Testimonials
Testimonials
“Straight to Our Hearts and Souls”
I am writing to thank you for your wonderful niggunim classes. You teach to the intellect, heart and soul. Your knowledge of the musical structure of the melodies and multi layered interpretations of the words added immeasurably to our appreciation of the songs. However even above that,your singing and violin playing went straight to our hearts and souls. I wanted classes to continue for at least another hour. I hope that you continue to teach in our area.
In gratitude, Simma K.
“The Ephemeral Quality of Your Presence”
Hi Josh,
It was really a pleasure to join your class on musicology and Jewish melodies this past week. As someone who has been teaching, and observing, teachers for many years, I like to let someone know when they created a powerful environment for learning, and you really accomplished that. Here are a few things that stand out to me. First, the selection and presentation of material was exceptional. The melodies you chose were compelling and rich, and contained great content for unpacking and analysis. Your vocal delivery was wonderful – it certainly helps when the music instructor actually has a pleasant voice and can reach the notes they are trying to reach! Above all though is the ephemeral quality of authoritativeness in your presence. While talking about music, you use precise language, clarify misconception, and respond generously to sincere questions. At certain times you appear serious, but when you smile in response to questions or new ideas, it has a contagiously positive effect on the class. I experienced that strongly myself.
Anyway, I hope you’ll excuse my rambling and accept this feedback in the collegial manner in which I hope to convey it. It was a pleasure to be in your class, however briefly, and I look forward to the opportunity to learn with you again.
Warm regards!
Michael
Michael H. Weinraub | Director,
Learning Leading Higher Education Forward
“You are Truly a Virtuoso”
Joshua,
Not enough words to actually describe how much my wife Susan and I have enjoyed and learned from your classes.The only disappointment is that it was too short for you have an enormous amount of knowledge and you did an excellent job in sharing that knowledge with us.
Notwithstanding your violin playing — you are truly a virtuoso! Most impressively was your classical knowledge of Judaism. I am in the process of converting to Judaism and have taken classes towards that end; however, your last lecture on Shabbos was second to none. You actually made me feel, spiritually and mentally what Shabbos brings to my soul and that made me fully understand the real meaning of it.Thank you Joshua for your sense of humor as you were delivering the most profound religious meaning into our lives.
Sincerely,
Joseph D.
“Spirited and Crystal Clear Teaching”
To Whom It May Concern:
My family and I have celebrated many joyful events together at Pearlstone. The food was tasty and healthy, the air-fresh, the accommodations- warm and comfortable.
What we did not experience were presentations by Joshua Sussman (rabbi, musicologist and concert violinist) These would have made our visits truly unforgettable. I’ve known Josh for about 10 years. He regularly performed gorgeous violin music for the Massry residents ( a Jewish assisted living facility where I worked as the Activity Director). But most recently I attended a series of four talks on NIGGUNIM that he gave here in Albany. I knew the music would be gorgeous but his spirited and crystal clear teaching was an unexpected gift to all who attended. One lady told me she had counted the days till the next class. All of the participants were thrilled.
I loved one Niggun especially (I had never heard it before), found it on You Tube and played it until I heard it in my dreams. I can only imagine how delightful and thoughtful Josh’s talks on Shavuot would be..,
-Faye S.
“His violin playing brings a warm, heartfelt energy to any event.”
His music is uplifting and adds a beautiful soulfulness that makes the whole atmosphere more elevated.
If you want your wedding, event, or special moment to feel truly meaningful – not just heard, but felt – he creates an atmosphere that is both luminous and deeply Jewish in spirit. Highly recommend!
Tania Friedlander