Humans of Hebrew College Cantor Melissa Adleman

“Although HUC – JIR did not ordain women until the late 1970s, I was fortunate to hear a woman singing in a distinctly cantorial style in 1983. A year later, I became Bat Mitzvah, and sang from the pulpit on several occasions as a newly recognized, Jewish adult. Each Sabbath or holiday during which I led worship, I knew that to communicate G-d’s word through song was a great privilege. In 1988, after meeting a female cantor, I chose the path that would define me for the rest of my life. I became clergy to be a transmitter of Jewish language, traditions, and history through song. I was 16 when I decided to become a Cantor. It was a spark within me that grew to a steady flame.”

(Cantor Melissa Adleman, MSM, assistant dean at The School of Jewish Music at Hebrew Collegeand Shoolman School of Jewish Education at Hebrew College-Lesley University Ph.D. candidate)