Cantor Abby Gostein received her ordination and Master’s Degree in Jewish Sacred Music from AJRCA in May, 2021. She holds a BA in Psychology from Yale University and an MA in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Texas, Austin. Her life has been devoted to Jewish education and spiritual growth through Jewish music. She has served Reform congregations since 1994 and has taught Jewish music to religious school children since 1984. Cantor Gostein has served Temple Beth Shalom (Austin, Texas) in a cantorial role since 2004, helping it grow from a fledgling congregation to one with over 600 households.
A renowned and award-winning published composer of Jewish liturgical music, Cantor Gostein’s compositions are sung throughout the United States and internationally. Many of her pieces have been selected for presentation at Jewish liturgical music festivals and cantorial conferences. She has produced two CD’s — “Each Blessing,” featuring original compositions, and “Kol Hakavod,” a congregational CD showcasing the Temple Beth Shalom Kol Hakavod Ensemble. Cantor Gostein has served on the Board of the Women Cantors’ Network, co-chaired two of its national conferences, and served on its Music Commission Committee. She has served as VP of Membership for the Guild of Temple Musicians, and for many years as a GTM delegate to the URJ’s Joint Commission on Worship, Music and Religious Living.