~ About ~

Justin Zvi Pellis is a sacred musician, who expresses his connection to the Higher realm through

singing, leading services, composing, playing piano and guitar, and teaching. 

He currently serves as the cantor at Or Hadash in Fairfield, CT. He graduated from the H.L. Miller Cantorial School, and was the conducting intern at Nashir! The Rottenberg Chorale at the Kaufman Center.​

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Justin’s musical journey began in Westchester, NY, where he was shaped by the harmony and soul of his home synagogue, Bet Am Shalom. He attended the Leffell School, where he was inspired by theater teachers who encouraged him to take his artistic growth seriously.​ 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, Israeli music, and Hebrew language. He found his calling to become a cantor while studying abroad at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, 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 musical stylistic capabilities spans classical, jazz, Jewish folk, and musical theater. He is passionate about creating moments where spirituality and music converge.

He studied composition with Dr. Gerald Cohen, who mentored him through his first compositions:

Teki’ot Suite for Shofar, Trumpet, and Hazzan (2022), and

 Song of Songs Wedding Suite for Hazzan, Chorus, Piano and Violin (2025). 

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Justin received his ordination as cantor in May 2025 from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

He is grateful to his cantorial and rabbinical mentors for helping to refine his vision of Jewish musical leadership in the diaspora. He looks forward to beginning a new chapter as Cantor at Or Hadash!