Alexandra Kurland

As associate cantor at B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim, Alexandra spends her days helping congregants connect to ancient Jewish tradition through music.

Alexandra's calling as a cantor also takes her beyond the walls of her synagogue. She is an accomplished musician who has been featured in concerts with Kol Zimrah Jewish Community Singers and on Jewish Rock Radio's "Chicago Sings" concert series. Recently, she performed as a soloist on recordings for the Max Janowski Society and Transcontinental Music Publications.

She is co-president of the Reform Cantors of Chicago, a member of the American Conference of Cantors, and an American Conference of Cantors Representative on the Reform Movement Recruitment Taskforce.

Alexandra explores her passion for inclusion through Chicago's Keshet, supporting individuals with disabilities, and the national Keshet, supporting LGBTQ+ equality in Jewish life. She is also a member of JUF's Young Leadership Division's LEADS Pride group, a supporter of The Ark and a trained clinic escort volunteer for Planned Parenthood of Illinois. 

AGE:
34

PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers

PRIMARY GIG:
Associate Cantor at Congregation BJBE

ON THE SIDE:
Creative and curious crafter

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I am fascinated by the life cycle of things that grow and die and have loved learning about compost for the past few years (so if you see me taking home my banana peel, that’s why!).

HOW YOU JEW IN CHICAGO:
Since the world came back to more in-person programming, I’ve been delighted by the collaboration and camaraderie in the Chicago Jewish music scene. I’ve loved attending and participating in concerts and recording projects, meeting and jamming with the world-class musicians who call Chicagoland home. This year, I’ve also loved the community energy around Pride events in the city and suburbs. There is a much more unified Jewish effort and presence with each passing year. With deep gratitude for Keshet for organizing us, I am proud personally to celebrate the overlap of my LGBTQ+ and Jewish identities, and to serve as a resource for those in my community looking to do the same.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Chef and cookbook author Adeena Sussman inspires me to cook! I love her accessible approach to Israeli cuisine, offering realistic recipes for staples that can then be used in other dishes. The culture of Jewish food is so rich, weaving traditions from the Middle East to Europe and beyond, and I love exploring new tastes. I can’t wait for her Shabbat cookbook to come out soon!

IF TIME AND MONEY WERE LIMITLESS, I WOULD:
Work to combat our planet’s insurmountable challenges of climate change, food and housing insecurity; travel to learn about Jewish communities and their histories around the world; and read every book and pet every dog.