01/14/2026
Music Review
"In Search of Silence"
By Cantor Janice Roger
Traditionally, the role of a cantor is to lead a congregation in prayer and interpret prayer through time-honored tropes. Many cantors, however, bring much more to the position: teaching and pastoral skills, a solid knowledge of music, not to mention a pleasing voice. Jacob Agar is such a cantor.
In his debut album, "In Search of Silence", Agar displays a strong voice which is enriched with many colors and timbres. His musical acumen in found in the complex arrangements he created for the talented musicians who accompany him. However, more than that, Agar is a poet and philosopher whose words reveal a soul in search of faith and love.
The eleven tracks of "In Search of Silence" divide between songs about love and songs about the struggle between faith and doubt. "Come My Beloved" and "Set Me as a Seal" are inspired by the Biblical book "Song of Songs". "Girl from North Country" is a cover of a Bob Dylan song, which is reminiscent of "Scarborough Fair", a traditional English ballad. "I Remember" is a duet with soprano Rebecca Nixon which expresses yearning for true and lasting love. "Summer Rain" has a hypnotic melody, describing the magic and beauty of love – but has a surprise ending.
Of the five songs which deal with faith and doubt, "Elegy" is the strongest. It is a poem of serious reflection and – as a cantor ought to do – enhances the meaning of the words through music. One can hear the anguish in Agar’s voice as he sings, “Life must disappoint, build and crush your hopes.” The theme of the struggle to find faith is the message of "Equinox, Eternity, and Lonely Road". "Phoenix Rising" teaches us that despite the pain of existence, faith exists. Agar’s debut album, "In Search of Silence" is not meant to be background music.
You can read more about him and hear his music at the links below
"Phoenix Rising" video: https://youtu.be/klooGpdDZKM
www.youtube.com/
www.youtube.com/
www.motherwest.com/jacob-agar
Janice Roger is the Cantor Emerita of Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, which she served from 1979 until 2017. Now retired, she volunteers with Indiana Reading and Information Services (IRIS), The Great American Songbook Foundation, and Classical Music Indy. She is married to Brandon Roger and they have two sons, Eddie (Allie) and Miles.
