15 Comments
User's avatar
Jeff Klepper's avatar

What a fascinating journey. Mazal tov!

Academentia's avatar

Sounds like you've put in the work. Maybe feeling a sense of imposter syndrome. I felt that for years after my dissertation. Especially when someone called me doctor.

Paul Shaviv's avatar

Congratulations! A wonderful story. What is the exact title of your dissertation?

Matt Austerklein's avatar

“The Professionalization of the Ashkenazic Cantor in East-Central Europe (1500-1750)”

Paul Shaviv's avatar

👍

Mara's avatar

Mazel Tov on your great accomplishment. One question: when do we get to read it?

Matt Austerklein's avatar

Thanks! Working on the book with publishers as we speak.

NICOLE ROY's avatar

Mazel Tov Matt . There are no words to say this but I admire you so,so much . In the short time since you joined Anshai Torah and got to know you personally my admiration is 10 fold . I forget to follow the mahzor as I love to look at you sing . Your concentration and praying at the same time is just overwhelmingly Beautiful . It lifts me personally to another plain . Mazel Tov doesn’t feel enough but I admire you so much and your Precious Family . Nicole Roy

Avraham Bronstein's avatar

Mazal Tov - congratulations, and I hope you keep writing here!

David Snyder's avatar

Matt, I just wanted to share a note of appreciation for your autobiographical review. Your reflections radiate such genuine gratitude — for your teachers, your mentors, and the long, winding process that shaped both your scholarship and your voice, pun intended. It’s inspiring to see how deeply you honor the people and experiences that carried you to this moment.

Most of all, Mazal Tov, Dr. Matt Austerklein, on completing your PhD. What an extraordinary milestone. Your dedication, curiosity, and resilience are evident in every step of your journey, and it’s a joy that you include us in your celebration and achievement.

Saul's avatar

Mazal tov!

John H Planer's avatar

A wonderful story! Congratulations!

Rebecca Cypess's avatar

Mazal tov, Matt! Amazing story, and your work is fantastic!

Cantor Josh Breitzer's avatar

🙌🙌🙌