Leah Shoshanah is a Chicago-based music artist, freelance cantorial soloist, and educator who bridges the gap between performance and spiritual practice. Whether she is performing original folk compositions, leading sacred Jewish rituals, or facilitating community singalongs, Leah’s work is rooted in the inherent healing power of song and story. With a background spanning classical opera to contemporary folk, she creates inclusive spaces that help communities navigate the complexities of our world with empathy, justice, and an open heart.

Beyond the stage, Leah is a dedicated mentor who guides students of all ages in discovering their own creative and spiritual voices. From B’nai Mitzvah preparation to private music lessons and song circles, she meets every individual and community exactly where they are. Her mission is simple yet profound: to use music as a tool for connection, helping others bridge divides and connect more deeply to their own emotions and to one another.

Work With Leah

Michael Margolin, Congregation Tikkun V'Or (Ithaca, NY)

Leah Shoshanah brought exactly what our community needed during a challenging time. As tensions ran high in our congregation around differing perspectives on Israel and Palestine, her work as a bridge-builder and healer through music was precisely what could serve us.
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.”