Baron Hirsch to Honor Cantor Ricky Kampf

Baron Hirsch Congregation will be honoring Cantor Ricky Kampf this Shabbat, March 6th, with a special Kiddush following morning services.  Cantor Kampf is being recognized for his 20 years of dedicated service to Baron Hirsch. He joined the Baron Hirsch family in 1989.  During his first years he served the congregation as the assistant Shaliach Tzibur and Executive Director.  He received his cantorial degree from the Belz School of Jewish Music at Yeshiva University in 2005.

Cantor Ricky’s melodious voice is a highlight of all of Baron Hirsch’s Shabbat and holiday services.  His Kabbalat Shabbat service every Friday night fills the synagogue with excitement and energy, and has been one of the congregation’s most popular services for some ten years.  People of all ages attend and welcome in the Shabbat with song and dance. 

In addition to the weekly Shabbat services, Cantor Kampf also leads all of the holiday services at Baron Hirsch, and works particularly hard at growing member participation through the Men’s and Boys’ Choirs that make the High Holy Days so meaningful.  “Over the last number of years, dozens of boys have learned the holiday tunes through their participation in the boys choir,” said David Cooper, president of Baron Hirsch.  “Hearing Cantor Ricky sing with the boys is truly one of the most special moments of the holiday services.”

Cantor Kampf is also a master Bar Mitzvah teacher, who has taught torah reading and davening to countless boys throughout the city.  He has also helped many people prepare their haftorah for special occasions such as an ufruff, bar mitzvah anniversary or special birthday.

Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Senior Rabbi of Baron Hirsch stated, “Everyone who comes to our shul is inspired by the beautiful melodies and the harmonious voice of our Cantor Ricky Kampf.  His love for our shul and for every member, from a Bar Mitzvah boy and to those he helps with leining and davening is admired by all.  I am so happy to have him as a Cantor and as a friend.  Ricky and his family are enriching our shul’s life and I would like wish to Ricky and his family another hundred years of beautiful service to Baron Hirsch.”

Cantor Kampf is married to Anat, who is the Menahelet (administrator) of the Goldie Margolin High School for Girls.  They have five children, Kaylee, Raquel, Benjamin, Ariel and Jack.  He is the son of Lottie Kampf, who moved to Memphis in 2008, and the late Jack Kampf.

The entire community is invited to join the congregation to honor Cantor Kampf on this special occasion.  Shabbat morning services begin at 8:30AM.