Jenni Asher, First Black American Woman Ordained as Cantor in the U.S., Pledges to Inspire Others to Sing

Historic Ordination Expected for Jenni Asher, Trailblazing Black Cantor

Jenni Asher is on track to become the first Black American woman officially ordained as a cantor in the United States. When she graduates next year from the Academy for Jewish Religion California in Los Angeles, she will join a very small group of Black cantors nationwide.

Asher’s journey marks a new chapter for Jewish music and leadership. Cantor David Fair, the first Black cantor ordained in the U.S., called this “a big moment” for diversity in religious roles. He added that only a few Black clergy lead synagogues today, showing how rare this achievement is.

From Violinist to Cantor: A Passion for Music and Faith

Asher’s musical talents started early. Raised in Pasadena, California, her mother took her to the symphony at age four, where she chose the violin. Her father filled their home with jazz and other music, shaping her broad musical tastes.

By 12, she played so much violin that she developed tendonitis. Doctors told her to stop playing, but she loved music too much. She found new ways to heal and keep performing. Later, she started a therapy practice to help other musicians manage injuries.

A Spiritual Journey That Led to Judaism and Cantorial School

Before becoming Jewish, Asher attended Shabbat services in London while studying music. Her family had roots in the Worldwide Church of God, observing some Jewish traditions, but she wanted to learn more.

She converted to Judaism through the American Jewish University and then again in the Sephardic Orthodox tradition to honor her husband’s Egyptian Jewish and Mexican heritage. She now belongs to a Mizrahi synagogue in Santa Monica, where her family sings Egyptian Jewish melodies.

Cantorial School and New Approaches to Jewish Music

Jenni Asher enrolled in cantorial school to connect deeper with Jewish liturgy and share her musical gifts. She said, “I wanted to be part of everything going on in the sanctuary and offer my strengths.”

Her favorite class is Jewish music history, taught by Cantor Jonathan Friedmann. He praised her for bringing fresh ideas and new instruments to synagogue music, helping to breathe new life into traditional songs.

A Musician and Mother Who Creates Powerful Jewish Music

Asher is not just a student; she is a professional musician. She has released three albums featuring her own compositions and arrangements. Her latest album, “Yaladati,” means “I gave birth” in Hebrew and was made while she was pregnant with her two children.

She played every instrument on that album, including violin, cello, piano, and others, showing her wide musical skills. Her songs explore themes like patience, womanhood, and joy.

Serving the Community and Inspiring Future Generations

Currently a cantorial soloist at Hamakom, a Conservative synagogue in Los Angeles, Asher hopes to continue serving there after ordination. She aims to blend traditional melodies with new musical experiments.

Asher said, “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 wants her journey to inspire others, especially people of color, to find joy and strength in Jewish music.