Makom Ohr Shalom has
been an integral part of
my spiritual path since its
inception in 1978, when
we met in private homes.
I began as a Cantorial
Soloist in 1978 with
Rabbi Ted Falcon
(founder of Makom Ohr
Shalom) and have
studied cantorial works
with two great Cantors,
Allan Michaelson of Adat Ari El, and William Sharlin of
Leo Baeck Temple.
I studied Music Composition and received my
Bachelors of Arts degree at Immaculate Heart
College. I also hold a teaching credential, and taught
music and vocal instruction in elementary schools
with Los Angeles Unified School District. Over the
years I composed my own original liturgical
compositions and many of those compositions have
been published and shared all over the Jewish world.
For years I was known as “Cantor Monty” with
Makom, first with Rabbi Ted Falcon and then later
with Rabbi Mordechai Finley, Rabbi David Cooper
and Rabbi Debra Orenstein.
I was inspired to continue my spiritual journey and
become a Rabbi myself. Studying at the Academy of
Jewish Religion, I received my Master’s degree in
Jewish Studies, and I was ordained as a Rabbi in
2005. Shortly thereafter I began to take on rabbinical
duties at Makom Ohr Shalom, while still continuing as
Musical Director of our wonderful choir.
In my many years as Clergy at Makom, I have found
that officiating at Lifecycle events- Weddings, Bar &
Bat Mitzvah’s, Baby namings, and Funerals, bring me
the most joy. I feel that these events are my special
calling.
Melanie Turner is my wife and my best friend. We
have been together since 2003 and we have three
children between us.
Rabbi Monty Turner, Emeritus