Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
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Cantor Ellen Tilem

Teaneck,NJ

Summary

I have a rich, full voice and very wide vocal range. I have a huge repertoire of Hebrew, Yiddish, traditional nusach, Chazzanut, Reform classics, and well-known Israeli songs. With love and encouragement, in my 31 years at my pulpit, I have raised a singing congregation who enjoys full participation at every service.

Since 1994, I have been involved in every facet of Temple life. I easily work with my fellow clergy on the bimah and enjoy being part of a clergy team. I have planned and led many thousands of services over these years in the pulpit. I have formed deep relationships and connections with families. I officiate weddings, funerals, and baby namings. I take great pride in having built a strong Junior Choir, Teen Choir, Adult Choir, and Band.

I believe and teach that faith in God, strength in Israel and the Jewish people, and working toward one’s own unique and meaningful spiritual journey will lead to lasting personal Jewish practice. I practice

non-judgmental Judaism by infusing warmth and humor into my pulpit interactions. I am an experienced and seasoned pastoral and grief counselor. Interpersonal connections are at the forefront of my pulpit.
I have developed both Healing Services and a bereavement support group during my years at my congregation. I am well-versed in every aspect of all of the major movements of Judaism, their music and worship styles. I have wonderful relationships with area clergy of all streams of Judaism and all faiths.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Cantor Emerita

Temple Emeth
Teaneck, NJ
03.2025 - Current

Cantor

Temple Emeth
Teaneck, NJ
06.1994 - 03.2025
  • Increase spiritual fulfillment of members by planning and leading worship services, including chanting Torah, Haftara, and Megillot bringing congregation to greater connection with God through music.
  • Writes and delivers Divrei Torah and Sermons
  • Reach out to unaffiliated, new members or inactive synagogue members.
  • Demonstrate effective leadership to Temple including attendance at board meetings and ritual committee meetings. developing and promoting compassionate pastoral care to members and public. Works closely with rabbi in an excellent, warm and collaborative co-clergy partnership.
  • Developed and direct music programs in Religious School and three different choirs and band to enhance worship services, support congregational singing and provide appropriate responses to support sermons and reach all ages of those interested in furthering spiritual connection through music.
  • Visit ill congregants in hospital, hospice, or at home, counsel and pray with Temple members and non-members to provide pastoral care. Counsel members in all aspects of life, difficulties and grief as an experienced and exceptional Pastoral Counselor.
  • Managing Cantor’s Discretionary Fund, deciding where donated funds will do the most good for those in need.
  • Arrange funerals in manner consistent with each family's heritage and religious beliefs both Jewish and Interfaith and their unique perspective.
  • Schedule funeral services with all faith funeral homes and coordinate burials and cremations with funeral director.
  • Consult with families of deceased regarding final arrangements according to religious beliefs of member or non-member family.
  • Conduct pre-need consultations and counseling to help families expecting the death of a loved one to cope with emotional struggles and difficulties of the inevitable while also being prepared to honor the wishes of the dying in conjunction with family member's grief.
  • Employed various therapy techniques, including family counseling and exercises for anger and grief both during illness and grieving families.
  • Provide grief counseling to all family members of non-member families after death and funeral.
  • Assist member and non-member families in dealing with realities of illness and death and helped develop coping skills.
  • Lead daily funeral and graveside services.
  • Lead shiva prayer service in homes of Temple members.
  • Lead unveiling services helping family to find closure and process grief.
  • Teach Adult Education classes to deepen spiritual education and understanding among Temple members.
  • Lead Healing Services for those dealing with life's challenges, physical and emotional illness and pain.
  • Develop and lead weekly congregational bereavement support group

Education

Doctor of Music, Honorus Causa - Doctorate Cantorial

Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute Of Religion
New York, NY
06.2019

Ordination And Masters Sacred Music - Cantorial Ordination

Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute Of Religion
New York, NY
05.1994

Bachelor of Music, Minor Jewish Studies - Voice, Jewish Studies

University Of Hartford, Hartt School Of Music
West Hartford, CT
05.1989

Hospital Chaplaincy- 10 Hours/week Seminary

Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute Of Religion
New York, NY
06.1994

Certification - Pre-Marital And Marital Counseling

Prepare/Enrich
Roseville, MN
06.1996

Certification - Comprehensive Bereavement Skills Professional

Center For Loss And Life Transition
Fort Collins, CO
04.2023

Candidate for Certification - Pastoral Thanatology

American Institute Of Health Care Professionals
American Academy Of Grief Counseling

Timeline

Cantor Emerita

Temple Emeth
03.2025 - Current

Cantor

Temple Emeth
06.1994 - 03.2025

Doctor of Music, Honorus Causa - Doctorate Cantorial

Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute Of Religion

Ordination And Masters Sacred Music - Cantorial Ordination

Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute Of Religion

Bachelor of Music, Minor Jewish Studies - Voice, Jewish Studies

University Of Hartford, Hartt School Of Music

Hospital Chaplaincy- 10 Hours/week Seminary

Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute Of Religion

Certification - Pre-Marital And Marital Counseling

Prepare/Enrich

Certification - Comprehensive Bereavement Skills Professional

Center For Loss And Life Transition

Candidate for Certification - Pastoral Thanatology

American Institute Of Health Care Professionals

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