Congregation Ahavat Olam is thrilled to be recognized as the…
“Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.” – Sarah Dessen
Ahavat Olam applies the power of music and its vital importance in everything we do. Music plays an integral part of any identity, tradition, and culture, and has the power to affect people, especially children. The use of musical instruments in worship connects the older Eastern musical style where the cantor is the soloist and the community sings along. Instruments invite the community to join in singing the melodies. Our congregation knows it is important to blend the music of the last few decades with the voices of generations past to find an appropriate balance. Each generation produces its own music, just as it produces its own literature and other cultural art forms. It is a continuum, and we use music as a vehicle to connect the past, present, and future. And at Congregation Ahavat Olam, our music magic is led by Rabbi/Cantor Idan Irelander.
Congregation Ahavat Olam Founding Rabbi, and the Captain of our Musical Ship.
Rabbi Idan Irelander started his musical journey, in Israel, when he was 15 years old, and never looked back. After becoming a Berklee College of Music B.E.S.T scholarship recipient, Idan left Israel in 1997 to study in Boston, MA. There, Idan embarked on a dual major in composition and film scoring and graduated Summa Cum Laude. In addition to completing his studies with high honors, Idan received both the Berklee College of Music Award for Composition Excellence and the Berklee College of Music Award for Achievement in Film Scoring.
Rabbi Idan attended the Cantor-Educator Program (CEP) of Hebrew College where he earned a Master’s Degree of Jewish Education (MJED) and became ordained as a cantor. There, he received the “Cantor Rick Boyar Prize” for excellence in Hazzanut (Cantorial Art) and the Abraham and Sadie Shapiro Family Fellowship which is awarded to students committed to postgraduate service in the Jewish community.
Rabbi Idan’s full bio can be found here.
Congregation Ahavat Olam Founding President
Marc is Congregation Ahavat Olam’s very own ‘RENAISSANCE MAN’. A Financial Professional by trade, but a husband, dad, mentor, friend, motivator of spirit and authenticity, pianist, singer, entertainer, and sound voice of reason to many at Congregation Ahavat Olam and beyond.
A graduate of Babson College ’89 and was an ambassador of goodwill and optimism with the international music and leadership organization, “Up With People”, when he traveled with them from 1984 – 1985. Perhaps you remember him as the guy in the yellow sweatshirt who played the keyboard during the halftime show at Super Bowl XX. (In case you missed it, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIyps5rnFEw.)
In addition to being the pianist with the Ahavat Olam Ensemble, Marc shares his musical talents with the congregation at Friday night Shabbat Services and joins Rabbi Idan on the bimah in song, temple updates, and Kiddush blessings.
Attention parents with tots aged 10 and younger! We invite you and your families to join us every Friday night at 5:30 for a music filled 30-minute Zoom Shabbat celebration of singing, storytelling, instrument playing, smiles and JOY!
This is being offered via Zoom every week, with one happy exception.
ONCE A MONTH we will be joined by the PJ Library for a Tot Shabbat Sing-Along which will be a HYBRID offering, via Zoom and at the ‘Shul@1600’.
The Zoom link for our weekly Shabbat for Tots with Rabbi Idan session is included in our weekly newsletter deployed every Friday. To receive your copy, click here to sign up.
THIS IS FREE AND OPEN TO ALL FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN 10 AND YOUNGER.
Our monthly HYBRID PJ Library ‘Tot Shabbat Sing-Along’ requires preregistration. This information is supplied in our weekly newsletter deployed every Friday. To receive your copy, click here to sign up.
Tutti Druyan, the daughter of renowned music figures Ron Druyan and international vocalist Gitit Shoval, was born with music in her veins. A gifted vocalist and performer, Tutti has captivated audiences near and far with her dynamic voice and stage presence. While her Jewish heritage plays a significant role in her life and musical journey—her artistry transcends genres, blending contemporary sounds with the timeless influences of her family’s legacy.
Whether performing powerful ballads or soulful melodies, Tutti conveys deep emotion in every note. Her growing fan base and unique style allow her to honor her heritage while charting her own path in the industry. Music is not just a passion; it’s a calling that connects her to her roots, family, and the universal language of music her family has long championed.
Tutti joins us for a Shabbat Service every month, special events, and honors us with her brilliance for our High Holiday Services.
Ron Druyan, a Berklee College of Music graduate, is a seasoned music industry professional with over four decades of experience. His diverse skill set—spanning performance, production, and musical direction—has positioned him as a trusted collaborator with top-tier artists and on numerous high-profile projects. Throughout his career, Ron has earned multiple awards and accolades for his contributions, consistently pushing the boundaries of sound and creativity. His belief that “Music is the one language everyone on the planet understands. Let it serve as a bridge” reflects his dedication to using music as a unifying force across cultures and borders.
From mentoring emerging talent to orchestrating complex musical arrangements, Ron’s expertise continues to shape the industry. His deep connection to music and ability to bring people together through his craft has cemented his place as a respected figure in the community. His enduring influence and dedication ensure that his legacy resonates for generations to come.
Ron joins us for a Shabbat Service every month, special events, and honors us with his grandness for our High Holiday Services.
Together, they create Ahavat Olam MAGIC!
The Ahavat Olam Ensemble joins Congregation Ahavat Olam for a Shabbat Service every month, special events, and more.
Music during the High Holy Days is another example of why Congregation Ahavat Olam is called the ‘Music Shul of the Merrimack Valley‘, and beyond. HHD and festival services are powerful, meaningful, and spiritually uplifting, yet they mean something different to each of us, and that is especially true with our congregation as the music transcends expectations. So, please join us to experience, for yourself, our unique musical arrangements and collaborative participation by our rabbi/cantor, adult choir, (a mix of professionals and volunteers), and professional musicians. We also include our B’nai Mitzvah and other members as we invite them to serve as Torah readers and members so they can participate in meaningful ways during the High Holy Days.
Tutti Druyan — Soloist, Amir Milstein – Flutist, Yael Rubinstein — Cellist, Ron Druyan — Pianist, Beth Bahia Cohen — Violin and Yayli Tanbur, Julia Spiegelman — Clarinet, and Truda Bloom — Shofar.
Shirley M. Fountain — Soprano, David Traugot — Tenor, Eliomar Nascimento — Bass/Baritone, Nancy Armstrong — Soprano, and Kamal Soparkar — Mezzo.
ADDITIONAL VOICES for 5785: Sally Mandelbaum — Mezzo, and Donna Sack — Mezzo.
Rabbi Idan with guitar in tow, can often be found on the road visiting with friends of Ahavat Olam throughout the Merrimack Valley. We believe that spending time with and sharing our message and song with community members WHERE THEY ARE, helps to ensure that people stay engaged and feel a part of something special.
So don’t be surprised if you see him at North Andover’s, Brightview Independent Senior Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care facility leading the residents in song, or accompanying a chorus of residents’ of Bixby Village, a Senior Living Community in Peabody. On many occasions, Rabbi Idan will be joined on the road by Marc Freedman and other members of the Ahavat Olam Ensemble for special holiday celebrations and town gatherings.
“There is beauty and power in unity. We must be united in heart and mind. One world, one people.” – Lailah Gifty Akita
At Congregation Ahavat Olam, we ‘Share one Judaism, one God, one Torah, and one Family.’
