Cantor Don Gurney
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For the last 10 years or so, Cantor Don Gurney had been tinkering with the idea of bringing Jewish culture to more Jews — and more Jews to Jewish culture.
This fall, that dream is becoming a reality.
Just in time for the High Holidays, Cantor Gurney is launching a non-profit called The Center for Jewish Culture (CJC). CJC’s mission is to provide a space where unaffiliated Jews, who now make up 80% of the Los Angeles Jewish community, can come together and embrace their heritage.
In October, the CJC will host High Holidays services at The Moss Theater at New Roads School in Santa Monica.
And this is only the beginning.
“Our mission is to illuminate, educate and celebrate Jewish culture through a variety of inspirational programs and events,” Cantor Gurney says. “We aim to create an inclusive community that enriches the lives of all involved.”
A Cleveland native, Cantor Gurney is married to Los Angeles native, Nancy Binder Gurney. They are the proud parents of daughter Gillian and, of course, their beloved dog, Teddy.
Gurney became ordained at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music (HUC) in New York City. He was then invited to join the faculty of HUC as an instructor in cantorial studies, music history and art songs, as well as the Director of the School of Sacred Music Choir.
He held these academic positions while also serving as senior cantor, first with The Emanuel Synagogue, West Hartford, Connecticut, and then with Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City. For 24 years, he served as the first ordained cantor of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, where he reimagined, reshaped and reintroduced the musical worship experience.
Cantor Gurney takes great pride in the creation and production of important musical and cultural events and looks forward to bringing this experience to the CJC.
“I look back at my career and my life, and I do believe that I was chosen to do this work,” he says.
He believes that his background — growing up in a large, conservative synagogue with an amazing, inspirational cantor — prepared him for this moment.
“We invite everyone to join us in this exciting venture, and we look forward to welcoming you to our community and celebrating our rich cultural heritage together.”
“I’ve been immersed in Jewish music of all kinds, not just synagogue music … but from every community around the world,” he says. “To create something like this, you really do have to have a broad base and a deep base of understanding of Jewish culture and music to bring to others.”
He adds, “We invite everyone to join us in this exciting venture, and we look forward to welcoming you to our community and celebrating our rich cultural heritage together.”
JLiving spoke with Cantor Gurney about his philanthropic endeavors and his thoughts on giving.
How has philanthropy enriched your life?
To me, philanthropy is deeply connected to the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, or repairing the world. It’s about using our resources, whether time, talent or treasure, to make a positive impact on our community and beyond. Through philanthropy, we can foster a sense of shared responsibility and build a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
In Jewish law, we have an obligation to help create fairness in the world. Some studies show giving has a psychologically positive effect on the giver, hence why giving begets more giving and fosters this contagious spirit. I’ve often found that in troubling or polarizing times, giving is a healing practice that has enriched my life.
A couple of years ago, I organized an event with musicians from the LA Philharmonic, where we raised over $30,000 for aid in Ukraine, and it felt immensely empowering to know that I was able to chip in, using my passion for music, to positively influence those in need.
When was the first time you participated in Tzedakah? Can you share your first significant donation, whether it was by donating your time or financially?
Growing up in my childhood home in Cleveland Heights, a blue Tzedakah box for the Jewish National Fund that I’m sure everyone can picture, sat on our kitchen counter. As early as first grade, I would eagerly drop coins into it when I would return from school. This early practice of giving, though quite small in scale, was deeply impactful. It taught me that even modest contributions could support important causes and foster a spirit of generosity.
Since I wasn’t exactly in a position to significantly donate my finances at age 12 beyond my occasional pocket change, I took on a role as a teacher’s assistant at a Hebrew school day camp. I was responsible for organizing games, leading activities and mentoring younger children.
And this wasn’t just about the hours spent, but about consistently being present and engaged. This experience highlighted the profound impact of not only dedicating time to help others but also the duality of learning and teaching that comes along with it.
What are simple ways anyone can give back/participate in Tikkun Olam?
It is inscribed in Jewish law that giving back is mandatory because there are several accessible ways to give back and engage in Tikun Olam, no matter who you are. Giving back exists on a sliding scale, and no matter your financial capability, there are always ways to enrich others’ lives. This can mean sharing your wisdom, passion, time and mentorship, especially with those who may not have the same opportunities.
Juxtaposed, giving back also means creating space to listen to others to hear what they need and make them feel seen. This can be as simple as allotting time to volunteer at your local food pantry, visiting with those you know are experiencing loneliness and in need of company, or providing resources to someone else who is eager to get involved in a good cause.
Who inspires you?
My greatest inspiration comes from my family, and my best friend, Paul, all of whom exemplify a strong sense of standing up for what’s right and not just discussing how to better the world, but taking actionable steps to positively impact those around them.
I find deep inspiration in my wife, Nancy, and our daughter Gillian. They have taught me invaluable lessons about advocacy, persistence and empathy. Being surrounded by these two strong women who, in their own way, both advocate and seek justice, continuously teaches me about the importance of fighting for those without a voice with vigor and heart. If you’ve ever met them, you also know that their dedication, passion, grit and resilience in the face of challenges can’t help but be inspiring.
My best friend, Paul, inspires me because he exemplifies the ultimate form of Tzedakah by, without a second thought, literally giving me the gift of life by donating his kidney to me. Despite his generally squeamish disposition to anything hospital-related, when I let him know I suddenly needed a kidney transplant, he simply responded with, “Tell me where I need to go.” His selflessness and the highest form of generosity saved my life. It’s always an apt time to plug resources for the National Kidney Foundation since it works to connect folks to organ donors to save lives daily.
What is your favorite Jewish meal?
My favorite Jewish meal is a classic pastrami on rye with a full sour pickle, especially from Factor’s Famous Deli. This choice is more than just about the food — though don’t get me wrong, I’d choose this meal over most things — but it’s about the cherished memories and family traditions associated with it.
Factor’s Deli has been a special place for our family since we moved here when Gillian was just a few months old. We’ve celebrated preschool graduations, enjoyed post-soccer-game meals, and gathered for significant family occasions there. These experiences have woven the simple joy of a great meal into the fabric of our family life, making it a cherished tradition that connects us through both food and shared moments.
Learn more about Cantor Don Gurney, The Center for Jewish Culture, and the 2024 holiday services at cjcla.com.
