JUSTIN ZVI PELLIS

~ About ~
Cantor Justin Pellis is a classically trained singer, hazzan, jazz pianist, composer.
Justin will be an ordained cantor this May, and earn a Masters in Sacred Music from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He serves as cantorial intern at Temple Israel Center in White Plains, NY, and Or Hadash in Fairfield, CT, and is also the conducting intern at NASHIR! The Rottenberg Chorale.
Justin’s musical journey began in Westchester, NY, where he was shaped by the harmony and soul of his home synagogue, Bet Am Shalom, and was inspired by theater teachers who encouraged his artistic growth.
His studies in piano and voice led him to Goucher College, where he further honed his craft under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey Chappell, performing in jazz ensembles and classical masterclasses, and studied conducting with Dr. Daniel McDavitt.
A transformative gap year in Israel at Mechinat Nachshon deepened Justin’s connection to his Jewish heritage and the Hebrew language. While studying abroad at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Justin found his calling to become a cantor, and after returning to the US, he enrolled in the Belz School of Music at Yeshiva University and later the H. L. Miller Cantorial School.
As part of his well-rounded training, Justin has worked as a song leader at Ramah Wisconsin and as chaplain intern at White Plains Hospital. Justin's music spans classical, jazz, Jewish folk, and musical theater, and he is passionate about creating moments where spirituality and music converge.
Justin’s compositions include the Teki’ot Suite for Shofar, Trumpet, and Hazzan (2022), and he is deeply grateful to his mentors and to the Nachshon Project for refining his vision of Jewish musical leadership. Special thanks to his family and friends for their continued love and support.