Leah Shoshanah is a Chicago-based music artist who weaves song with spiritual practice. Whether performing a concert of original songs, leading a community singalong, or “Cantor”ing a Jewish ritual, Leah brings forth the inherent healing power of song and story.

The daughter of a classical musician, Leah was encouraged to study music from a young age. She found her joy in singing, beginning vocal studies at age ten. By high school, she was singing complex operatic duets with her vocal coach. Her journey took her to voice teachers around the United States and, in 2011, to South Africa, where she performed in Carmen. That same year, her voice led her to the guitar — and to songwriting — at age 24.

As soon as she picked up the guitar, Leah began touring with her original music. Around the same time, synagogues began inviting her to lead prayer and song. A lifelong student, she continued her studies: guitar at the Old Town School of Folk Music (where she also later taught), and Jewish music and prayer under the guidance of rabbis, cantors, and historians she worked alongside.

Today, Leah lives out her calling as a folk musician, freelance cantorial soloist, composer, and educator. She creates programs and gatherings that help communities bridge divides and connect more deeply to the emotions that arise in response to the pulse of our world. Leah also teaches one-on-one, guiding students of all ages in discovering their own creative and spiritual voices — through B’nai Mitzvah study, music lessons, and song circles.

Leah cares deeply about justice — and just as deeply about empathy. She honors the many perspectives and places from which we each come. Wherever she brings song, she meets communities where they are — with respect, presence, and an open heart.

Work With Leah

MUSIC VIDEOS

ORIGINAL MUSIC

  • Rabbi Shoshana Kaminsky, Temple Beth-El, South Bend, IN

    “We had the extraordinary joy and privilege of welcoming Leah Shoshanah as our cantorial soloist over the High Holy Days this year. She was both an incredibly spiritual presence and a consummate professional… We were particularly touched by her own compositions, which clearly came directly from her heart. A number of my members described being moved to tears multiple times during the ten days. She is a gift to every community that is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to host her.”

  • Caryn Chaden, Spirit Jam Participant

    Leah is a masterful teacher and facilitator. For the Spirit Jam, she brought together a great group of people and guided us through two hours of activity: teachings to focus our breathing and games to encourage us to use our voices in different ways – all in preparation for the spirit jam itself, where we improvised sound and rhythm for an extended time. I loved it.

  • Maya Schenwar, former client

    Anyone who is looking for a cantorial soloist should jump at the chance to work with Leah Shoshanah. She strikes this rare mix of knowing the traditional songs and blessings so well, at the same time as bringing her own deep and meaningful originality to bear.

  • Bryson Burnside, frequent concert attendee

    “Throughout my years as a fan, I have witnessed Leah’s music transform the human soul and bring people together in community, where all may be themselves without judgment. Leah’s music deeply encourages transformation through direct action, helping others discover the power that has always been within themselves to bring real, positive change to the human experience.

  • Erich DeHaven

    Leah has the gift of songwriting that is compelling and new, yet rooted in, motivated by, an earlier time, when the now nostalgic genre of the folk ballad Americana was in its innocence.

  • Annie, Congregation Tikkun V’Or, Ithaca NY

    “Leah Shoshanah brought such depth, passion, compassion, humor, and a wonderful spirit of generosity to her incredible musical performance. With her beautiful voice and creative songwriting, she gave us two hours of uplifting music. At times sad, at times joyful, at times humorous, always right to the heart. And she really tuned into our beautiful community and how we work hard to include everyone. It was an evening that will resonate for me for a long time.” 

Are you interested in working with Leah?

Please fill out this form and I’ll be in touch shortly!