About the Book

Front cover: In My Own Voice. Written by Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg. Illustrated by Greenberg, Chloe. ISBN: 978-0-9980326-5-8

In My Own Voice tells the trailblazing story of Barbara Ostfeld, the first woman ordained as a cantor. As a schoolgirl, Barbara loved singing loudly and with spirit, but she was mocked for her singing by her classmates. This didn't happen when she sang in her synagogue's children's choir, and Barbara reveled in her freedom to sing choir solos at Temple services. When it was time for her to apply to colleges, Barbara asked her cantor what seminary he had attended, explaining that she wanted to become a synagogue cantor. He laughed at her, telling her not to apply, and saying that the seminary would not accept her because she was a girl. And even when the seminary's registrar told her that no girl ever had even applied for admission, Barbara applied anyway, and was admitted. But when she entered her first chorus class at college, the teacher said, "There are no women's parts, so just mouth the words." Yet Barbara persisted in finding her own voice at the seminary, and in 1975, became the first woman ordained as a cantor in 3,000 years of Jewish history; today, female cantors sing in hundreds of synagogues around the world.

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About the Author and Illustrator

Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso is the author of The Shema in the Mezuzah (National Jewish Book Award), and Regina Persisted: An Untold Story, as well as of Judy Led the Way, God's Paintbrush, Sally Opened Doors, and many other children’s books. Her latest books are I Am Not Afraid: Psalm 23 for Bedtime and Miriam's Dancing Shoes. She is Senior Rabbi Emerita at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis, founder of the Religion, Spirituality, and the Arts Initiative at Indiana University at Indianapolis, Herron School of Art and Design, and cofounder of Women4Change Indiana. She lives in Indianapolis.

Chloe Greenberg is a book illustrator and collage artist, based in Cincinnati. After her college career at Herron School of Art and Design, she became the illustrator of author Kati Hirschy’s My Autistic Mama, a children’s book that presents a positive image of autistic traits. Chloe’s illustrations draw inspiration from her background as a musician and songwriter, and aim to visually represent music with expressive textures, intentional colors, and flowing compositions. When she isn’t making art, you may find Chloe birdwatching at her local park, going to concerts with friends, or watching movies.

Praise for In My Own Voice

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“Using her own voice to break the glass ceiling, Cantor Ostfeld’s story is one of bravery and inspiration; Sasso captures the risk and rewards of Ostfeld’s courageous path to cantorate.”

-Jill Abramson, Director, Debbie Freedman School of Sacred Music, Hebrew Union College- Jewish Institute of Religion

“This book is a powerful invitation for every girl who was told she was too loud, too bossy, or that she could not or should not follow her passion.”

-Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi, Central Synagogue (New York)

“A magical, coming-of-age story [that] captures the spirit of a Jewish girl finding her voice in the face of gender discrimination from both peers and teachers.”

-Rabbi Carole B. Balin, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Jewish history, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

“Rabbi Sandy Sasso has provided us, once again, with a delightful children’s book that will inspire boys and girls to pursue pioneering aspirations despite convention and mindless traditionalism.”

-Dr. Gary P. Zola, Executive Director Emeritus, Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives & Edward M. Ackerman Family Distinguished Professor of the American Jewish Experience, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

“A story where dreams can come true! When faced with a ‘no,’ ask ‘why not?’ Cantor Barbara Ostfeld inspires and encourages us to sing out loud with joy!”

-Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray, fourth generation cantor, second woman to serve a Conservative congregation, founder and past president of the Women Cantors' Network

“I know from personal experience what it means to be the first of something. [Cantor Ostfeld’s story is] captured for our youngest readers who will be inspired to make their dreams come true.”

-Rabbi Sally J. Priesand, First Woman Rabbi Ordained in North America

“In this touching and meaningful story, the young girl grounds herself in singing and a love for making music in the synagogue.”

- Mark Kligman, Professor of Ethnomusicology and Musicology, Mickey Katz Endowed Chair in Jewish Music at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, Director of Lowell Milken Center for Music of American Jewish Experience

“A woman who breaks the glass barrier in a thousand year old profession with talent and courage.”

–Jack Mendelson, Cantor, Humorist, Concert Artist, Teacher

In My Own Voice is available in hardcover and paperback formats.

Order here for a discount from the online retail price by clicking the Hardcover or Paperback button, or use the QR code.

Hardcover: $21.95 retail | $18.95 discount
Paperback: $17.95 retail | $16.50 discount

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