My name is Cantor Ruth Landau Ross. I have been a Hazzan in the New England area for twenty four years,the last eight here in Portland, Maine at Temple Beth El. I fell in love with hazzanut while growing up at Temple Emunah in Lexington MA and began working as a Hazzan while earning a Bachelors degree in Vocal Music at Boston University. Upon my graduation I pursued a personal course of study, delving into any cantorial resources I could find while continuing to sing with local teachers. I have been privileged to study voice with Mary Lee Cirella, Shirlee Emmons, Mary Wolfman, Pat Stedry and Judith James. I also compose, and have enjoyed the opportunity to study composition with Joe Packales. Mostly Psalms is my first cd. The songs are favorites in my congregation and I hope you will enjoy them as well. I chose to set these texts specifically because I think that psalms are the prayers of every human being. The texts are joyous, angry, exalted and afraid in turns; they remind us that the human experience reaches across time and place. Please sing these songs. I hope they comfort you, strengthen you and bring you joy.