Suzy Auriel Merritt is thrilled to join Adas Emuno as Cantorial Soloist beginning July 2024. She is excited to bring her passion for Jewish music and prayer, her musical gifts, and her joyful spirit to Adas Emuno!

Suzy is an engaging and experienced Jewish music educator, children’s music specialist, cantorial soloist, singer-songwriter, and certified sound healer. On the bimah, in her classes, and in her sessions, Suzy cultivates connection, joy, and community through music, movement, and prayer. Through spirited singing, Suzy empowers people to develop, express, and strengthen their voices.

Suzy grew up in the cradle of Jewish music; her mother taught music at her childhood synagogue and sang in the choir. She was nourished by her mother’s vibrant, joyful, expressive voice and beautiful piano playing, which nurtured Suzy’s love of singing together. Growing up, Suzy’s family was very involved at synagogue; it was her home away from home. Suzy cherished the precious time studying with her beloved childhood cantor for her Bat Mitzvah learning to chant Torah, Haftarah, and tefillot. She remembers the first time she sang solo on the bimah and the strong connection she felt as she shared the beauty and soul of Jewish prayer with the congregation.

In 2011, under the tutelage of her rabbi and cantor, Suzy began leading music, connecting with Jewish musicians and educators, and studying with prominent leaders in Jewish music. Since then, Suzy has been teaching and leading Jewish music in Bergen County synagogues and other venues. From 2020 to 2022, Suzy studied with renowned cantors at ALEPH and the Academy of Jewish Religion. In 2022, Suzy received her Sound Healing certification from the Sound and Music Institute at the New York Open Center.

Earlier in life, Suzy received her B.A. in East Asian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, her J.D. from the Cardozo School of Law, and her L.L.M in Environmental Law from Columbia University. Later on, Suzy studied photography at the International Center for Photography and with award-winning photographer Rachel Banai. Suzy worked as a family and event photographer before transitioning into Jewish music.