Testimonials

Shabbaton / Residency

"Leah Shoshanah brought exactly what our community needed during a challenging time. As tensions ran high in our congregation around differing perspectives on Israel and Palestine, her work as a bridge-builder and healer through music was precisely what could serve us."
— Michael Margolin, Congregation Tikkun V'Or (Ithaca, NY)

"Leah Shoshanah brought such depth, passion, compassion, humor, and a wonderful spirit of generosity to her incredible musical performance. With her beautiful voice and creative songwriting, she gave us two hours of uplifting music. At times sad, at times joyful, at times humorous, always right to the heart. And she really tuned into our beautiful community and how we work hard to include everyone. It was an evening that will resonate for me for a long time." 

— Annie, Congregation Tikkun V'Or (Ithaca, NY)

B Mitzvah Tutoring

“When we started down this road, we honestly did not know what a Bat Mitzvah would look like for our family. We are an interfaith household, and we wanted a morning that was fully and unmistakably Jewish while still making room for everyone who loves our daughter and all our family's traditions. Leah understood that from our very first conversation, and what she built with us was better than anything we could have imagined on our own.

What moved us most was watching our daughter grow into it. Leah never handed her a script. She asked good questions, took a twelve-year-old's ideas seriously, and helped her find what she actually wanted to say. By the morning itself, our daughter stood on the bimah chanting Torah in a service that also wove poetry from other traditions in among the ancient blessings, and every bit of it was hers.

Any family looking for someone to make this milestone personal and meaningful and values-led should call Leah. She has a rare gift for meeting a family where it is and drawing out what matters most to them. And she is an extraordinary cantor on top of it and made the service sing (literally).”

— Seth Green, Chicago

“We had the extraordinary experience of working with Leah as she guided our granddaughter through her Bat-Mitzvah journey. With her open, caring and creative spirit, Leah nurtured in our granddaughter a depth and passion for her Judaism that culminated in a remarkable Bat-Mitzvah experience for our entire family. Without reservation, we commend Leah to any family seeking compassionate and spiritual guidance for a creative Bar or Bat-Mitzvah. Leah's talent and vision created an experience we will never forget. Thank you, Leah, for a such remarkable gift.”

— Arthur Green, Chicago

Workshops

"Leah is a masterful teacher and facilitator. For the Spirit Jam, she brought together a great group of people and guided us through two hours of activity: teachings to focus our breathing and games to encourage us to use our voices in different ways – all in preparation for the spirit jam itself, where we improvised sound and rhythm for an extended time. I loved it."
— Caryn Chaden, Spirit Jam Participant

“Spirit Jam is a great container for making music and authentic connections with others. Leah’s extensive experience as a musician, vocalist, and voice teacher, along with her sense of play and deep respect & appreciation for spiritual life, gave this container a beautiful sense of safety & joyful belonging in which it was easeful, not only to vocalize & improvise with others, but also to learn more about my own voice and musicality, and grow in capacity & depth of sharing music with others. I appreciated Leah’s sensitive and thoughtful leadership, and would recommend her Spirit Jam to others looking to connect in spirit, making music, & jamming out!”

— Corey Palmer, Chicago

Cantorial Soloist / Spiritual Leader

“Leah Shoshanah’s voice is so beautiful. But that’s not the half of it. There’s a spiritual aspect to her presentation that delivers emotional impact & connection. When my brother died, we knew some people attending the memorial service would be well-steeped in Jewish tradition… others, not at all. No matter… Leah gave a simple and clear explanation prior to each musical selection. Afterward, a long-time friend and neighbor told me: “I’ve been to a million Jewish funerals. But before today, I don’t think I ever understood what was actually going on …” And several people commented on the beauty of her voice. I appreciate that Leah was so flexible in choosing a musical selection that fit our particular needs. She added so much to the mood of the service, helping make it meaningful, I think, for so many of us.”

— Linda Paul, Chicago

"We had the extraordinary joy and privilege of welcoming Leah Shoshanah as our cantorial soloist over the High Holy Days this year. She was both an incredibly spiritual presence and a consummate professional… We were particularly touched by her own compositions, which clearly came directly from her heart. A number of my members described being moved to tears multiple times during the ten days. She is a gift to every community that is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to host her."
— Rabbi Shoshana Kaminsky, Temple Beth-El (South Bend, IN)

“Leah Shoshanah is an extraordinary creative force. Her artistry is imaginative, soulful and beautifully executed, but what makes her work truly exceptional is the profound effect it has on the people who experience it.

Leah brings together vision, sensitivity and remarkable creative skill. Her work does more than inspire—it awakens something. It has had an electrifying impact on me personally and has brought tremendous energy, beauty and meaning to my community. She has a rare gift for understanding the spirit of a project and then elevating it far beyond what one imagined possible.

Working with Leah is an experience in itself. She listens deeply, creates boldly and pours genuine heart into every detail. Her artistry feels both original and deeply human, leaving a lasting impression long after the work is complete.

I recommend Leah Shoshanah with the greatest enthusiasm. She is a gifted artist, a thoughtful collaborator and someone whose creative presence can truly transform a person, a project and an entire community.”

