'Prince of Kosher Gospel' to Perform at Temple Har Shalom

Joshua Nelson, “The Prince of Kosher Gospel” will be at Temple Har Shalom on Friday at 7:30 p.m. for a musical Shabbat along with the All Peoples Choir and the Temple Har Shalom Choir. The public is welcome to attend the musical event.

Nelson is a well known performer who has appeared worldwide and was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2004. This Friday is Nelson’s first appearance at Temple Har Shalom.

When he was 8, Nelson discovered an album by Mahalia Jackson, the “Queen of Gospel,” in his grandparents’ record collection and he fell in love with her singing. During his teens and early 20s, he became widely celebrated as a gospel singer, continuing the Jackson legacy.

Kosher gospel music has been presented widely in Reform-Conservative and Orthodox congregations. It sounds like traditional gospel music or like blues and a little jazz.

“It is excellent for Judaism because it allows Jewish people to enhance their understanding of the world of Judaism with musically and educationally,” Nelson said. 

Cantor Anna Berman of Temple Har Shalom saw Nelson perform many years ago.

“My role at the synagogue is to enrich and enhance the worship experience of my congregation," she said. "Joshua Nelson gives them an entirely new and different way to view Jewish Music and worship.”