Soulmates Band

The Soulmates are volunteer Jewish musicians who bring spirit and warmth to Neshamah’s congregational services. Our talented Musical Director, Sharon Shear, leads adult and youth musicians from our congregation at each Shabbat service.

Read more about each member below:

Sharon ShearMusical Director/Guitar

When asked, Sharon Shear will answer that, next to her family, the greatest gift she has been given is the chance to infuse Jewish spirit through music into her South Florida community. For over 10 years, Sharon has provided Jewish musical worship, education and entertainment in a variety of settings including Jewish preschools, Hebrew Schools and Jewish camps, as well as Jewish Services, Holiday Programs, and Havdallah campfire sing-along songs.

Sharon is thrilled to be a part of The Neshamah Institute as she recognizes the vital role it will play in the Jewish lives of many South Floridians. She is married to her husband, Laurence, for 20 years and together they have two incredible daughters: Samantha, 16 and Jamie, 13. In her secular vocation, Sharon is a Junior Partner on a team of Financial Advisors who serve the needs of business owners throughout the United States.

Michael BandLead Guitar

Michael is, an international musician is one of the original Neshamah Soul Mates. He was born in Toronto, Canada and has been enjoying the “Florida Lifestyle” for more than10 years. Michael feels fortunate to combine his passion for writing, composing, arranging music with his strong spiritual Jewish connection. Michael brings over 40 years of music experience to the group including 8 years as a member of the Canadian Band “No Questions.”

Currently he resides in Boca with his biggest fans and supporters, his beautiful wife and two children. By day, Michael is a Software Engineer, Architect and Consultant developing software programs for companies. Michael is honored to be part of the Neshamah Institute and to share Jewish music with participants in this most special way. “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything. It is the essence of order and lends to all that is good and just and beautiful” (Plato). Michael is looking forward to another wonderful year!

Monica TakiffVocals

Monica is honored and thrilled to be a part of the Neshamah Soul Mates group. After many years of “soul” searching, Monica deeply believes as though she has finally found her Jewish home with Neshamah. Originally from New York, Monica tired of the greyness of winter and transplanted herself and family to sunny south Florida where she met her husband in undergraduate school. Fast forward 21 years later- she and her husband are the proud parents of two amazing boys. In Monica’s professional life, she partners with her family to continue the legacy of her late father in running their cosmetic business. Monica looks forward to sharing many meaningful occasions with her Neshamah family.

Debbie FischerVocals

Debbie Fischer was raised all over the US, England, and Greece, and is grateful to have lived in South Florida for the last twenty years. She received a great deal of her Jewish education from her many summers at Camp Judaea and Camp Tel Yehuda, as well as from Tel Aviv University and the Year Course in Israel program. A graduate of the University of Miami, Debbie met her husband Eric on campus when he poked his head through the open window of her car door. Just after college, Debbie was recruited by the USO to go on tour singing, dancing and performing sketch comedy for military troops during Operation Desert Storm. She worked as a TV and film agent for many years before leaving that world to become a teacher at Donna Klein Jewish Academy. After five years, Debbie put teaching on hold to devote more time to her wonderful two sons and pursue her dream of becoming an author. Currently, her award-winning teen novels are sold all over the world. Debbie feels incredibly honored to be a part of Neshamah and looks forward to participating in many more inspiring musical services.

Sheina KoolikVocals

Sheina studied for her Bat Mitzvah in 2012 with Neshamah and has continued with her love of learning and Jewish music with the Soulmates. Sheina plays guitar and adds voice and guitar to Neshamah Shabbat and High Holy Day services. Sheina plays lacrosse and enjoys spending time with her large family including two older sisters and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. She is a student at Spanish River High School.