— Rabbi Schachar Orenstein, Shir Hadash, Wheeling, IL

“Anyone who is looking for a cantorial soloist should jump at the chance to work with Leah Shoshanah. She strikes this rare mix of knowing the traditional songs and blessings so well, at the same time as bringing her own deep and meaningful originality to bear.”

—Maya Schenwar, editor-in-chief of Truthout Magazine, Chicago

“I was deeply moved by the beauty and power of her voice and presence. Leah combines traditional songs and blessings, her own original music and a passion for social justice in a way that immediately invited me into the congregation. With respect and love, Leah shares music in many languages and heritages, highlighting our human interconnectedness at a time when the world is in such deep need for compassion, justice, peace and solidarity. Over the last ten years, it’s been exciting to observe Leah develop as a musician—her voice both grounded and ethereal.  I have also had the chance to sing alongside Leah as part of Music Makers, an experience that has been deeply fulfilling and exciting, an immensely enriching and joyous opportunity. By helping me to grow as a musician, Leah has extended kindness and generosity that means the world to me.”

—Deborah Adelman, Chicago

“Leah Shoshanah brought her wonderful spirit and positive energy to our community, and her music, including original pieces, was uplifting and inspiring! She brings her all to the project! She sings from the heart, and connects with the people she is working with and singing with.

-Rabbi Shalom Bochner, B’nai Israel Jewish Center, Petaluma CA

“Leah Shoshanah has a true gift. Not only is her voice gorgeous, but she has a way of conveying deep emotions through her vocals and lyrics. She sang at my brother’s funeral, and again at a memorial event, and it was just what I needed on my healing journey. Sometimes words are not adequate enough for full expression. Leah Shoshanah’s music can bring one to that next level. I cannot say enough good things about her.”

— Alison Galanopoulos, Chicago

“Leah’s a terrific musician. She worked closely with me in leading services at Temple Israel in Springfield, IL and we were always fortunate to have her. Congregants really loved her music and creativity. I can’t recommend her enough.”

— Rabbi Greg Kanter, Temple Brith Shalom, Springfield, IL

Leah was absolutely incredible as the cantorial soloist for our daughter’s bat mitzvah. Her voice is beautiful, and she brought so much warmth and meaning to the service. She truly made the evening feel special, and we are so grateful she was part of this memorable day for our family.

— Annie Block, Chicago

Concerts

“I have known Leah for many years as a yoga teacher at my wellness studio and a local musician in our neighborhood. She consistently impresses me with her dedication to our community through song. She works tirelessly to create new music either solo, with her father or her band. During the pandemic, Leah was a bright light to many with her weekly concerts. My son and I would get so excited to see her share a post, or text us about an upcoming show. Leah's concerts gave us something to look forward to and gave us hope during the initial dark days of covid. I know I speak for many when I say that Leah gives the community a sense of togetherness and belonging. This is evident at many of her shows...and we have been to almost all of them because my 8 year old son is her biggest fan. Leah's beautiful voice and thoughtful songs speak to people. I'm always surprised by the huge turnout she is able to bring together each time she plays. When you look around the room, people of all different races and religious backgrounds fill the space. They have huge smiles on their faces as they dance or sing along with Leah's gentle encouragement. Her songs about Chicago really resonate with friends and neighbors. She brings a lovely and refreshing depth, breadth and humor to her song writing.”

— Amy Bogl, Owner of Centered Studios, Chicago

"Throughout my years as a fan, I have witnessed Leah's music transform the human soul and bring people together in community, where all may be themselves without judgment. Leah's music deeply encourages transformation through direct action, helping others discover the power that has always been within themselves to bring real, positive change to the human experience."
— Bryson Burnside, frequent concert attendee

"Leah has the gift of songwriting that is compelling and new, yet rooted in, motivated by, an earlier time, when the now nostalgic genre of the folk ballad Americana was in its innocence."
— Erich DeHaven

Leah help me pull off a surprise proposal my girlfriend. It was perfect! I was not easy client (cancelling, changing up my asks) but she rolled with it and made it the most special moment. Her voice is incredible. Sweet. Easy to listen to. I can't not say enough good things about my experience. If you ever get the chance, hire her! 

– Ron D. 

Concerts for Seniors

“Leah has been performing monthly for the past several years at the retirement home where I work. She has an incredible voice and can sing any style of music. The residents look forward to her concerts every month, as do members of our staff.”

— Benna Kessler, The SelfHelp Home

“Leah is an exceptional musician and performer. She has developed a genuine rapport with so many of our residents over the years, in large part, because she is so authentic and engages with them with easy empathy.

Her voice is so naturally emotive, that the residents and I just feel better and dare I say, “cared for” when she sings. Her mastery of so many different musical genres and styles, not to mention the numerous languages she can sing in, means that her monthly concerts are always fresh, featuring new songs (both original compositions and stunning covers) and among the most anticipated programs on our calendar.”

-Jonathan Schwartz, Director of Jewish Life at the SelfHelp Home

“I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your beautiful musical performance at our birthday Shabbat lunch. Your music truly elevated the experience, and we are so grateful for the joy and warmth you brought to the event.”

— Daria Riveron, Program and Events Coordinator, Holocaust Community Services, CJE SeniorLife