The newest member of our clergy team, Cantor Jennifer Benrey is thrilled to be part of the fabric of Kol Ami. Born and raised in Miami Beach, FL, Cantor Jen grew up in a bilingual household and is of both Hungarian Ashkenazi and Cuban-Turkish Sephardic descent. Her unique upbringing informs her desire to embrace Jewish music and traditions from various cultures. Cantor Jen believes in lifting up the congregational voice, and she really enjoys the spiritual connection that occurs when people sing together.

Cantor Jen holds a Bachelor of Choral Music Education degree from Florida State University and a Master's of Sacred Music and Cantorial Ordination with a Concentration in Jewish Education from the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. She has served Jewish congregations for over 10 years in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

THESIS and recital: Bearers of Tradition(s): Considerations and Best Practices for Cantors Performing Sephardic Music in Reform Worship

When not in shul, Cantor Jen enjoys hiking, dancing, creating art, and spending time with her wife, Maira, and their two dogs, Scooby and Charlie.