Julie Rosewald

Julie Rosewald (1847- 1906), called “Cantor Soprano” by her congregation, was America’s first female cantor, serving San Francisco’s Temple Emanu-El from 1884 until 1893, although she was not ordained.

She was an opera singer, born in Germany, and in 1884 she moved to San Francisco with her husband. Cantor Max Wolff died, and someone was needed to replace him who was familiar with Jewish liturgy, Hebrew and music, and could be ready to conduct High Holy Day services in three weeks. Rosewald was chosen, conducted High Holy Day services that year, and served the temple as cantor until 1893. As cantor she sang the solo parts in the services, chose and directed the music at the synagogue, directed choir rehearsals, and collaborated with the organist.

She is buried in Colma, California.

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