Hazzan Arad is a friend, neighbor and valued clergy member in our Kehilah.  She  worked with all 3 of children as they prepared for their Bnei Mitzvah. For all three she was professional, prepared,  reliable, committed, supportive, caring and nurturing but that does not adequately describe the experience. It never appeared to be "work;" the closest it came could be described as a true "labor" of love that resulted in a lifelong bond and friendship, and three incredibly well prepared bnei mitzvah!

She has continued to help support and encourage them to read Torah, Haftarah and Megillot, but above all else she has continued to love them and help us as parents instill in them a love of Torah and Judaism. To say she took pride and ownership of the process and that she took her responsibility and obligation seriously is an understatement. We have seen that same attitude and approach in everything that she has done in our community from the choir to her participation as a Hazzan and Gabbai, to her membership and participation at all levels. She embodies kindness love and talent for all things Jewish and is a valued asset in our little corner of the world.

Hazzan Ellen is a remarkable combination of achievements and talents.  Her fluent davening is complemented by a flawless Hebrew pronunciation, and she infuses each prayer with meaning and intentionality (kavanah).  

Hazzan is also a gifted speaker, delivering thought-provoking commentaries on Torah and Jewish life that enhance her cantorial presence on the Bima. Her insightful observations make us look at the liturgy with fresh eyes. One of her comments inspired me to think differently about a prayer I had been saying for years!

During our Rabbi’s absence, Hazzan Ellen took over the weekly Torah class and discussion group.   She was an inspiring teacher, well-prepared and energetic, with an impressive Judaic background.  In addition to her serious qualities, she also has a great sense of humor – essential in any Jewish context. 

Cantor, teacher, speaker – Hazzan Ellen is versatile in many roles and accomplished in all.

It is my great pleasure to attest to the many wonderful qualities of Hazzan Ellen Arad. She is competent, gracious, professional and has a glorious voice.  She had served as High Holy Day Hazzan at First Hebrew for three years before I arrived in late August of this year 2015. She graciously helped me prepare for the services, meticulously recorded Torah reading for congregants so that they could be a part of the service, even offering review and encouragement to the novice readers. On the bima the energy was palpable and flowing. After services Erev Rosh HaShana people were already commenting that it was hard to believe we had not worked together before. And it only got better! Hazzan Arad gave a d'var tefillah that appealed to both heart and mind, being informational but also stirring and  meaningful. Best of all, she is adept at both kevva (attention to fixed details) and kavvanah (bringing the emotional and spiritual component).The joy and beauty that Hazzan Arad evokes through her davvening is immeasurable. It is a gift to be able to share the bima with her, and I look forward to opening that  gift every year.

We had a terrific experience working with Hazzan Arad as our daughter’s Bat Mitzvah tutor. She pushed our daughter just the right amount – enough to keep our daughter on pace and pushing herself to do her best, but not too much to stress her out. Hazzan Arad really emphasized to our daughter, and to us, that the goal of the Bat Mitzvah ceremony was not for our daughter to do as much as possible but for her to do her best at whatever she did, and to feel confident in herself and have an overall positive experience. This was a really important lesson for all of us and in the end I was so proud of my daughter for everything she accomplished. And as I stood up on the beema (stage) on the big day, beaming with pride, I was so touched to see Hazzad Arad beaming as well! Hazzan Arad is a great teacher, musician, and also a wonderful role model to Jewish girls about how to practice Judaism with joy and pride. As a busy working mom, I also really appreciated how easy it was to communicate with Hazzan and to schedule appointments with her to accommodate our schedule.

Hazzan Arad is a total professional...extremely knowledgeable and ready to do whatever is needed to create a meaningful worship experience. We have collaborated on the creation of one-of-kind services for Shabbat and Selichot, as well as a healing service at my shul. And in every instance, her ideas, enthusiasm, patience and calming presence made our work together not only a pleasure but won the congregation over every time. 

I loved working with Hazzan Arad to prepare for my Bat Mitzvah. She had great techniques for teaching me everything I needed to know.  She balanced out the amount of work so I didn’t have too much to do at one time. She calmed me down and helped me to not be too stressed. She also helped me find the right pitch for my voice so that I sounded my best. Hazzan Arad made the entire process enjoyable.

Hazzan Ellen Miller Arad has a beautiful, pleasing and powerful singing voice.  Her liturgical virtuosity and technical mastery make it a pleasure to participate in any service that she is leading.  Hazzan Arad could easily “perform” if she chose to.  However, her joy from the bimah bespeaks a person who is sharing her emotions and projecting her neshamah rather than merely displaying her (very considerable) artistry.  In other words, a prayer experience with Hazzan Miller Arad is a genuine prayer experience!

I have conducted High Holiday services with Hazzan Miller Arad.  All that needs to be said in that regard is that she is such a genuine mensch that everything flows easily when working with her.