Jacob Sandler
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Congregants love Jacob's beautiful voice as the official hazzan (cantor) at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El. Yet what makes him extra beloved is his joyful energy: He selects tunes people can sing along to, uses his hands to add a beat, and smiles from the bima-because he loves his job.
Beyond his synagogue, Jacob lends his voice to a cappella groups, Jewish Rock Radio concerts, and communal events, including last spring's JUF Yom Ha'atzmaut flag raising in Daley Plaza.
His path to the cantorate was molded by a deep love of education, music, Jewish identity, and community. After earning his bachelor's in K-12 Music Education, he received his master's degree in sacred music and cantorial ordination at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2021.
Since then, he's taught music to Jewish youth in a variety of settings, including every summer at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and as a guest music teacher at local Jewish day schools.
Outside of singing, Jacob's a one-man band, playing a range of instruments, from piano to guitar to drums to harmonica. Plus, he's penned 196 original songs, which he hopes to put out into the world some day.
AGE:
31
PRIMARY GIG:
Hazzan at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park
CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
Jack Black by vibe, Nick Kroll by funny voices.
A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My Bubbe, Shirley Cameron z"l. She taught me that family is the most important value, with education, good counsel, generosity, and patience close behind. I continue to be inspired by the person she was, and the impact she left on all who knew her. I strive to give, graciously, and abundantly the way she did.
YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Live life like a story. Make sure you fill that story with good characters—friends, family, community. Let them be flawed, and let their growth and your own growth be part of a compelling narrative. Fill it with beautiful settings too. And be intentional with the details—that's what really builds the world. Try to make your present a fun past to remember in the future, I like to say.
