Esther Ghan Firestone

Esther Ghan Firestone is a notable figure in the music field, particularly in the context of Jewish liturgical music. She holds the distinction of being the first female cantor in Canada, a position she assumed in the mid-1950s at Toronto's Temple Beth-El. Although she was not formally ordained, Firestone's talent and dedication earned her a respected place in the Canadian Jewish community.

Firestone's career spanned several decades and multiple congregations in Toronto. In addition to her work at Temple Beth-El, she served as a cantor at Temple Emanu-El in 1977 and later at Congregation Habonim Toronto, where she was engaged from 1985 to 2015. She was also a member of Kol Nashim, a groundbreaking sextet of female lay cantors established in 1987. Through her contributions to these institutions and ensembles, Firestone helped pave the way for future generations of female cantors and left a lasting impact on the musical landscape of Canadian Jewish worship.