Who is Cantor Ella?

Like most paths worth taking, mine has been a winding one.

The basic teachings of Judaism — faith, community and tikkun olam — have always been essential to my sense of well-being. To borrow a phrase from Rabbi Joshua Heschel, I “pray with my feet” as a member of HUC’s Soup Kitchen leadership team. The Torah teaches us that all people are created in God’s image. We are the manifestation of the Divine, an extension of God’s presence here on Earth. I pray to remind myself of the Godly qualities in all of us as motivation to live a holy life.

Prayer in synagogue is where I first developed my love for singing. At a young age I began to harmonize prayer melodies. Standing alongside others who shared the same emotional attachment to liturgy was, and continues to be, profoundly moving.

“God cannot feed the poor, or clothe the naked,
but through our hands we are making divine compassion a reality.” 

— Louis E. Newman

I am keenly aware that I have found my life’s purpose when leading others in song. I was accepted as one of six jazz vocalists at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. Over time I realized that performing was not fulfilling for me. I wanted to use music to create community. A full-hearted embrace of feminism, soulful liturgy, and commitment to tikkun olam and Zionism drew me to the Reform movement. These circumstances led me to the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, and I have not looked back.

I am not the same person I was when I entered Hebrew Union College. By acquiring classical vocal technique, I am able to bring to life the nusach, recitative, and art song of the Jewish people. I am excited to keep exploring the rich musical possibilities of our liturgy, blending my love of contemporary, congregational singing with these traditional genres. My ultimate goal in worship is to bond people to each other and to a higher power.

I embrace each step along my journey. The broad musical and Jewish worlds I have had the privilege of inhabiting have enriched my cantorial approach.

I am enthusiastically embarking on the newest step in my life’s path, as part of the clergy team at Community Synagogue in Port Washington, Long Island.