Our Clergy

 Steven Barr, Ritual Director

 Since 1974, Cantor Steven Barr has been working as Cantor, Ritual   Director, and Educator in sixteen different Conservative and Reform   congregations. He studied Literature, Music, and Education at The   University of Maryland and at The Cantors' Institute of The Jewish   Theological Seminary. His hobbies include martial arts, hiking, and   playing musical instruments.

Cantor Steven Barr can be reached at:

silveryad@gmail.com or (718) 359 - 1160 (Office) and (917) 563 - 1701 (Cell)

 Albert Thaler, Rabbi Emeritus z"l

 July 5, 1932 - April 18, 2024

 Rabbi Thaler served Temple Gates of Prayer for 37 years, from 1980   to  2017.  He was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary where   he received a Masters degree in Hebrew Literature and was awarded   the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa.

 Rabbi Thaler was director of the Ramah Day Camp in Nyack for 27   years.  While director, he educated and inspired a generation of   children, teens, and young adults.

He served Temple Gates of Prayer with singular devotion, energy and enthusiasm.  He engendered a strong sense of community within our congregation. He encouraged us to become a child-friendly, family-oriented congregation.  He taught us how to celebrate and enjoy Jewish life.  Throughout his career, he strongly advocated for Conservative Judaism.