PRESENTING KELLY ANN ONICKEL AS RABBI, CANTOR, AND TEACHER IN ISRAEL
Presented by Cantor Darcie Sharlein
Zeh hayom asah Adonai; nagilah v’ nism’ hah vo! This is the day that God has made; let us exult and rejoice in it!-Psalm 118:24
Anyone who knows Kelly knows that this day of her ordination is meant to be— a day of Divine destiny, made real through years of determination and hard work. This is a day of true joy and celebration!
Kelly and I first met when I was on the cusp of completing my cantorial studies and she was readying to formally begin the path that would allow her to pursue education to also become a cantor. Kelly picked me up from the airport for my interview at her home congregation; we bonded immediately over our shared love for Jewish music and synagogue life.
Kelly was inspired by Cantor Norman Rose, z” l, a gentle, kind man with an incredible voice. She soaked up everything she could from him, and from the synagogue musicians who followed. When the timing was right for her family, Kelly returned to school so she could turn her decades-long dream of becoming a cantor into reality. She did so with determination, perseverance, hard work, and dedication.
I was blessed to be Kelly’ s cantor for four years— to gain a friend and witness her passion for Judaism and beautiful voice firsthand. Every High Holy Days Kelly sang a prayerful duet of Sim Shalom with another choir member, and to this day I still hear her voice in my head every time it is sung. How lucky the congregations Kelly has served have been!
Kelly leads with joy and inspiration. Her down-to-earth personality and sense of humor shine through, making everyone feel comfortable in her presence. She has so much wisdom to share— wisdom acquired through study as well as wisdom gained through life’ s experiences. Today as the titles of Cantor and Rabbi are conferred upon Kelly, she fully becomes who she was meant to be. What a blessing— let us exult and rejoice!
CANTORIAL BEIT DIN
Cantor Lisa Klinger-Kantor- Somekhet Cantor Michael Kasper Cantor Sol Zim
RABBINICAL BEIT DIN
Rabbi Beth Kramer-Mazer- Somekhet Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman
14 AJR 2026