Temple Shalom 

Fred Scheff joined Temple Shalom in 1995 as the Cantor and has led the congregation in music, both singing and teaching, since then. His range of knowledge in Jewish music is extensive. In his role as Cantor Fred enjoys exposing the congregation to a variety of Jewish music, both ancient and modern, and strives to do so at every opportunity.

Fred’s Cantorial experience extends back to his studies with Karl Kritz, Ed Garber, Natan Subar and Irving Poll begun in 1970. He has filled the role of Cantor, both full and part-time, at Temple Habonim in Barrington, Lawrence Jewish Community Center in Lawrence, Kansas, Temple Beth David in Narragansett, and has sung in the choir at Temple Sinai and Temple Emmanue, both in Rhode Island. In parallel with his Cantorial responsibilities and studies Fred studied for and received a Masters in Music and then a Doctorate in Music Arts (DMA) at Kansas University. He received his Bachelors of Music at Rhode Island College. 

Fred’s passion for singing and music extends beyond the Temple and Cantorial arena and he has performed in opera and musicals actively in and around Rhode Island, and nationally. At last count he had completed 1600 performances of concerts, operas and oratorio and well as many other venues. His recent role as Piangi in Lloyd Weber’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ took him nationwide.

When not singing Fred also teaches Jewish studies at the S.Z. Bazarsky Religious School, and continues his music teaching at the Music School of the Rhode Island Philharmonic. Fred also works for Ocean State Community Resources. 

Fred grew up in North Kingstown. He now lives with his wife Carrie, who is also a musician, and their four children in East Greenwich, RI.