CS Sean E Samitt, CPhT

1600 North Arizona Ave, #1108, Chandler, Arizona 85225

Phone: 914/357-0146, E-Mail: sesamitt@gmail.com

Objective
Sean has served various communities in varying capacities to enhance each kehilla (community) he serves in
Jewish ways that promote meaningful Jewish experiences both individually and collectively. Sean aims to use his
deep and growing knowledge of Judaism, music, liturgy, Hebrew, Torah and his experiences to provide
exceptional service as a Cantorial Soloist, Choir Director, educator and songleader.

Experience
Director of Music, Bnei Mitzvah Teacher, Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, Chandler, AZ 2012 - Present
!

Serving as Director of Music for the Religious School, teaching grades Pre-K thru 7th and mentoring 8th and
above Madrichim (TAs). Responsible for developing and implementing a music program for each grade,
with focus areas on music history, importance, liturgical music, holidays, the Shoah and Israel, in additional
use of pop songs infused with Hebrew prayers to increase retention. Also sent to both URJ Biennial and
Songleader Boot Camp to work with renowned music leaders in the Jewish music world such as Rick Recht,
Dan Nichols, Josh Nelson, Todd Herzog, Noah Aaronson.

Assist Rabbi (and lead in his absence) once-monthly Family Shabbat services (Kabbalat Shabbat).

Current 7th Grade, Bnei Mitzvah teacher, with a curriculum including (but not limited to): Tfilah, Jewish
values, Israel, History, Music, Torah, Writings, Holidays, Judaism in Todays time, differences in
denominations, importance of Jewish identity and attempts to foster students Jewish identity.

Intern, Student Leader, Hillel: Jewish Student Center at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

2011 Present

Assisted Rabbi (now Emeritus) and staff with student programming, served as both an intern and Board
member, as well as in unofficial capacities. Spent two and a half years as an active service leader, leading
weekly Reform services for Friday night, including our weekly free student Shabbat dinners, including set
up, prep, service prep, clean up and evaluation. Gave multiple sermons on a rotating basis and also
supported and helped implement various Themed Shabbatot such as Israel Shabbat, Shabbat 101, etc.

Most recent role has been completing Hillels forthcoming siddur which will be ready for use August of 2015.

Helped lead High Holy Day services one year, as well as organize liturgical and logistics, and assisted in all
major festivals that Hillel would have services or Jewish experiences for (Shavuot, Sukkot, Shoah, Yom
Haatzmaut etc.)

Cantorial Soloist and Choir Director, Temple Brith Shalom of Prescott, AZ

2008 - 2015

Served as Cantorial Soloist for Shabbat, High Holy Days, Chagim, Bnei Mitzvah, weddings, and funerals.
Assisting Rabbi (whether the congregations or visiting Rabbis on request) in leading positive, energetic,
music filled services both on guitar and accompanied by keyboard/piano. Encouraged healthy blends of
newer melodies with respect for both minchagim and congregational favorites and expectations.

High Holy Day Choir Director, responsible for holding twice weekly rehearsals (entire choir and sectionals),
established appropriate repertoire and performance goals, encouraged this lay choir to set goals and
achievements with choir conducting experience from high school. Created a positive environment to sing and
lead services for choir members, including increasing yield from choir which was previously not expected,
several congregants and choir members stating that Seans final choir was the best they had ever heard
(TBSs choir).

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Would lead services on countless occasions alone if Rabbi would be out of town or needed a break, to the
great appreciation of the congregation and board, developing skills not just as a CS but as a service leader in
general and gained experience researching and delivering meaningful and thought provoking sermons/
divrei Torah.

Education
Arizona State University

2011 - Present

Jewish Studies major pursing his Bachelors degree. Anticipated graduation in 2016 (subject to change).
Yavapai Community College

2008-2011

Dual-Enrollment Student while attending Tri-city Prep high school, taking college-level accredited courses since
freshman year. Credit review for an Associates of Arts degree TBD Summer 2015, 3.54 overall GPA.
Tri City College Prep High School, Prescott, Arizona

2007-2010

Class of 2010, graduated Magna cum laude with a 3.8 GPA and exceeds on all Arizona Department of
Education AIMS (standardized tests) in Science, Math, Reading and Writing with an SAT score of 1790, graduated
as a junior (in three years) and gained sizable experience leading and teaching music (orchestra and choir).

References
More congregants from Brith Shalom and Beth Sholom are available upon request.
Rabbi Ken Leitner, Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley
Rabbi William Berkowitz, (past Rabbi) Temple Brith Shalom of Prescott
Rabbi Barton G Lee, Emeritus at Hillel at Arizona State University
Rabbi Jennifer Jaech, Temple Israel of Northern Westchester
Ms. Gwenda Krochock, accompanist, Temple Brith Shalom of Prescott
Mr. Alan Exler, Immediate Past President, Temple Brith Shalom of Prescott
Mrs. Sylvia Kennett, Past President, Temple Brith Shalom of Prescott
Mr. Pete Weissman, Membership Vice President and parent of student, Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley
Mrs. Michele Millman, Executive Vice President, Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley
Mrs. Sarah Bocheneck, co-teacher and USY Advisor, Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley
Mrs. Liora Hamu, co-teacher, Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley
Mrs. Barby Ingle, Chairperson, Power of Pain Foundation
Dr. CJ Bentancourt, Executive Director, Foundation for Service Dog Support
Mr. Thomas McAdams, Retired teacher- (information upon request)
Mr. Cody Wamsley, Tri-city College Prep instructor