Sing inspiring interpretations of Jewish texts old and new.
- Enliven music both modern and traditional
- Strengthen communities to lift their voices and express the vitality of their souls
- Invest liturgies and rituals with beauty, coherence, and meaning
- Be a communal and educational leader, guiding others toward Jewish identity and spiritual practice
- Be a source of joy, hope, comfort, and healing for individuals and families
- Become ordained in the uniquely progressive, multi-dimensional community of Hebrew Union College’s Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music
- Our program cultivates creative and authentic spiritual leaders, building on decades of expertise in cantorial innovation to provide a rigorous and in-depth exploration of Judaism, music, and spiritual leadership.
Our Program
Cantorial Ordination and Master of Sacred Music
At the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, cantorial students develop as musicians, spiritual leaders, educators, program specialists, and pastoral counselors. As they work toward becoming clergy alongside their rabbinic colleagues, students develop their unique cantorial voices. Our program begins with a year of study in Jerusalem, followed by four years in NYC, during which students coach with cantorial mentors, explore courses across the spectrum of cantorial learning, and serve as student cantors in synagogues of diverse demographics and congregational cultures.
Our Program
Cantorial Ordination and Master of Sacred Music
At the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, cantorial students develop as musicians, spiritual leaders, educators, program specialists, and pastoral counselors. As they work toward becoming clergy alongside their rabbinic colleagues, students develop their unique cantorial voices. Our program begins with a year of study in Jerusalem, followed by four years in NYC, during which students coach with cantorial mentors, explore courses across the spectrum of cantorial learning, and serve as student cantors in synagogues of diverse demographics and congregational cultures.
Our Impact
Learn About Our Impact-
Student
I reached out to HUC and set up an initial Zoom call to discuss cantorial school. I learned that scholarships are available and that being a cantor really does combine much of what I loved about teaching with what I had been doing for fun in my Jewish life. I started working on my cantorial application. I am so very glad that I did.
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Alum
As we learn the cantorial arts, we are encouraged to draw on our diverse musical and academic backgrounds to craft our own vision of what the cantorate can be. HUC-JIR pushes me to imagine what is possible in the cantorate and broader Jewish community.
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Faculty
Being Jewish means never being alone. We bring more light to the world when we do it together.
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Alum
When I finally discovered what it meant to be a cantor – to be a member of clergy, a spiritual leader, a teacher and interpreter of Jewish text through music – it truly felt like a calling.
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Faculty
The DFSSM is a living example of legacy and innovation; we study music of past generations together with contemporary musical expressions to enliven the liturgy and inspire communities to sing.
Our Impact
Learn About Our Impact
Student
I reached out to HUC and set up an initial Zoom call to discuss cantorial school. I learned that scholarships are available and that being a cantor really does combine much of what I loved about teaching with what I had been doing for fun in my Jewish life. I started working on my cantorial application. I am so very glad that I did.
Alum
As we learn the cantorial arts, we are encouraged to draw on our diverse musical and academic backgrounds to craft our own vision of what the cantorate can be. HUC-JIR pushes me to imagine what is possible in the cantorate and broader Jewish community.
Faculty
Being Jewish means never being alone. We bring more light to the world when we do it together.
Alum
When I finally discovered what it meant to be a cantor – to be a member of clergy, a spiritual leader, a teacher and interpreter of Jewish text through music – it truly felt like a calling.
Faculty
The DFSSM is a living example of legacy and innovation; we study music of past generations together with contemporary musical expressions to enliven the liturgy and inspire communities to sing.
Student & Faculty Community
Featured Faculty
Cantor Jill Abramson
Director, Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music
Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller
Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman Professor of Liturgy, Worship and Ritual; Professor of Cantorial Arts
Gordon Dale, Ph.D.
Dr. Jack Gottlieb Scholar in Jewish Music Studies; Associate Professor of Jewish Musicology
Merri Lovinger Arian
Professor of Practice in Liturgical Arts and Music Education
Joyce Rosenzweig, M.S.
Professor of Practice in Jewish Music and Performance
