| Sharon Huckel is a third generation Jewish believer in Messiah Jesus. Sharon serves the Lord at Hananeel Ministries as a soloist. Sharon's husband, Tom, serves as the Director of Hananeel Ministries. Since Tom is a Gentile and Sharon of Jewish ancestry, they believe that God has placed them together as an illustration of the unity and love that should exist in the body of Messiah (Eph 2:14-15 cf. Eph 5:21-22). Sharon's heart for ministry can be heard on her Messianic Music recordings: "For Zion's Sake" (1987, CD Re-issue, 2001), and "Tabernacle" (1995), and her soon to be released, "Courts of Praise" (Fall, 2005).
Sharon Huckel's vocal abilities were recognized at an early age. Sharon began performing as a soloist in church when she was twelve. As a young adult Sharon studied at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia which led to a scholarship offer from Juliard in New York. Sharon chose to decline the Juliard offer feeling led to remain focused on family and ministry priorities.
In 1987 Chosen People Ministries, where Sharon's husband Tom was serving as the Northeast Regional rep, commissioned the first of Sharon's three recording projects. Sharon's first release, "For Zion's Sake", featured the contributions of international recording artist Paul Wilbur and the seminal Messianic band, Israel's Hope. Paul Wilbur is featured on two duets with Sharon, including the popular album closer, "We Are One Family". "For Zion's Sake" is a vocal tour de force, with soaring ballads and delightfully joyful moments of classic Jewish Klezmer. Many of the songs were written by Steffi Rubin, a well-known Messianic songwriter ("Trees of the Field"), and the project was expertly produced by her husband, Barry Rubin.
Sharon Huckel's second release, in 1995, "Tabernacle", included more strong contributions from Messianic songwriter Steffi Rubin. The "Tabernacle" recording project drew on more personal themes for Sharon, since in 1989, two years after the release of "For Zion's Sake", Sharon was diagnosed with MS. Sharon's struggles with MS have deepened her faith. Her unwavering love for Messiah in the midst of personal suffering has inspired many.
In 2001 Hananeel Ministries released a re-issue of Sharon Huckel's classic recording, "For Zion's Sake" as she continued to battle MS. Sharon's MS has been diagnosed as "chronic/progressive" and she has suffered from periodic episodes of intensified symptoms, followed by periods of remission. Sharon and Tom continued their work through Hananeel Ministries. Sharon's continued ability to minister through music is a testament to the power of prayer, and the special ministry God has given her. Sharon has lived by the scripture that "My strength will be perfected in your weakness".
In late 2004 Hananeel Ministries commissioned a new recording project for Sharon Huckel. Sharon's latest recording, "Courts of Praise" is expected to be available in the fall of 2005. This recording is eagerly anticipated, and features Sharon's hallmark vocals, strong songwriting with modern worship elements, and some exciting surprises. Please contact Hananeel Ministries for the latest details on this forthcoming release.
Visit Hananeel Ministries on the web at: www.hananeel.com
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