About Cantor Simkin
Cantor Emily Simkin is the Senior Spiritual Leader and Cantor of Temple Emanu-El in Edison, NJ. Ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music in 2020, she has served the Jewish community in cantorial, educational, and youth professional roles in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Hawaii.
Cantor Simkin cares deeply about utilizing music as a vehicle for spirituality and fostering vibrant congregational life. It was through Jewish camping with the Union of Reform Judaism that she recognized the power of music to unite community and developed a passion for Jewish life. Cantor Simkin aims to frame her cantorate around Jewish mindfulness, pastoral care, experiential education, and youth engagement. She particularly enjoys training b’nei mitzvah students, writing creative values-based curriculum, interfaith programing, and engaging with congregants of every age and stage in our community.
The Cantor loves to spend her free time practicing yoga, gardening, making art, and enjoying good wine. She lives in Metuchen, New Jersey with her husband, Adam and their son, Tal. Together they enjoy spending time at local parks, family song sessions, and viewing the best Netflix has to offer.