From the Cantor - September 2001

Shalom, Chaverim:

I write these greetings for Rosh Hashanah 5762 from Camp Newman in the beautiful Napa Valley, where I have had the most amazing week of my life writing creative worship services, hiking (yes, me!), forming new friendships, working with 11- and 12-year-olds (and watching some of our own congregation's kids have a blast), and learning some new melodies. This year's camp theme is "everyday miracles." I cannot imagine a better source of inspiration for preparation for the year ahead. But more about camp in the December column, except to say that, if you are the parent of a child in grade 2 or above, please consider making Camp Newman a part of your child's summer of 2002.

At the annual ACC conference in Washington D.C. in June, we cantors also prepared for the coming year by passing some resolutions for the first time in our 50-year history. We resolved:

1. to establish a tzedakah collective;
2. to withdraw support from the Boy Scouts of
   America for its homophobic policies and practices;
3. to join the Cantorial Council of ARZA-World Union;
4. to support the establishment of a School of Sacred
   Music at the Los Angeles campus of the HUC-JIR.

I hope for a new year that differs from last year in many ways, and with God's help I will make that happen to the best of my ability. Mark and I thank you again for having been there for us through many difficulties. You have been our strength and our support. Your hugs and laughter sustain us more than you know. In the spirit of Yom Kippur, I sincerely and truly apologize if I have offended anyone in the congregation or staff of our wonderful community. Let's begin the new year together and sing a new song.

L'shanah tovah u-metukah,
Cantor Jacqueline L. Shuchat-Marx

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