Throughout the 175 year history of Ohef Sholom Temple, music has occupied an honored and treasured place both in worship services and in special presentations. From the dedication service of the Sanctuary in 1918 and the congregation’s 150th anniversary in 1994, celebrated by the world premiere of a commissioned work by composer Richard Danielpour, to its 175th anniversary in 2018, special occasions have always been celebrated with music. Cantor Jennifer Rueben is joined by music director Charles Woodward and members of the congregation to maintain and expand Ohef Sholom’s musical legacy. The Adult Choir participates with Cantor Rueben at Friday night Shabbat services every week, and is an integral part of our High Holy Days and Festival services. Additionally, the Choir presents special programs of Jewish music and participates in the biennial Virginia Jewish Choral Celebration. Friday Night Live, a 2018 service initiative of Cantor Rueben that features instrumentalists from the congregation, brings the best of contemporary Jewish liturgical music to the congregation. Ohef Sholom hosts musicians of area, national and international renown, both in services and in special program offerings. Conductor JoAnn Falletta and the Virginia Symphony, mezzo-soprano Robynne Redmon, singers from the Virginia Opera, instrumentalists from the Virginia Arts Festival, the Miami String Quartet, the Jerusalem String Quartet and Feldman Chamber Music Society, composers Richard Danielpour and Gerald Cohen, choral ensembles including the Virginia Chorale and Bellissima, and contemporary artists Nefesh Mountain and Rick Recht are among the musicians who have appeared at the temple.