Cantorial Soloist Michelle Auslander Cohen is a native of Skokie, Illinois. She spent the majority of her childhood in a Jewish Day School, surrounded by her cousin and mother who were the premiere Jewish music educators in the Chicagoland area, and remain so to this day. Michelle spent 14 years becoming proficient in piano, and by the beginning of high school, devoted herself to the art of singing. She pursued an operatic career, attending prestigious vocal programs such as the Peabody Conservatory, Indiana University and the Sarasota and Cincinnati Young Artist Programs. Michelle has earned esteemed awards including Fellowship Artist to the Brevard Music Center and an Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera Association. Here at Temple Beth El, Michelle has designed the music program for the Early Learning Center, and conducts Tot Shabbat. Michelle directs Shir Shalom, our adult volunteer choir, as well as Shir Joy, our youth choir, as they lead our regular Shabbat Family Participation Services. Michelle also works to engage adults with their musical talents, to participate in services or other Temple events.