Jonathan Neil Grant

Cantor Jonathan Neil Grant of Orange County, CA, Cantor Emeritus at Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach, CA, died at age 66 from complications of ALS. He was at home, lovingly supported by his wife, his brother and sister, and other loving family members.

Jonathan was the son of Marvin and Rita Grant, and was born and raised in the New York area. He was an honor student in high school where he began his musical journey in the high school chorus. While his initial career choice was to be a veterinarian, he met a music and voice teacher in college who changed his focus to become a professional singer.

In the mid 1980s, Jonathan began voice training at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara with Martial Singher, world renowned for his work with many great operatic voices. It was under Singher's tutelage that Jonathan enhanced his voice, and perfected his impeccable diction and tone.

Jonathan performed for opera companies around the United States and internationally, and as he developed his voice, he started his cantorial career at Wilshire Blvd Temple in Los Angeles as their Cantorial Soloist.

In 1990, Jonathan applied to and was accepted into Hebrew Union College, School of Sacred Music. As a part of his Cantorial studies, he spent almost two years in Israel, and was the student cantor at Brooklyn Heights Synagogue. In 1994, he received his Masters of Sacred Music from HUC, and was ordained as a Cantor.

He was blessed to become the Cantor at Temple Bat Yahm where he served for over 30 years. His relationships with his rabbinic partners, his peers, and his congregation were exemplified by professionalism, friendship and a deep sense of connection to each other. He was a mentor and teacher, guiding students in their Jewish studies, and officiating over b'nai mitzvah, and family events, both joyful and sorrowful.

Jonathan's magnificent baritone voice filled the sanctuary with song and joy each week and during the Jewish holidays and other events, and was a source of inspiration to his congregation and colleagues.

His spiritual guidance, playful personality, his love for his family and friendships far and wide will be a guiding light for all who were touched by his extraordinary life.

May his memory be for a blessing.

Donations in his name may be made to Temple Bat Yahm, Hebrew Union College, the ALS Association or a charity of your choice.