As early as I can remember I sat with my dad while he played Kol Nidre on the cello during Yom Kippur services. I got my earliest cantorial training from watching our choir on Rosh Hashanah. I went to Jewish day school and then went on to study Hebrew in college, where I did a study abroad program in Jerusalem. 

I studied classical singing, dance, painting, poetry and acting during my childhood and teenage years. In my college years, I studied theatrical long-form improvisation, yoga and mindfulness. 

In 2012, I started playing guitar and writing songs, and right away began songleading in synagogues. The first Jewish songs I wrote were for the kids I worked with.

In 2016, I was offered my first opportunity as a Cantorial Soloist for High Holidays. The experience became a bridge for me to work with a community in my city on a more regular basis. With the support of this community, I wrote more Jewish music. Over the pandemic, one of my songs went viral on YouTube and then synagogues around the country began reaching out to me to sing my songs and bring me in as a guest musician for virtual services. 

Being a cantor has been a huge gift in my life. I get to incorporate all of my artistic and healing skills into my work. I let my creativity and passion guide me to the melodies and styles that feel true to my soul. 

Leah’s Original Jewish Music (except for one video!)