CLERGY

Cantor Kevin McKenzie
Assistant Cantor

Cantor Kevin McKenzie became the Assistant Cantor of BJBE in July of 2024. He grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado and attended Summer Camp at Shwayder Camp of Temple Emanuel in Denver. There, he developed his Jewish identity before continuing to work as a songleader and in the music departments at Camp Airy and Louise in Maryland, Greene Family Camp in Texas, and Ramah in the Poconos.

Cantor McKenzie prides himself on being able to connect people of all ages and from all backgrounds to Judaism. While his passion is making music, Jewish texts and traditions hold a special place in his heart. He believes the tension between modernity and tradition is where our best innovation comes from.

Cantor McKenzie was ordained by Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in May of 2024. He is also a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music with a vocal performance emphasis and was on the Hillel board for all five years. Before attending HUC-JIR, Cantor McKenzie lived in Israel where he studied at Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and performed in three musicals while in Jerusalem: She Loves Me, Pirates of Penzance, and The King and I. While at HUC-JIR, Cantor McKenzie was part of Zamir Noded, a Jewish young adult choir, as well as the Mantua Singers which performed at the Kaufman Center on the 400th anniversary of the publication of Salamone Rossi's music. He was privileged to also work as the Cantorial intern for The Community Synagogue of Port Washington and at Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor.

Cantor McKenzie currently lives in Evanston with his fiancée Nicki. When he is not at work, Cantor McKenzie enjoys playing and watching all sports, musical theater, and enjoying time in nature.