Groundbreaking Achievement
Jenni Asher, an accomplished violinist and cantorial soloist, is set to make history as the first Black American woman ordained as a cantor when she graduates from the Academy for Jewish Religion California in Los Angeles next year.
“It will be a big moment. There are only a handful of Black clergy leading synagogues in the United States.”
– Cantor David Fair, the only other Black cantor in the country
Paving the Way for Representation
Asher’s ordination will be a groundbreaking achievement, as she will become one of only two Black cantors in the entire country.
Cantor David Fair, who was ordained at the Reform movement’s Hebrew Union College in New York in 2021, recognizes the significance of this moment.
Asher’s journey to Judaism began in the late 2000s when she was a student at London’s Royal Academy of Music. Living across the street from the city’s Central Synagogue, she found herself drawn to Judaism and began learning Hebrew by attending Shabbat services.
Embracing Diversity and Education
At 37 years old, Asher is ready to take on the challenge of being a Black woman in a leadership role within Judaism. “My job as a Jew is to push myself to grow, and my job as a clergyperson is to invite others to grow, too,” she said.
Cantor Fair, who has become a mentor to Asher, advises her to find compassion and opportunities for education that her white counterparts may never need, while still finding joy in the process.
A Lifelong Love for Music
Asher’s love for music began at a young age. Raised in a religious and music-loving family in Pasadena, California, she chose to play the violin at age 4 after her mother took her to the symphony. Her father, a singer, filled their home with all kinds of music, fostering her passion.
With her ordination on the horizon, Jenni Asher is poised to make a lasting impact as a trailblazer, bridging the gap between Judaism and the Black community while inspiring future generations of diverse religious leaders.
