Bella Bogart feels so blessed to be joining this wonderful congregation! 'Rav' Bella, as the Shir Shalom community knows her, is a gifted cantor, Spiritual Leader, teacher and musician. She is a rabbinic student in the ALEPH ordination and a member of OHALAH, the Association of Rabbis for Jewish Renewal.

Prior to moving to California in 2000, Rav Bella served as the Cantor of Ramat Shalom, the Reconstructionist synagogue, in Plantation, Florida, for 18 years. Since coming to Northern California, Rav Bella has served has the Spiritual Leader of Congregation B'nai Shalom, in Vallejo, and as Cantor and Educator of Congregation Beth Sholom Napa Valley.

Educated and raised in a traditional Orthodox environment in New York, Rav Bella developed a deep understanding and abiding love of Jewish tradition. Throughout her career she has engaged with individuals and communities from all streams of Judaism and relishes every opportunity to share her passion for all expressions of Judaism with others. She is devoted to creating inclusive, meaningful worship, rituals and learning for everyone, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

For nearly 30 years, Rav Bella has engaged, inspired and motivated adults and children in a wide variety of communities. She has performed in concert, led services, taught, and facilitated lifecycle ceremonies all over the country. Her lifelong love of Jewish music led Rav Bella to record her first original songs in 1976. She is currently in production on her seventh CD.

Rav Bella currently resides with her beloved husband Dillon Walsh, in beautiful Benicia. Their blended family includes six (grown) children, four son & daughters-in-law, five amazing grandchildren and one more on the way!




Download some of Rav Bella's music below. (You may need to install Quicktime to listen.)