Susan Lewis Friedman serves as the Cantor at the historic Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo, NY. Susie made her debut with the BPO last July, performing at the Fourth of July Celebration. She previously served as Cantor for congregations in suburban Chicago, and loves her job—especially directing and mobilizing volunteers of all ages to participate, both musically and vocationally, in Jewish life. Susie is proud to be one of the educators for the Buffalo Jewish Federation. 

Susie has appeared in the Broadway national tour of Cats, in regional opera, and regional theater. She has been a soloist for orchestral works such as Carmina Burana, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, and Brahms’ Requiem with U.S. symphony orchestras including the Santa Fe Symphony and Phoenix Symphony. She has appeared as a pianist/singer/entertainer in clubs throughout NYC, hosting her own weekly open mic show at The Duplex. She is frequently invited to sing and collaborate in concerts at various synagogues throughout the U.S. and many other venues. Her original compositions are often used in worship and have been heard on Jewish rock radio, and her album, Sing, Pray, Repeat!, features appearances by her children, Abigail and Zev. 

Susie is a proud member of the Cantor’s Assembly, the American Conference of Cantors and Actors Equity Association. She is married to the love of her life, Ross Friedman, who serves as the Administrator at Elderwood Village in Williamsville. Her absolute greatest achievements are her family, particularly her two children. They are both living examples of her answered prayers.