Spotlight on Composer and Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller: Shaping the Future of Jewish Sacred Music

Hebrew Union College Professor Emerita of Cantorial Arts, Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller '87 has dedicated her life to weaving sacred music into the fabric of Jewish prayer and community. For over three decades, Cantor Schiller has been a defining presence at Hebrew Union College, particularly at the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. In May 2023, she retired as the Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman Professor of Liturgy, Worship, and Ritual and Professor of Cantorial Arts, but she continues to coach students, teach one to two courses each semester, compose, and reflect on the evolving role of sacred music. This article is part of a series spotlighting faculty composers at Hebrew Union College.

In a recent conversation, Cantor Schiller shared insights into her career as a cantor, composer, and educator, as well as her vision for the future of Jewish music. A dedicated teacher, she has spent decades guiding students to embrace their authentic voices. She emphasized not just the technical aspects of cantorial practice, but also the importance of cultivating a personal prayer life.

"It's a wonderful challenge to offer tough love in a way that builds trust and helps students grow without diminishing their sense of worth," she explained. "Being a loving, honest teacher is at the core of what I strive to do."

Teaching, she noted, is as much about encouragement as it is about constructive critique, a balance she has honed over her career.

Reflecting on the transformative power of sacred music, Cantor Schiller underscored its ability to connect and inspire. "Sacred music expresses the heart and soul of our people," she said. "It creates a space and sound for prayer, a spiritual refuge where communities can gather, cry out, and find sacred moments together."

Looking ahead, Cantor Schiller envisions a future where Jewish music adapts to contemporary spiritual needs while retaining its power to lift and inspire. She highlighted the balance between accessibility and challenge in music, noting, "The pendulum in Reform synagogues has swung towards informality and inclusion, which are wonderful trends. But I miss the music that challenges, that lifts and inspires-even if it isn't immediately accessible for everyone to sing along with."

Cantor Schiller's work extends beyond the Jewish community, as her interfaith collaborations have profoundly shaped her approach to music and prayer. She reflected on her recent efforts at her temple in Westchester, NY, particularly following the events of October 7.

"We've worked closely with a Muslim community, gathering Muslim and Jewish communities together to find unity amidst division," she said. "Witnessing their prayer practices was deeply moving, and sharing our traditions created a palpable sense of love and mutual respect."

These experiences reaffirm her belief in music as a universal form of prayer capable of transcending boundaries.

"Music bridges divides, and fosters connection," she said. "It is a language that speaks to the soul."

In addition to teaching and interfaith work, Cantor Schiller continues to compose music, a process she finds deeply fulfilling. "I'm always thinking about how my compositions will resonate with listeners in different contexts-whether in a service, a life-cycle event, or a concert," she noted. "I strive to lift up the text and honor its meaning through music that is both beautiful and accessible."

In her newest chapter, Cantor Schiller is also pursuing deeper study of Jewish texts and spiritual teachings. "I'm yearning to engage more with Jewish textual study," she shared. "The Institute for Jewish Spirituality has been a profound source of learning for me, and I want to continue that journey."

Reflecting on her career, she spoke warmly about the privilege of teaching and the enduring relationships she has built with her students.

"There's nothing quite as satisfying as passing on what I've learned," she said. "The giants who taught me made themselves small enough to address me where I was, and they changed my life. Now, I hope to do the same for my students."

As Cantor Schiller's passion and dedication to sacred music and its ability to connect, inspire, and transform is a vibrant example of her ongoing leadership as a teacher, composer, and lifelong learner.

Cantor Schiller and other faculty and students will be featured at the Frederic S. Lane Composers' Showcase on January 29. The event is free to attend with photo ID required for entry, or watch the livestream here.

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