Cantor Gurney’s greatest joy is sharing and connecting through his deep knowledge and love of Jewish music.

He was ordained at  Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music (HUC) in New York City. 

After ordination, Cantor Gurney was invited to join the faculty of HUC as an instructor in Cantorial studies, music history, art songs, and additionally, as the Director of the School of Sacred Music Choir. He continued to hold these academic positions while also serving as Senior Cantor, first with The Emanuel Synagogue, West Hartford, Connecticut, and then with Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City.  For 24 years, he served as the first ordained Cantor of Wilshire Blvd Temple in Los Angeles where he reimagined, reshaped, and reintroduced the musical worship experience. 

He also takes great pride in the creation and production of important musical and cultural events and looks forward to bringing this experience to the Center for Jewish Culture. 

Cantor Gurney is a Cleveland native and a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan. He is married to Los Angeles native, Nancy Binder Gurney and they are the proud parents of daughter, Gillian, and, of course, their beloved dog, Teddy.