About

Susan Lewis Friedman is a multi-faceted human being who currently serves as the Cantor (the Musical Clergy person) at Temple Jeremiah in Northfield, IL since 2018. Her voice is known for its clear tone, and concise communication of text. Her singing has been described as “angelic, prayerful, and soulful”. She has been praised for her ability to sing in many styles, from pop to opera to gospel, so much so, that a special setting of the prayer, Hineni (Here I Am) was written for her, in a gospel style because of her special ability to lead a Jewish congregation in this style.

Performer. In addition to being a Cantor, Susie sings in operas, musical theater, and on the concert stage with orchestra, chamber ensembles. She recently sang a leading role in the World Premiere Opera, FUTURE PERFECT with Working in Concert Productions in Chicago.

She appeared in leading roles in the Broadway National Tour of CATS, the regional productions of THE PRODUCERS, BARNUM, SWINGTIME CANTEEN, and many more. She has sung leading and supporting roles in operas such as LE NOZZE DI FIGARO, HANSEL AND GRETEL. She has appeared as the soprano soloist with the Santa Fe Symphony, Tempe Symphony, BachWorks, and most recently, with Stephen Alltop and Bob Morgan in a chamber ensemble performance of Handel’s oratorio, Mi Palpita El Cor. Susie has been a single and duelling pianist for many open mic sessions at clubs in NYC such as The Duplex and Ha! Comedy Club.

Director and Collaborator. Susie enjoys directing and mobilizing volunteers of all ages to do many things for their synagogue community, such as leading services and sing with her, participating in Choirs, singing in concerts, playing in worship bands, and write, perform, and producing Purim Schpiels. She currently directs a 30 voice Children’s choir at Temple Jeremiah. Susie is frequently invited to sing and collaborate with other Cantors in concerts at various synagogues throughout the U.S as well as other performance venues.

Composer and Arranger. Susie has been commissioned to write original compositions for sacred occasions in synagogue communities. Many of her original songs are staples of Jewish worship in Chicagoland, and have been played on Jewish Rock Radio and JKids Radio. She is frequently asked to arrange original Jewish compositions for choir and piano for Transcontinental Music Publications. Her album, entitled Sing, Pray, Repeat! includes many of her original compositions as well as Jewish songs for kids. It features her daughter, Abigail Friedman, and her son, Zev Friedman. It is available on website: https://susanlewisfriedman.com/singprayrepeat/ and on all streaming services.

Family Woman. Most importantly, Susie is an Ema (mother) and wife. She is married to the love of her life, Ross Friedman, and her absolute greatest achievements are their children, Abigail and Zev. They are both living examples of her answered prayers. Abigail and Zev are also performers in their own right. Be sure to like and subscribe to Abigail’s YouTube page, 2 Kid Reviews to find non-spoiler reviews of the latest films, as well as interviews with their directors! Check out Zev’s angelic singing as the boy soprano of Bernstein’s Chichster Psalms here.

She is a proud member of the Cantor’s Assembly, the American Conference of Cantors and Actors Equity Association.