On January 7th, 2018, I will be ordainded as a Cantor by the Aleph Alliance for Jewish Renewal Ordination program near Denver, where I hope to be joined by my whole family. This will be the culmination of my life's work to this point, including not only the past 6 years of intensive study within the Aleph program, but also the many years I spent developing my vocal instrument as a classical singer, and the years I spent in Jewish learning with my family.
Leading High Holidays in Idyllwild, CA
Who am I?
I've been a singer from an early age, first finding my own artistry and fullfillment, and learning to use that knowledge in support of Jewish communal life. I was blessed with many amazing teachers and mentors who have helped me develop as a singer.
The idea of becoming a cantor came into focus during the Great Recession. My family and I faced prolonged challenges at that time, testing everything that I was about. What emerged was the idea that, as anything can happen at any time, you have to follow your heart. My heart led me to Jewish Renewal, where I discovered my drive to contribute to a Jewish organization committed to innovation and spiritual artistry.
I am currently engaged primarily in volunteer work, particularly with Jewish Family Services in Los Gatos, and the development of Silicon Valley Jewish Meetup , a brand new Jewish Renewal community in the Silicon Valley, which I orgnized in order to be engaged in a dynamic Judaism that makes sense for today, opening new path ways and thinking beyond the established culture to meeting people where they are.
Laughing for Joy on Shabbat
In the past six years, my family have made a lot of sacrifices to help me fulfill my dreams. Life also happened, and we experienced a lot of losses, including unemployment in the last year. Now that we are reaching the end of this journey, I want to invite people to share my vision of building a strong, curious, vibrant, and musical Jewish communal life, where people can really be themselves. All spirituality has an element of yearning to make connections, which is the essential work of a cantor. I'm grateful to have found this calling, and to have it be received.
Where is this support going?
The bulk of this support will cover my remaining tuition costs. In addition, the ordination ceremony includes travel expenses, exit fees, and hospitality expenses. Anything earned above this will be donated to Aleph.
Many have supported me , and I am grateful to have everyone's support in crossing the final threshold to becoming a Cantor!
What is an ordination?
Ordination is a ceremony that includes a ritual transformative moment. In Aleph, there is a laying on of hands that signifies the transformation of the student into clergy.
About Aleph and Jewish Renewal
Jewish Renewal is a transdenominational approach to revitalizing Judaism.
We combine the socially progressive values of egalitarianism, the joy of Hasidism, the informed do-it-yourself spirit of the havurah movement, and the accumulated wisdom of centuries of tradition.
We value deep ecumenism; in Hillel's words, we learn from every person and spiritual tradition.
We create innovative, accessible, and welcoming prayer experiences.
We shape halacha (Jewish law) into a living way of walking in the world.
And we seek to deepen the ongoing, joyful, and fundamental connection, with a God Who connects us all, which is at the heart of Jewish practice.
https://aleph.org/what-is-jewish-renewal
Leading High Holidays in Idyllwild, CAWho am I?
I've been a singer from an early age, first finding my own artistry and fullfillment, and learning to use that knowledge in support of Jewish communal life. I was blessed with many amazing teachers and mentors who have helped me develop as a singer.
The idea of becoming a cantor came into focus during the Great Recession. My family and I faced prolonged challenges at that time, testing everything that I was about. What emerged was the idea that, as anything can happen at any time, you have to follow your heart. My heart led me to Jewish Renewal, where I discovered my drive to contribute to a Jewish organization committed to innovation and spiritual artistry.
I am currently engaged primarily in volunteer work, particularly with Jewish Family Services in Los Gatos, and the development of Silicon Valley Jewish Meetup , a brand new Jewish Renewal community in the Silicon Valley, which I orgnized in order to be engaged in a dynamic Judaism that makes sense for today, opening new path ways and thinking beyond the established culture to meeting people where they are.
Laughing for Joy on ShabbatIn the past six years, my family have made a lot of sacrifices to help me fulfill my dreams. Life also happened, and we experienced a lot of losses, including unemployment in the last year. Now that we are reaching the end of this journey, I want to invite people to share my vision of building a strong, curious, vibrant, and musical Jewish communal life, where people can really be themselves. All spirituality has an element of yearning to make connections, which is the essential work of a cantor. I'm grateful to have found this calling, and to have it be received.
Where is this support going?
The bulk of this support will cover my remaining tuition costs. In addition, the ordination ceremony includes travel expenses, exit fees, and hospitality expenses. Anything earned above this will be donated to Aleph.
Many have supported me , and I am grateful to have everyone's support in crossing the final threshold to becoming a Cantor!
What is an ordination?
Ordination is a ceremony that includes a ritual transformative moment. In Aleph, there is a laying on of hands that signifies the transformation of the student into clergy.
About Aleph and Jewish Renewal
Jewish Renewal is a transdenominational approach to revitalizing Judaism.
We combine the socially progressive values of egalitarianism, the joy of Hasidism, the informed do-it-yourself spirit of the havurah movement, and the accumulated wisdom of centuries of tradition.
We value deep ecumenism; in Hillel's words, we learn from every person and spiritual tradition.
We create innovative, accessible, and welcoming prayer experiences.
We shape halacha (Jewish law) into a living way of walking in the world.
And we seek to deepen the ongoing, joyful, and fundamental connection, with a God Who connects us all, which is at the heart of Jewish practice.
https://aleph.org/what-is-jewish-renewal