Our Chazan, Jaclyn Chernett

Chazan Jaclyn Chernett is a founder member of Kol Nefesh Masorti and the first woman in the UK to be ordained as a Chazan. A love of Jewish teaching and its expression through the music of the liturgy has been Jacky’s passion over many years, and led her on an inspiring Jewish journey which included founding a pioneering Masorti Shul in Edgware, and the development of the UK Masorti organisation that became AMS. During the whole of this time, Jacky was developing education programmes for adults and children, and particularly teaching Ba’alei Tefillah (lay prayer leaders). Finally, Jacky embarked on her studies at the New York Academy for Jewish Religion and in 2006 received her Semicha (ordination).

Jacky has recently set up EAJL, the European Academy for Jewish Liturgy, which provides competent lay individuals and groups with dedicated professional coaching and mentoring in leadership of Jewish prayer. At Kol Nefesh, Chazan Jacky leads services, teaches our own lay leaders, and continues to innovate and seek out new modes of prayer. This includes our Kol Zimra musical Kabbalat Shabbat services in the summer, meditative Shacharit services, our unique Tefillah b’Ginah (services in a garden) and organises and leads the most astonishing and inspiring Yamim Noarim services.

Jacky lives in Stanmore with her husband Brian.