via his e-mail: Howardberger9798@aol.com. JUDAIC MUSIC IS “ALIVE, WELL AND THRIVING” SAYS CANTOR DEBORAH STERN

“Judaic music is alive, thriving and well, and is the essential part of our Jewish faith,” says cantor and Beth Judah choir member Deborah Stern. Cantor Stern, who has a velvety contralto voice, is a member of Ventnor’s Beth Judah professional High Holiday Choir and the lay choir, Shironim. She frequently appears on Shabbat Chazon and on July 17 will chant the special Haftarah and will also chant a chapter of Eicha on Tisha B’Av. At Beth El, Stern has led the singing at the second Seder. Academically Stern received a B.A. in Speech-English Secondary Education from Beaver College, now Arcadia University, and received her cantorial training and certification and Jewish chaplaincy from Gratz College. She has served as a cantor and chaplain in several Philadelphia area shuls and in Boynton Beach, Fla., and belongs to several professional groups. At Beth Judah she teaches Hebrew in the religious school and teaches Adult Ed courses at the JCC and is a substitute teacher in Ventnor. Here’s what she told HM about Judaic Music: “It is always good to compose new music for the synagogue, but it’s important to remain faithful to the nusach (style) of each service and appropriate to the meaning of the text by preserving the old and welcoming the new.” As we approach the High Holidays early in September, HM will relate more on Cantor Stern’s thoughts on Judaic music.

POLITICS AND THE ARTS IS A BLENDING OF DIFFERENT NOTES SAYS STELLAR MUSICIAN ALISA COOPER

Speaking of music, Alisa Cooper, a member of the New Jersey Council on the Arts says “If politics and the arts sound like strange bed fellows to you, you ought to hear my story.” She tells HM: “the blending of different notes, whether musical or political (she is the only woman on the nine member Atlantic County Freeholder board) has opened doors to opportunities and fulfilling my life’s dreams. She said further, “Whether I play the piano with my trio or sing with my big band, I share some exciting stories that I have experienced throughout my career as an entertainer and businesswoman.” She said as a Freeholder she can promote the arts in Atlantic County. “I share my keynotes to surviving the political world.” Alisa is owner of Alisa Cooper Orchestras and is an Egg Harbor Twp. music teacher. Her motto is, “Keep your values high and follow your dreams.”

WORLD JEWISH POPULATION DECREASING DISCLOSES STUDY, SAYS RABBI AARON KRAUSS

When it comes to researching information on the local and world Jewish population no one can match the efforts by Rabbi Aaron Krauss of Margate’s Beth El. The scholarly Krauss, known for his deep knowledge of Judaic law and the Torah, says in his monthly Megillah column – quoting a very reliable source: “The world’s Jewish population is not increasing says the world’s leading Jewish demographer Professor

Sergio Della Pergola. Estimating had there been no Holocaust, the world’s Jewish population would probably be 30 million. Today we are approximately 13 million.” Furthermore adds Pergola, “Who is a Jew? In Israel, North America and elsewhere, ultra orthodox communities are growing and this is true because of their high birth rates and because of their efforts to maintain community solidarity; this is in striking contrast to the secular and non-orthodox communities. And at the same time, assimilation continues.”

MARGATER ERIN FELDMAN, 13, TO PERFORM OPENING SONG IN MOVIE

What a way to launch what could be a Hollywood career in the future for 13-year-old Margate student, Erin Feldman, who will be singing the opening song in the movie “Standing Ovation.” The musical comedy is set for release nationwide July 16. Erin will attend the premier at the Universal studios in Hollywood and “walk the red carpet”at the local premier in the Towne Theater July 16, followed by a party at the Atlantic City Country Club. Erin is the daughter of Drs. Barbara Steinberg and Alan Feldman. She is an honor student at the Tighe School in Margate. Her parents told HM,” We are very proud of her, and besides her talent, she is a warm and wonderful young lady.” HM met her at a recent bat mitzvah and we were very impressed with her charm and warmth. This gal is going places.

THE JCC IS HONORING ART BROWN

For his dedication to the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish community, local attorney

Art Brown of the Levine Staller law firm, was selected for the JCC’s “Young Leadership Award.” Brown was unaware he was being honored until the recent dinner. The award was established in 1998 and is not presented annually. To date, only six individuals have been given this tribute. Art is a respected professional dedicated to his heritage,” said Allan Staller, a co-founder of the law firm and JCC board member. “Brown has demonstrated his commitment time and again through leadership of countless events, fundraisers and JCC programs. I am proud to be his colleague and delighted to see the groundwork he has laid to benefit the community for years to come.”

Clearing the Record: In last week’s column, an incorrect phone number was given to reach physical therapist Dr. Jodi Handler. The correct number is 645-8282.