Temple Judea recently welcomed Kaylene Cole as full-time cantorial soloist. Kaylene has served as Temple Judea’s soloist on a part-time basis for the past two years, and last High Holy Day season she seamlessly stepped in and led Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. Not only did her angelic voice uplift all spirits and elevate the prayer experience, but congregants also got a glimpse of Kaylene’s dedicated work ethic and her ability to be a meaningful prayer partner for Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik.
Kaylene is enrolled in an online cantorial school and will serve as Temple Judea’s soloist while working toward her ordination. She will co-officiate at all worship services, including Shabbatot, holidays, minyanim, and lifecycle events with Rabbi Yaron. She will also be an important part of students’ Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation and Temple Judea’s school.
Prior to beginning her position at Temple Judea, Kaylene was featured as a soloist for many synagogues throughout her native South Florida area. She has a rich performance background, having received her bachelor and master of music degrees from Florida Atlantic University, with a concentration in vocal performance and pedagogy. She has performed various operatic roles and scenes, including Susanna from Le Nozze di Figaro, Despina from Cosi fan Tutte, as well as musical theatre roles such as Rizzo from Grease and The Narrator from Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.
A passionate voice teacher, Kaylene has taught in the local area for over 10 years and has won several awards, including the Joan Frey Boytim Award for Independent Voice Teachers through the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She taught voice and piano for many years at the Pine Crest School in Boca Raton as well as maintained a private voice studio. When she is not on the bimah, she can be found practicing yoga, volunteering with her therapy basset hound, Faye, or spending time with her husband, Jared.
