Barry M. Caplan; Cantor

Barry M. Caplan, cantor and education director for Kehillat Ma’arav Synagogue in Santa Monica and former cantor at Temple Beth Ami in Reseda, has died at UCLA Medical Center. He was 39.

A West Hills resident, Caplan died Monday from injuries sustained in a car accident on his way to Rosh Hashanah services, according to temple representatives.

Born in North Hollywood, Caplan attended religious school at Temple Beth Kodesh in West Hills. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Cal State Northridge and received his cantorial certification from the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion, both in 1975. Four years later, he earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Judaism.

Caplan served as cantor at Temple Beth Ami, then as cantor and education director at Har Zion Congregation in Phoenix for 12 years before coming to Kehillat Ma’arav a year ago.

He received numerous awards, including the University of Judaism Award of Merit, the Jewish School Directors Forums Chairman Award, the Cantors Assembly Commission and the Solomon Schecter Award from the United Synagogues of America.

He is survived by his fiancee, Susan Rosenbloom of West Hills; sons Micah Caplan and Joshua Caplan of Canoga Park; father Malbert Caplan of Woodland Hills; brothers Calvin Caplan of Pleasanton and Ron Caplan of Carmichael.

A funeral was held Thursday with burial at Eden Memorial Park in Mission Hills. Groman-Eden Mortuary in Mission Hills handled the arrangements. A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at Kehillat Ma’arav Synagogue, 1715 21st St., Santa Monica. Donations can be made to a memorial fund in Caplan’s name at the synagogue.