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By Cantor Sheldon F. Merel
 SAN DIEGO—I am delighted to share this recording of the famous Shalom Rav written for cantor,choir and piano by Ben Steinberg, composer, conductor, organist and teacher. He is pictured at the right.
Ben is a long time (not old!) friend and colleague, and an icon among Jewish Composers of our time. His many melodies are a regular and beloved part of synagogue prayer services throughout North America.
Shalom Rav, however has gained universal popularity for its beautiful and lilting melody.
Ben’s Shalom Rav was recorded when he was guest composer-in- residence at Congregation Beth Israel in 1981. During that weekend, and also during his 1982 visit, we were able to catch a glimpse of Ben’s vast knowledge of Jewish music and showcase some of his beautiful music. In 1991, I commissioned Ben to arrange Shalom Rav for cantor, choir and Symphony Orchestra, and it was performed at an Interfaith Concert at Copley Symphony Hall.
I first met Ben, and his wife, Machi, in 1969 when I was installed as cantor at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto. He preceded me by nine years as the temple’s Music Director, and then went on to be Music Director for Temple Sinai, where he served for 26 years. Although retired from the temple, he continues as its Composer in residence.
After Marcie and I left Toronto for the sunny climes of San Diego to serve congregation Beth Israel, our friendship with Ben and Machi continued via exchange of e- mails, phone calls, and his two visits as our guest composer in residence. We continue to enjoy our relationship during their annual winter visits to San Diego.
Ben was a child prodigy soloist at the age of 8, and then a conductor for the choir of his father, Cantor Alexander Steinberg, in Toronto. After graduating from the University of Toronto and the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music, he taught music in the public schools, and then served as director of music departments at Collegiate Institutes of Winston Churchill and Forest Hill.
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 During his illustrious career, Steinberg has received countless commissions and has appeared as guest speaker and conducted performances of his music in Australia, Canada, Japan, and the USA. Between 1980 and 1991, he received some 18 commissions to write Liturgical services and classical instrumental works. He continues to visit congregations as guest composer in residence, and several of his works have been televised on CBC and PBS. His compositions are published by Transcontinental Company and Canadian Music Library.
Ben Steinberg’s distinguished credits are vast. To mention just a few of his significant achievements; Maestro Steinberg was invited twice by the city of Jerusalem to be an artist-in-residence in 1978 and 1980. In 1983 He received the Kavod (Honour) Award of the Cantor's Assembly for his outstanding contributions to Jewish Music, and later received an Honorary Doctorate from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Baritone Richard Allen recorded several of Steinberg's works on the cassette A Ben Steinberg Concert. (ca 1989, available through Transcontinental unnumbered).
Like all of my colleagues, I love to sing Ben’s music, because it brings out the best in one’s voice. His compositions are steeped in cantorial tradition reflecting his rich synagogue background, and classical training. Ben Steinberg’s compositions enrich its text, utilizes appropriate nusach, and creates an exciting blend of voice, choir and accompaniment. No wonder his music is acclaimed by cantors, choirs and audiences.
”Shalom rav al yisrael amcha tasim l’olam, kee atah hu melech adon l’chol hashalom, v’tov b’aynecha l’vareych et amcha yisrael b’chol ayt uvchol sha-ah b’sh’lo-me-cha. Baruch ata adonai, ham-va-reych et amo yisrael ba-shalom.
Grant abundant peace unto Israel thy people for ever; for thou art the sovereign Lord of all peace; and may it be good in thy sight to bless thy people Israel at all times and in every hour with thy peace.”
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