Michelle Auslander Cohen is originally from Skokie, Illinois, and now calls Boca Raton home, where she serves as the Senior Cantorial Associate at Temple Beth El. For the past fifteen years, Michelle has been an integral part of the Temple Beth El clergy team, leading worship services, directing multiple choirs, composing original music, officiating B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies, and performing in concerts.
Deeply committed to inspiring spiritual connection and growth, Michelle leads several programs for adults, including the monthly Women’s Rosh Chodesh group and Momentum: A Year-Long Journey of Growth, which culminates in a transformative trip to Israel. She also heads the Temple’s Israel Task Force, dedicated to strengthening congregants’ spiritual and cultural connection to Israel through meaningful programming.
Before dedicating her life to spiritual leadership, Michelle earned music degrees from two of the nation’s most prestigious institutions—the Peabody Conservatory and Indiana University. Her talent and passion for vocal performance earned her several honors, including an Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera Association.
An accomplished composer, Michelle has been recognized by the Shalshelet Foundation for New Jewish Music, and her work has been published by Transcontinental Music. In 2021, she expanded her spiritual practice by earning a certification as a Spiritual Life Coach.
Michelle lives in Boca Raton with her husband, Yaniv, their two daughters, Eliana and Liora, and their two beloved dogs.