Testimonials
Cantor Alan Sokoloff is a rare gem. He has a mastery of davening skills with an infectious kavanah from the bima on Shabbat, Chagim, and daily minyamin. He brings warmth to the congregation and is supportive throughout all aspects of B’nei Mitzvah tutoring, establishing enduring relationships with his students. His heart is always in the right place for the congregation and the larger community. He is a real mentch!
Mark Berger
I believe that the best community is a Jewish community and I believe there is nobody in the world that builds a better community than Cantor Sokoloff. Whether it is his strong, beautiful voice that touches everyone’s neshamah or his heart that is big enough to house his entire community for Shabbat, he is the most remarkable man I have ever met.
Bennett Golub
I have known Cantor Alan Sokoloff for many years, beginning when I was President of the Cantors Assembly and continuing through my years as dean of the H.L.Miller Cantorial School of JTS. Alan is one of the most caring individuals and excellent Bar and Bat Mitzvah teachers I have ever met. In addition to imbuing his students with a great love for our tradition, his skills as an educator result in a finished product that is outstanding. His care for his students in addition to his true professionalism make him an exemplary Cantor and mentor.
Hazzan Henry Rosenblum
I have had the pleasure of davening with Cantor Sokoloff during his 14 years at Westchester Jewish Center. During this time, Alan has become a friend, mentor, and spiritual anchor for me and my family. In addition to his leadership, spirituality, and kavanah on the bimah, Alan has always been a beacon for the youth of our synagogue to get connected, and stay connected to the shul, and to Judaism. As I consider continuity to be one of the greatest challenges we face, Cantor Sokoloff’s ability to mentor and lead young people remains one of his most important qualities.
Adam Frieman
The Cantor went above and beyond, providing constant positive reinforcement and additional review sessions when necessary. Without the Cantor’s instruction, ranging from in-person lessons to the recordings of various prayers that he provided for additional practice, my Bar Mitzvah service would have gone far less smoothly.”
David Morgan
I first met Cantor Sokoloff when I was twelve year’s old, shortly after he replaced the synagogue’s previous cantor who was retiring. I was a bit hesitant about studying for my Bar Mitzvah with a new tutor, as 12 year olds do not like change. Despite starting a bit skeptical, after I had studied with him for six months, I decided that I had not yet learned enough from him. After my Bar Mitzvah, I asked to continue learning with him once a week for the following year. That was 14 years ago, and to this day I count Cantor Sokoloff as a mentor, a teacher and a friend. If you are looking for a private tutor for your child look no further. He is patient, kind, extremely well knowledgeable, and a wonderful teacher. My only warning is that what starts out as a tutor-teacher relationship between your son or daughter and Cantor Sokoloff may turn into a life-long friendship between him and your family. Buyer beware!!
Corey Feldman
It is all about family, connecting and feeling welcome. That is exactly what Cantor Sokoloff does best – my kids to feel connected to Cantor Sokoloff, to have a jewish clergy connection as a kid going thru school is just fantastic and that is exactly the relationship my kids have with the Cantor. It makes me thankful as a parent that we have been lucky enough to know the Cantor and for him in giving my kids the best jewish experience – that the clergy are approachable. Cantor Sokoloff makes learning fun, he encourages them to learn more, to try new melodies, to think about their portions. He is approachable, caring and giving of his time and works with today’s crazy over scheduled families to make it work – even uses Skype! The Cantor taught my 3 children for their B’Nei Mitzvah but it began pre and post when they cooked with him making his famous pickles to post meeting for lunches to share special experiences. The Cantor connects with today’s generation of kids and I am truly thankful for the lifelong friendship he has developed with my children sharing his warmth and laughter and sweets with us all. A true mensch.
The Herbst Family
I remember when I first met Cantor Sokoloff in my 4th grade Chumash (Bible/Torah) class at the Solomon Schechter School of Westchester. He was invited into class and introduced us to the world of Torah trope. Since seeing Cantor Sokoloff’s passion for teaching and reading Torah trope in its traditional form, I have become attached to it as well. He has inspired me to have the courage to lead a congregation in services and to sing and pray with spirit. Throughout the years, Cantor Sokoloff has provided me with numerous recordings for Torah readings, Shabbat tefillot (prayers), and High Holiday services. Cantor Sokoloff has always been available to help me with anything regarding my commitment to religious services, and continues to be a close friend. Cantor Sokoloff’s warm and welcoming personality has always been present, and his love and desire to help and give to others is what makes him unique. He is one of my closest mentors and role models.
Binghamton, NY Shachar Avraham
His role in my life has also transcended that of a teacher, as I was one of his elementary school students at the Solomon Schechter School of Westchester. The Cantor is, above all, a mentor, role model and trusted friend.”
Joshua Goldstein
I am a former student of Cantor Alan Sokoloff. I have known the Cantor for over 12 years, during which he has served as a teacher, a mentor, and a friend to my five siblings and me. He has served as a Bar and Bat Mitzvah tutor for five members of my family, in addition to countless other students, a role which he fulfilled with great dedication and care.”
D.M.
The first real experience I ever had with the cantor was during my bar mitzvah preparation. He was an incredible tutor and mentor to me and the two of us have remained close in the four years since I became a man. I have nothing but the highest praise for arguably the most modest, selfless, and magnanimous man I have ever known. He is passionately dedicated to his religion, friends, and community.
Russell Heller
The Cantor has served as a great role model, instilling in me a greater appreciation for the synagogue not only as a religious entity, but also as a community of people who care for one another. His integrity and commitment to his students and community are qualities that I deeply respect, and I believe that any community, whether it be a synagogue or an academic institution, would be lucky to have him.”
B.K.