(She/Her)

Cantor Riki Lippitz was one of the first women to be invested as Hazzan by the Jewish Theological Seminary. Raised in Chicago in a family of educators, social activists and musically creative spirits, she served Oheb Shalom Congregation in South Orange, NJ, for 34 years.

Community singing has been her lifelong passion: she is co-founder of the Kol Dodi Chorale of Greater MetroWest, and the NJ interfaith choir, “Voices in Harmony.” As a member of the professional ensemble “Beged Kefet,” she raised thousands of dollars for tzedakah. She also performed and recorded with Chicago’s Kol Sasson, Kol B’Seder and Rabbi Joe Black.

Her legacy is characterized by her barrier-breaking entry into the field of cantorial music, her vibrant contributions to Jewish communal life, and her endeavors to harness music's transformative and healing capabilities. Her mission is to create caring communities with spirited music as their core.

(She/Her)

Choir Conductor Shawna Rosen has been teaching elementary school music and conducting choirs for nearly 40 years. She's been involved in the Jewish music world since childhood, singing in the choir at Congregation Solel in Highland Park, where she later became the choir director.  She went on to conduct the choirs and tutor at Beth Emet in Evanston, Temple Beth El in Northbrook, and BJBE in Deerfield. In 2015, Shawna became the Cantorial Soloist at Temple Judea Mizpah in Skokie, and in 2022, she joined the music team at Or Shalom in Vernon Hills.
Shawna is a proud member of the Guild of Temple Musicians and the National Association for Music Education. She was the founding conductor of HaZamir Chicago - a branch of the National HaZamir choir for Jewish teens, and is a former member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus.

(She/Her)

Judith Golden currently serves as Cantorial Soloist at Aitz Hayim in Glencoe, IL, where she assists Cantor David Landau. From 2002 to 2016, she served as Cantorial Soloist at Congregation Or Chadash in Chicago, IL, planning and leading religious services, empowering lay leadership, and directing the volunteer choir.

Outside her cantorial duties, Judith is an integral member of the Makom Solel Lakeside choir and a founding member of Kol Zimrah, the Jewish Community Singers of Greater Chicago.

Judith has been a dedicated student of Mussar since 2005, honing her understanding of soul traits and crafting chants to internalize these teachings.

You can find some of her Mussar Chants and Rosh Chodesh Reflections on her website: www.middotnafshi.com.

(He/Him)

Cantor Jay O’Brien brings the joy of music to Makom Solel Lakeside as its cantor and is a composer in his own right. His contemporary and traditional tunes liven up services and events. He brings his music throughout Chicagoland, working with Jewish Rock Radio, and local cantors and musicians. His music helps people connect to their Jewish roots and rediscover the joy of participating in Jewish culture.
In addition to his music, he brings a passion for advocacy to his congregation, where he raises awareness for issues including racial justice and refugee resettlement. He strives to create a congregation where everyone is welcomed and treated with kindness and respect.