Joseph’s early life was shaped with music and teaching, so it’s no surprise that he has spent his entire career oscillating between two.  He started his career in Jewish education at the advanced age of 11, when his father brought him in to help teach adults to read Hebrew.  While not a complete train wreck (oy!), his teaching philosophy has grown a lot since then. Joseph earned his B.A. in Education with an emphasis in Mathematics, and developed his ability to connect with students of all ages while teaching in that field.  When not in the classroom, he moonlighted as an actor, performing in Musical Theatre all over the country.  Finally he left the classroom for a time when he was given the opportunity to perform all around the world alongside the legend Frankie Valli as a member of the Four Seasons.

Throughout that time, there was always a yearning to come back to the Jewish music that he grew up singing as Jewish music always felt like home.  His first opportunity came when he was asked to sing with Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles for the High Holidays.  Subsequently, he started as one of their B’nei Mitzvah tutors.  Still there was a desire to help shape the music in his community.  This led him to Temple Beth Tikvah in Fullerton, where became their Music Coordinator and Cantorial Soloist.  While there, he taught B’nei Mitzvah students, helped shape the uplifting sound of Shabbat services, created the reverent mood of the Holidays, and directed / arranged for the Kol Tikvah choir. 

Whether through music or instruction, Joseph’s goal is always to create meaning and intention in the lives of those around him.  By creating intellectual and emotional space, there exists (hopefully) enough room for each and every person to explore what it means to be a Jew (and to be human).    

Outside of congregational life, you will find him creating music with wife Jessica, playing with their dog Moose, learning a new instrument, traveling, or powerlifting at the local gym.