Cantor Emerita Hasha Musha Perman “uplifting, ecstatic,” is a dynamic innovator in Jewish music and prayer. She has been the Cantor and Music Director of Congregation Beth Shalom for nearly thirty years, from our shul on Main Street to our present congregation on 5th Avenue. In June 2024, Hasha retired from CBS and the CBS Board voted to award her Cantor Emerita status.
Before joining CBS, she founded Hasha Musha & The Kiev Klezmers in Chicago, a “glorious” mix of outstanding musicians, Russian Jews and American Klezmers. She co-founded Minyan HaShira, the Singing Minyan. Her one-woman show, More Than Chicken Soup, toured the US with her Klezmer trio. Cantor Perman is very proud of the wonderful CBS Festival Choir, a volunteer choir, that inspires spirituality and joyous singing during the High Holy Days. All are welcome.
Hasha creates new expressions for prayer and participation. She created the Sacred Drumming Circle, a celebration of Shabbat with drums and percussion. Her illustrated Tu B˙Shvat Haggadah is a great source for community observance and celebration.
Cantor Perman is the recipient of numerous grants and awards including the prestigious Illinois Arts Council Fellowship Award. She holds degrees in theatre and graphic design as well as Cantorial Certification from Hebrew Union College, JIR, SSM. She is a graduate of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality Leadership Training for Cantors and continues to study with the IJS Hevraya, which supports Rabbis, Cantors, Lay Leaders, and Educators.
Hasha delights in every voice. She believes her greatest skill is silence, making space for others to sing and find their harmony in community.