Cantor's Annual Report
April 19, 2009
25 Nissan 5769

I began my 9th year serving Temple Sinai with a sabbatical in Israel. I lived in Jerusalem where I explored the culture of this special holy city while also studying at an Ulpan (Hebrew immersion class) at The Conservative Yeshiva. My class consisted of people of varying ages from all over the world. We met 5 days a week, 3 hours a day, for 3 weeks and only spoke Hebrew. Our classes included text study on Jewish philosophers and our discussions ranged from Jewish music, cultural happenings in Jerusalem, gay rights, to political discussions about the exchange of Jewish prisoners.

Celebrating Shabbat in Jerusalem is a unique experience. After the frantic pace of shopping in preparation for Shabbat, a gradual hush comes over the city. The number of cars steadily decreases and public transportation stops running. A siren blows to indicate that Shabbat is approaching. People are walking to Shabbat family dinners or to synagogue. My husband and I attended Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform synagogues and enjoyed the varying experiences. During services in February, I spoke about my experience in Israel and I again want to thank Temple Sinai for this gift of my sabbatical. My Hebrew has improved and love and appreciation for Israel and its people was renewed.

Starting in September all B’nei Mitzvah services included the use of Mishkan T’filah, the new Reform prayerbook. The transition to this prayerbook has been very smooth. Students were taught the textual changes in such prayers as Ahavah Rabbah, Avot V’Imahot, Gevurot, and Sim Shalom. They also had to learn the Chatimot – the short Hebrew blessing at the end of each prayer, which summarizes the prayer and seals it. The use of Mishkan T’filah during Religious School services continues to familiarize the students with this prayerbook. Kathy Gohr, our music and 6th grade teacher, has taught about the structure of the siddur (prayerbook).

At the end of fiscal year 2009, there will be a total of 46 students who became B’nei Mitzvah. Our program continued to focus on the individual strengths of each student under the excellent guidance of teachers, Nava Sheckman, and Dr. Hilary Goldberg. I meet with our tutors on a monthly basis to discuss the progress of our students and we are always exploring ways to help each student and to improve our program. The basics of Torah cantillation continue to be taught in 6th grade and help many students learn their individual Torah portions.

With the continued use and familiarity of Mishkan T’filah’s non-linear layout, both the Rabbi and I are announcing less page numbers and trying to create a service with less “interruptions.” Worship has been enhanced with the organ and piano accompaniment of various talented people, and in particular, Dave Davis and Lois Buesser. Guitar accompaniment by Dr. Rob Wortzel and Kathy Gohr adds another style of music to worship. Both the Intergenerational and Adult Choirs continue to add their warm spirit and voices to services throughout the year. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the choirs for their commitment to rehearsals and services and special performances. One of the musical highlights of this year included the annual Chanukah concert, which featured an instrumental band, our choirs, and Summit High School’s Chamber choir. Another highlight was the impressive and talented voices of Temple Sinai’s teens during the annual Broadway Shabbat. The Adult Choir will be presenting a sermon in song on Contemporary Jewish Music.

During the past few months, the 23 confirmation students explored the new prayerbook, Mishkan T’filah. They were very interested in the differences of this prayerbook compared to Gates of Prayer. This is the first year the confirmation service will use Mishkan T’filah. The students were also encouraged to write their own opening and closing statements for this service.

I am blessed and honored to serve the congregation of Temple Sinai and my work is truly supported by the entire staff, board, and many other volunteers. I am proud of Temple Sinai’s work, under the leadership of Debbie Grossman, for helping the displaced Summit families recover from their tragic fire. We work together in making Temple Sinai the special warm and caring congregation that it is. Thank you to Rabbi Gershon, Dr. Patrick Jobe, Saskia Jeselsohn, Patti Kahn, Myra Kohn, Cindy Broderick, Randy Ring, John Hillman, Herman Wheeler, Lydia Domanowski, Adriana Pinzon, and Lilian and Jorge Frias. A special thank you to Beth Morgenstern, Vice President of Ritual, Alan Wiener, Ritual Chairperson, and Dr. Heidi Katz, President, for their help whenever it was needed. Thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve as the cantor of Temple Sinai.