A graduate of JTS, as well as Columbia University, Hazzan Raquel Pomerantz Gershon performed as a soloist with the Jerusalem Chamber Choir on concert tours of Israel, Germany and Norway, opened for Aretha Franklin at the Olympic torch relay ceremonies, and has entertained at numerous conferences, including the Cantors’ Assembly, the Rabbinical Assembly, CAJE, Hava Nashira, the NAJCF, Shalshelet, NewCAJE, and at Cowboys Stadium for an AIPAC National Summit. Raquel is an award-winning singer, composer, and teacher of Jewish music, devoted to sharing her passion for Jewish music and tefillah to bring people closer to God and Judaism. Her inspiring original songs can be found on her two CDs, Jerusalem On My Mind and Candlesticks of Silver. She has shared the concert stage with both renowned hazzanim and contemporary Jewish music stars. Raquel also received a Masters Degree in Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and is proud to have taught hundreds of students of all ages and abilities at Day Schools, religious schools, and Ramah camps. She currently serves as the ritual director at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, and sings with the Jewish Rock Radio Chicago Sings ensemble. She is the proud mother of three amazing young adults, Benji, Eliana, and Yonatan.