Cantor Emeritus Jay Frailich became University Synagogue’s first cantor emeritus when he retired in June 2014 after actively serving the congregation for 40 years. He was ordained by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion School of Sacred Music in New York where he later received a Doctor of Music degree.
Cantor Frailich served as President of the American Conference of Cantors in 1982-84. He is best known internationally for commissioning more than 30 major liturgical works and dozens of single pieces during his tenure.
He is a gifted teacher who brings his unique blend of knowledge, humor and vision to both children and adults. He continues to teach future rabbis and cantors as professor of liturgical studies at the Academy for Jewish Religion, California.
Cantor Jay and his wife Sandy, have two married daughters Cantor Lonee Frailich (Michael Gantman) and Reena Frailich, Esq. (Robert Stone), and four grandchildren.