Asher Farber is an accomplished pianist, collaborator, performer, conductor, musical arranger, choir director, and teacher. He is also a proud grandchild of four Holocaust survivors.
As Musical Director of Beth Tzedec, Asher will continue his leadership of conducting and preparing our synagogue choirs throughout the year and for High Holy Days. He will also develop, maintain, and upkeep our musical library. Asher will support and work closely with our Senior Cantor, Chaim Stern, and with all of our musical staff to ensure that we consistently provide high-quality musical programming and events at the shul.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Asher spent his early years developing his relationship with both music and with Judaism, beginning at the young age of three. While receiving a Jewish education, Asher completed all ten grades of the Royal Conservatory of Music, performed and competed in local concerts and festivals, and often placed at the top of his class with distinction. When possible, Asher pursued opportunities where both music and Judaism intersect, such as playing in a local Klezmer band, and frequently volunteering to read Torah at his synagogue.
In 2012, Asher moved to Toronto to further his studies. After completing his Masters of Collaborative Piano Performance from the University of Toronto in 2014, Asher decided to stay in the GTA to develop his career in music. Over the next decade, Asher continued to collaborate with and/or lead a large and diverse range of musicians, musical groups, and projects. This includes: several community choirs (including the choirs at both the Miles Nadal and Prosserman JCC’s), children’s groups and choirs, musical theatre groups, opera companies, and much more. Additionally, Asher teaches private piano and music lessons to many students.
Asher joined the Beth Tzedec community in 2017/2018, periodically reading Torah for the Little Minyan, and also singing tenor in the “Shir Hadash Ensemble” under the direction of Ezra Burke and Cantor Sidney Ezer.
In 2019, Asher got married to Allie Dennis, with Rabbi Steven Wernick and Cantor Sidney Ezer officiating under the Chuppah. Soon after, Asher and Allie met and adopted Luna, their rescue dog from Egypt.
During the pandemic, Asher developed high-quality musical programming (both virtually and in person) for the shul with Cantor Sidney. In 2021, Asher joined the Lishmoa El Harina Ensemble – Beth Tzedec’s High Holy Day Choir. Later that same year, Asher also founded the Beth Tzedec quartet (“the HarmonEzers”), which he continued to lead and conduct for multiple Shabbat services every month at Beth Tzedec over several years.
In September 2025, Asher took on the new role of High Holy Day Conductor, leading services with the shul’s new Senior Cantor Chaim Stern. In the following months, Asher and Cantor Chaim have worked closely on various projects together, including January’s successful Shabbat Shira, which was under Asher’s musical direction.
Asher is extremely excited about what lies ahead for the music and for all of our community at Beth Tzedec.