Andy is a South Florida native whose spiritual journey has encompassed the broad spectrum of Jewish movements, providing a diverse perspective on our faith. He is delighted to be sharing his passion for Jewish music, liturgy and education with the Broward Central Synagogue community. In 1978, after several months on Kibbutz Ein Harod-Meuchad, nestled in the Jezreel Valley, he developed a deep love for and commitment to the people and land of Israel. Upon returning to the U.S., his new perspective energized his involvement in Hillel and his interest in Jewish music and the guitar. In 1982, Andy received a B.S. degree in Social Work from Florida International University.

Andy’s synthesis of Judaism, music, social work and education was evident early on. Upon obtaining a State of Florida teaching certification, he began working in primary and secondary education, as well as at various weekday and Sunday religious schools throughout Dade and Broward Counties. In the mid-80s, with the guidance and encouragement of Cantor Nancy Hausman, he became a cantorial soloist and congregational song leader at Beth Orr campus. In the 90s, a long tenure began as a summer camp song leader. He returned to the Beth Orr community in 2020. In addition to his cantorial duties on the bimah, Andy is enriching and expanding the music, Hebrew and prayer experiences with the Kuhn Early Childhood Center, Rosenberg Religious School and youth choir.

Andy has attended CAJE conferences, was a member of the JNF Performing Artists’ Troupe, and twice participated in Hava Nashira – the Reform Movement’s Song Leader Training Institute. In 2008, Andy established Hearts, Minds & Music, Inc. as a platform for communicating the “Light and joy of Judaism and spirituality through prayer, music, imagery and text.” He has produced two albums of contemporary Jewish music: A Prayer Journey (2010) and Generations (2015).

Andy is the proud father of twin sons, Evan and Bryan, who bring him naches. Evan serves as the assistant rabbi at Congregation B’nai Torah. He lives in Boca Raton with his wife Emily and their dog, Olive Pickle. Bryan resides in Israel with his wife, Tamar and their daughter, Aviv. He is working towards a Ph.D. in Education at the University of Haifa.

In addition to his passion for Jewish music, Andy enjoys participating in folk and acoustic music song circles, watching movies and taking early morning or evening walks with his partner and soulmate, Mary. He is grateful to be alive while embracing the philosophy of Henry David Thoreau: “Only that day dawns to which we are awake.”

You can contact Andy via (954) 471-3697 or at andrewsusman36@hotmail.com.