From the Cantor - June/July 2001

Shalom, Chaveirim:

Let's discuss Adult Education. One important reason I wanted to be your Cantor is that Congregation Albert is a community that loves to learn. For the past four years I have been gaining an appreciation for our teacher-student relationship, and I think I'm getting warmer each year. However, I want to discuss this point with you, and I hope you will feel free to respond to me directly.

Some people prefer to take classes during the day for very good reasons; others prefer evenings for equally good reasons. Furthermore, I have come to realize that too many of my previously-offered classes set high prerequisites. Therefore, I have decided not to offer an Anshei Mitzvah class next year, but will use my standard Wednesday 6:30 pm time to teach a variety of widely accessible topics. I'll also be on hand to teach some Wednesday noontime classes. I would be happy to offer my History of Jewish Music class on a yearly basis at both the noon and evening times. Other possible topics: book reviews, Torah cantillation, and Haftarah cantillation. Now I'd like to hear from you. What would YOU like to learn? Come, let us study together!

I look forward to attending the national convention of the American Cantors' Conference in Washington, D.C. July 1-5. I relish this opportunity to spend five days studying, praying, and of course, eating and singing with three hundred other Reform cantors, learning skills that will benefit the congregation. And from July 29 - August 5, I will be a camp Cantor at Camp Newman. It's been quite a while since I went to camp. Hope I still remember how to break curfew - er, follow the rules.

Goodbyes are a difficult part of life. On June 8, our wonderful Zamir choir director Marilyn Alletzhauser will conduct her final Shabbat service at Congregation Albert. After five years with Zamir, Marilyn is semi-retiring to spend more time with her husband Gerald upon his own retirement. Please be on hand to give Marilyn your thanks and good wishes. Shalom chaveirah (Goodbye, dear friend)!

Have a happy, safe and healthy summer. Enjoy the gift of time with your family and friends. Wherever you go, please come back to us safely!

B'Shalom u-v'shir,
Cantor Jacqueline L. Shuchat-Marx

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