Rabbi / Cantor Irene Failenbogen was ordained as a Rabbi in June 2025 by the Rabbinical Seminary International. She has been the program co-director of the Interfaith Community of Long Island for more than 10 years, along with her husband Bill McBride.
Cantor Irene is a
singer-songwriter from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
She is a crossover artist who has performed in operas, musical comedies,
and theater. A graduate of the National
School of Dance in Buenos Aires, Cantor Irene has become well-known for her
unique integration of singing, acting and body expression.
She was trained as a Hazzan in
Buenos Aires, Argentina, and lead liturgical services for Rosh HaShanah, Yom
Kippur, and Shabbat. Since her arrival
to New York, Cantor Irene has been a spiritual and musical leader at
congregations around the United States, including the Bayshore Jewish Centre
and Temple Judea in New York, and Congregation Ahavas Achim in Keene, New
Hampshire.
Her passion for music and
body-mind and spirit experiences has uplifted her throughout her life. Cantor Irene is also a Yoga practitioner and
teacher. She offers a workshop called
“Om Shalom” where she integrates a yoga practice with Jewish chanting and
prayer. Her song “Om Shalom” is her
unique way to express her faith in humanity and the oneness of peace that human
interaction can bring to the world.
