Born in Skokie, IL, Cantorial Associate Michelle Auslander Cohen is an extraordinary singer and composer whose considerable musical gifts surfaced at an early age. While developing as a young singer, she taught music at a temple religious education program and became the youngest member of a professional High Holiday choir in suburban Chicago.
While at George Mason University, Auslander taught Hebrew and music at local synagogues. It was also during this time that she debuted as a cantorial soloist. After graduation she joined the Baltimore Opera Ensemble and later earned a master’s degree in operatic studies at Boston University. At the post-graduate level, Auslander earned a performer’s diploma from Indiana University. During this time she performed with select opera companies including the Sarasota Opera Company, and was featured as a young artist with the Cincinnati Opera.
An offer from Temple B’nai Torah’s High Holy Days quartet brought Auslander to Boca Raton. She served as Cantorial Soloist for Temple Judea in Palm Beach Gardens for five years and also toured throughout Florida and the Chicago area, singing cantorial music, opera and Broadway selections. Auslander takes pleasure in the creative process of composing original music based on traditional prayer and her songs are currently being heard in synagogues throughout South Florida. She is a member of the Women’s Cantors Network and the Guild of Temple Musicians.