E-mail Hazzan Tilman at HazzanTilman@kenesethisrael.org

Hazzan David F. Tilman has earned degrees from Columbia College, the Miller Cantorial School of the Jewish Theological Seminary, and the Juilliard School, majoring in Choral Conducting.  In May 2016, Hazzan Tilman was awarded the Doctor of Hebrew Letters degree, honoris causa, from Gratz College, and in 2008, the Doctor of Music degree, honoris causa, from the Jewish Theological Seminary.  Hazzan Tilman is Hazzan Emeritus of Beth Sholom Congregation of Elkins Park, retiring in 2011 after 36 years.  He has completed a five year tenure as Associate Professor at the Miller Cantorial School of JTS. Since August 2011, Hazzan Tilman is choral director of Shir KI, the adult choir of KI. Under his leadership, Shir KI has expanded its role in the religious and cultural life of our congregation.  He conducts Shir KI during High Holiday services and at one Shabbat evening service monthly, introducing new liturgical music by composers from throughout the Jewish community. Hazzan Tilman has led the choir at the OYR Kehillah Leonard Bernstein Centennial Concert, and at special Shabbat musical services featuring the music of Salomone de Rossi, Yehezkel Braun, and other composers. He conducted the musical Shabbat service honoring Cantor Levy’s spectacular decade of achievement as Cantor of KI.  He teaches topics on Jewish Music in the KI adult education program. He has conducted, lectured, and sung throughout the USA, in Santiago, Berlin, Munich, and Havana. He is conductor of the Delaware Valley Cantors Assembly Ensemble. In 2015, he lectured on the stage of Verizon Hall on the Bernstein Mass, prior to the Philadelphia Orchestra performances.

Hazzan Tilman is both honored and thrilled to undertake new pastoral and educational responsibilities at KI, and looks forward to ever increasing relationships and friendships within our community. Hazzan Tilman feels privileged to work together with Cantor Levy, and with Rabbi David, on behalf of our congregational family.