![Cattan “We are thrilled to welcome Hazzan Rabbi Cattan to our community for this special Shabbat,” said Rabbi Loren Monosov of Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley, in a statement shared with Pascack Press.](https://thepressgroup.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Cattan-678x381.jpg)
WOODCLIFF LAKE—Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley will host the Rabbi André Ungar Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat with Hazzan Luis U. Cattan on Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8.
Coinciding with Shabbat Shirah, the Shabbat of Song, the program will offer an exploration of the rich musical traditions of South America’s Jewish communities.
Hazzan Cattan (Hazzan is a formal title used for a cantor, similar to how “Rabbi” is used) will lead a journey through melodies from Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions, including original compositions, while sharing personal stories and insights into the resilience and vibrant culture of Jewish life in South America.
Born and raised in Uruguay, Cattan’s passion for Jewish music began early. His paternal grandparents emigrated from Turkey in 1919, bringing their Ladino heritage, while his maternal grandparents came from Eastern Europe with their Yiddish culture. By age 11, he was singing in his synagogue choir. After completing his BA and studying in Israel, Cattan trained in Hazzanut (cantorial arts) in Uruguay and Argentina, eventually serving as head hazzan at NCI, Uruguay’s largest Conservative synagogue.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hazzan Rabbi Cattan to our community for this special Shabbat,” said Rabbi Loren Monosov of Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley, in a statement shared with Pascack Press.
“His music, rooted in the diverse traditions of South America, promises to inspire and uplift us all. This weekend is a celebration of the global Jewish story, and we are so excited to share it with our congregation.”
The Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat will begin on Friday with an uplifting Kabbalat Shabbat service and learning session led by Cattan, followed by a South American-themed community Shabbat dinner offering attendees a unique culinary and cultural experience.
On Saturday, the program will continue with a special morning service, featuring Cattan’s engaging sermon exploring the history, culture, and customs of Jewish communities in South America.
During Saturday’s program, Cattan will share personal stories and historical insights from his experiences across Uruguay, Argentina, and beyond. His storytelling and music will highlight the resilience, migration, and vibrant Jewish life of South America.
The weekend will conclude with a complimentary Kiddush lunch, providing an opportunity for the community to continue the conversation and socialize with each other. Additional Shabbat schedule details can be found at tepv.org
About Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley (TEPV) is a warm and welcoming modern Conservative synagogue that has been the center of Jewish life in Northern Bergen County since 1927. Located in Woodcliff Lake, TEPV serves more than 450 families from more than a dozen surrounding towns. The synagogue offers spiritual and inclusive services, early childhood programming and Hebrew School education, Kabbalat Shabbat services, Shabbat morning prayer, adult education classes, and more.
TEPV is dedicated to serving the spiritual, educational, and communal needs of its diverse congregation and Jewish heritage.