When Marcelo Gindlin was offered the cantor position at the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue, he took no hesitation in accepting.
Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Gindlin moved to Malibu almost 13 years ago and has heavily involved himself in the MJC&S community ever since.
“I saw MJC&S as a congregation that was creative and open to new programming and visions for the future and Malibu as the town which reflected those values,” said Gindlin.
Three years ago, Gindlin developed the Synagogue’s Hand-In-Hand Program. The after-school music program offers special needs children the opportunity to socialize and learn new skills by performing activities with Malibu High students and other volunteers, as well as community service. Gindlin works with the children through song by providing music therapy.
“I performed this type of work in Argentina as a music therapist working with people with special needs,” said Gindlin. “Because of my background in working with children and adults with special needs, I was able to see a need in not only my own synagogue but the larger community as well.”
The program allows children with special needs to make and nurture friendships and obtain special opportunities they normally would not have, such as earning college money. Gindlin believes that “making friends is essential to every child” and relays this passionate belief in his work with the program.
For more information about the Hand-In-Hand Program please visit http://mjcs.org/about-us/hand-in-hand.