For my Grandma Elaine z’’l, family and Judaism were everything. Whether gathering for Shabbat dinner with my cousins at her home or going to synagogue together Saturday mornings, Elaine is one of the reasons Judaism remains such a central part of my life. As I grew older, my grandmother would encourage me to consider becoming a cantor or a rabbi. I dismissed her idea and instead got my Masters’ degrees in policy and non-profit management, supporting non-profits to make their work more inclusive, just, and equitable.

In 2015 I was invited to become the High Holiday Chazzan at the shul where my grandmother and I spent so many Shabbats together. She told me how proud she was of the sheliach tzibur (prayer leader) I had become. Since her death, my commitment to Judaism and to the people of Israel is one of the ways I honor her memory and keep her values alive.

As years passed I would sometimes think about my grandma’s hope for my future and in the fall of 2022 I realized that my path was leading me to become a chazzan. I was accepted into the ALEPH Ordination Program and have since begun my studies.

Within the world of prayer leadership, my passion lies in teaching and inspiring Jewish teens and children as well as in creating soul-filled prayer spaces. Currently, I am a part-time Sheliach Tzebur at a Renew Synogouge in Boulder, Nevei Kodesh. I also teach Tefilah at Rodef Shalom’s religious school and run a youth group for transgender Jewish teenagers called Tzelem. As I study at ALEPH I am able to pass along the teachings I encounter to all of these spaces. I am deeply passionate about creating spaces for queer and trans Jews to experience the fullness of being “twice blessed.”

This GoFundMe helps pay for Cantorial School. ALEPH offers very limited financial aid and I’m still financially recovering from hardship during the pandemic and several unexpected moves. Any help towards school is deeply appreciated.

Classes: $4,532

Smicha Week: $3,200

Ohala: $550

Davenen Leadership Training Institue: $2,460

Administrative/Director of Studies Fees: $4,017

Spiritual Direction: $1,200

Voice/guitar lessons: $1,440

Books and supplies: $250

Total 2023/2024 Cost: $17,099

Aid received:

$1000 - Family

$1000 - Rodef Shalom

I am pledging $3500 towards my education and hopeful I’ll be able to fundraise the remaining $11,599.

With deep gratitude,

Ev Evnen