Dana Bederson is a dedicated and passionate second-year student cantor at The Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College. A 2023 graduate of Guilford College with a Bachelor’s degree in Music, Dana has deep roots in the DC area, having grown up at Temple Shalom in Chevy Chase, MD. She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, with her partner, Noah.
Dana’s profound love for Jewish music was nurtured during her 13 formative years at URJ Camp Harlam, where she developed lasting friendships, created meaningful Jewish memories, and honed her songleading skills in a nurturing and supportive environment. Her camp experiences deeply influence her approach to leading services, where she seamlessly integrates the spirit of camp with synagogue life. Dana is committed to honoring both traditional and contemporary Jewish liturgical musical styles, bringing a unique vibrancy to her worship leadership.
An adopted Asian woman from Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan, Dana proudly identifies as a Jew of Color. She is deeply committed to celebrating her diverse background and sharing her experiences with her communities. By embracing her authentic self, Dana aims to inspire others, particularly Jews and Jews of Color, to explore and redefine what it means to be Jewish.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Dana volunteers at the Hebrew Union College soup kitchen, where she serves hot meals to the local homeless community in Greenwich Village. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, baking, and discovering new places throughout New York City.
We are excited to welcome Dana as our 2024 Cantorial Intern.