Vice President - Member Relations & External Partnerships

Cantor Kerith Spencer-Shapiro has served Congregation Adas Emuno, Leonia, NJ since 2003, stepping into the role of spiritual leader in 2005. She was awarded a Masters of Sacred Music and Cantorial Investiture from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in May, 2003. Originally from West Hartford, Connecticut, she graduated with a BA in English from Macalester College, Saint Paul, Minnesota, then pursued further study at the Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies and Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut. During her academic career she was awarded various scholarships and prizes.  Cantor Shapiro is the Vice President of Member Relations and External Partnerships of the American Conference of Cantors.
 
Cantor Shapiro has appeared in concert at the Eldridge Street Synagogue, Town Hall and Symphony Space, New York City; and Beit Daniel, Tel Aviv Israel.
 
In addition to her work with the American Conference of Cantors, Cantor Shapiro is involved in interfaith dialogue through Sacred Heart University’s Center for Christian Jewish Understanding, represents her congregation in the Leonia Clergy Council; creates and participates in yearly concerts within her congregation and at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades.  Cantor Shapiro has been an invited guest lecturer at the Hebrew Union College, NYU’s Ireland House and Trinity College, Dublin.
 
“As a cantor, I see myself as an emissary for Judaism and particularly Jewish Music. I strive to rise to the present needs of my community, while maintaining precious links to the past.  My role within the congregational and larger community is founded upon trust, understanding and compassion.  As a cantor I am able to reach out to young and old alike through song, prayer, learning and shared experience.  As spiritual leader of my current congregation I am able to meet the needs of a diverse membership and to adapt to filling varied roles within an organization.  My work with interfaith organizations exemplifies my deep commitment to outreach.  Most of our work as cantors is about communicating, whether it is through music, teaching, prayer or helping a family through a crisis.  I am an effective communicator who enjoys consensus building, creating bonds and making personal connections.

To email Kerith, click here.