Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach; Singer, Composer

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, 69, the world-famous “singing rabbi” who performed on 30 albums of Hasidic music. He rose to fame three decades ago as a storyteller, singer and composer of melodies known as “negunim” that became standards at Jewish services and weddings. Carlebach took over Congregation Kehilath Jacob in Manhattan in 1967 after the death of his father, Rabbi Naphtall Carlebach. The musical rabbi composed thousands of melodies that blended traditional Hasidic folk music with contemporary styles. He gave concerts in the United States, South America, Europe and Israel, where he spent several months a year. Carlebach was welcome even in areas with few Jewish residents because, an associate explained, “his spiritual message parallels many New Age ideas.” On Oct. 20 of a heart attack, while en route from England to New York.