Cantor's Corner - Thoughts

While this weekend was called "A Musical Welcome for Cantor Abrams," I would call it, "The Blessings of Beth El."

As I sit back and reflect on a truly celebratory weekend (Nov. 3 & 4), I am reminded of what an amazing congregation we are. The children’s choir singing with the adult choir was a beautiful display of L’dor Vador and of "going forward with our young and our old." The dancing in the aisles showed the spirit and joy that we bring one another through our observance of Shabbat as a community. The singing of Ilu Finu demonstrated a willingness to participate, to learn and to unify ourselves in song. The teasing and laughter throughout the weekend was evidence of our love for one another and our ability to accept differences and uniqueness. The children running on the bema to collect candy sends an important message of tolerance and inclusion. The financial support that was given in a variety of ways for this weekend showed an understanding of what is needed to help make our endeavors a reality and truly special for the entire community. The numbers of people who attended both Shabbat services and Sunday night’s festivities indicates that we want to be together and celebrate together. And the talent displayed, from the music to the attention to every detail in executing the events, was proof that we are indeed a congregation that can do anything.

Thank you....

..... to Amy Stern and Dana Yugend-Pepper, their entire committee and all the volunteers for all they did to facilitate the weekend. Their energies were tireless and it showed. Each committee member paid such close attention to details and the outcome was obvious – the food, the décor, the flow, the sound, the advertising, the actual programs – all done with class. And a special thank you to Valerie Podolinsky of Event du Jour for volunteering her time and expertise.

..... to the sponsors of the evening, Fern Badzin, Saul & Diane Mashaal, Bonnie & Alan Ziskin and family, Marlys & Elliott Badzin. Your help gave the necessary support to make the evening move from good to spectacular.

..... to the sponsors of the CD who helped me make a dream a reality – Buddy & Phyllis Harris, Ellis & Nancy Olkon, Lisa Heilicher, Andrea & Stan Levich, Joyce & Ed Prohofsky, Amy & Michael Stern, Rivel & Phil Greenberg, Ione & Alan Stiegler, Anonymous, Lisa & Steve Neuman, Gail Bender Satz & Mark Satz, Anonymous, Bobby & Elliot Cohen, Holly Schmidt, and Marilyn & Harvey Chanen.

..... to the Beth El and non-Beth El musicians - a truly gifted group of individuals who not only performed beautifully themselves, but certainly made me look good: Cantor Art Shragg, John and Debbie Orenstein, Tom Lieberman, Cantor Neil Newman, Bill Torodor, The Yixie Chicks: Jill Blustin, Pam Lehman, Gilah Mashaal, Diana Snyder, Marge Prohofsky; The Beth El choir under the direction of Bill Torodor, the Yad B’Yad choir under the direction of Pam Lehman, my daughters - Rachel and Sally, Dale Mendenhall, Shai Hayo, Andrea Stern, Lynette Eastwold, and the Minnesota Cantors. Also, a special thank you to John Orenstein, MC extraordinaire!

..... to the present board and the past boards for your leadership and for your confidence in my abilities to serve this congregation. I look forward to many years of working together.

..... to the Beth El professional, support and maintenance staff without whom the shul would not run. And to my fellow clergy who have been so instrumental in helping me to develop who I am as a clergy today.

And finally, thank you to my family– David, Rachel and Sally– for giving me the love and support to pursue this path.

As I make this transition in my life, that of becoming the next cantor of Beth El Synagogue, I feel fortunate to be a part of this community’s past and its future. May we continue to demonstrate our blessings and celebrate together for years to come.

Cantor Abrams' new CD, "Shirei Nafshi...Songs of my Soul" is now available for $15 from the Beth El office or the Gift Shop. Proceeds go to the Celebrate the Arts Fund.