Master's Degree at Oregon State University.

After earning his degree in 1997, the local small shul in Corvallis persuaded him to become their religious leader. In 2002 He became cantor of Temple Sinai in Middletown, New York. Utilizing his education background, he soon became Principal of the Temple Sinai Hebrew School when the previous principal retired.

Cantor Rockler, along with his duties at Temple Beth El, is also teaching Hebrew School at Temple Beth Sh0lom in Sarasota. We are pleased that Cantor Rockler is bringing us his many talents and years of experience.

Please join us in song and prayer as Cantor Rockler leads us in traditional and modern melodies in our services and festivities.