Chai Notes

Marla Aviva Bentley (Morah Marla) is the Director of Music and Cantorial Soloist of Temple Beth Israel. She has the honor of teaching 6th Grade in the Religious and Hebrew School. Marla Aviva began her work at TBI in July 2011. She is currently working on an Executive Master of Arts degree in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. She earned a Master of Music degree from Oakland University in Vocal Pedagogy, and a Bachelor of Music degree with Honors from the University of Michigan in Choral Music Education. Marla Aviva has continued her professional development studying at Mifgash Musicale: The Summer Institute for Synagogue Musicians on the campus of HUC-JIR in Cincinnati, Hava Nashira at OSRUI, ACC-GTM conventions and workshops, as well as private classes with Professor Cantor Ellen Dreskin. In 2019, she completed the Sefaria‘s Educator Training Course.

When not at TBI, Marla Aviva serves on the Executive Board of Guild of Temple Musicians, as the Immediate Past President, the Conductor of HaZamir Chicago, a chapter of HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir, and on the segel (faculty) at OSRUI.Marla Aviva is originally from the suburbs of Metro Detroit. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing Tai Chi, walking her dog Duke, reading, camping, and spending time with friends and family. Marla Aviva is married to Newell, and mother of Hannah Jane (7th grade) and Jaret Evan Bentley (5th grade).