Visit rabbi series at Sons of Israel

First Congregation Sons of Israel, a conservative egalitarian synagogue, announces the beginning of a Visiting Rabbi Series. The congregants have sought for the return of a Rabbi since the retirement of Rabbi Samuel Cywiak several years ago.

Now, thanks to the endowment of a friend of the congregation, the congregation is now in a position to have a visiting Rabbi lead Shabbat services once or twice a month.

Rabbi Joel Fox will kick off the series Feb. 24 and 25, leading services beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, and 10 a.m.on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Rabbi Joel Fox will again  lead services March 11 at 5 p.m.. He will lead Mincha, Ma’Ariv, and Havdalah services. There will also be a reading from the Megillah. Services will be followed by a wine and cheese reception. Sunday, March 12 at 10 a.m., Rabbi Fox will lead service for Purim. A brunch will follow the service.

The Visiting Rabbi Series will continue through June. For more information, call the Congregation office at (904) 829-9532, or email fcsi1924@gmail.com.

TEXAS NATIVE

Rabbi Fox grew up in Dallas, Texas in an enthusiastic home filled

with a love of Judaism and music. In his youth, he demonstrated a great

deal of interest in music and singing. His early activities included

performing in theater groups, playing the piano, and participating in

synagogue choir.

At age 14 his family moved to Israel. After completing his studies at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem, Rabbi Fox attended the Israel Institute of Cantorial Art where he learned with internationally known cantors such as Naftali Hershtik, Eli Jaffe and Moshe Stern.

From 1989 until 1992 Rabbi Fox served in the Israel Defense Force as a member of their acclaimed Rabbinical Army Choir.

In 1992 Rabbi Fox moved back to the United States and served as

Hazzan at the Jacksonville Jewish Center in Jacksonville, Florida.

Throughout his career, he has traveled and given concerts across the

globe for a variety of audiences. As an accomplished pianist and singer,

Rabbi Fox’s repertoire includes traditional and contemporary music in

English, Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino.

Rabbi Fox is a proud member of the Cantors Assembly, the largest body

of Hazzanim in the world. In 2014, Rabbi Fox received his Smicha from

Rabbinical Seminary International, then became spiritual leader at

Temple Beth Shalom in Melbourne Florida. Today, Rabbi Fox serves as

both a rabbi and cantor in the capacity of both teacher and entertainer.

Rabbi Fox, his wife Tali, and their children Arianna, Daniella and Michael

make their home in Rockledge.