From the Cantor - March 2005

"Be Happy It's Adar"

Someone commented recently… "You are still smiling!" I am indeed, for only with my constant smile can I express my continuing gratitude for the gift and blessing of Congregation Albert.

I would like to share with you an adaptation of my installation response.

Erev Shabbat, January 28 was a sacred moment for me, for my family, for my friends and for our congregation. That night we finalized a brit, a sacred covenant. That I was installed as Congregation Albert's chazzan was not a personal event but an event for our entire congregation and community. It is fitting therefore, to acknowledge those who helped make this sacred moment possible.

Thank you so much to the Cantorial Search Committee, under the chairmanship of Dr. John Graham and to the Congregation Albert Board of Trustees and committee chairs. Our leadership, under the able direction of Gary Singer is the key to what makes this congregation such a warm and welcoming place.

A wonderful sense of joy surrounded the preparation for my installation. I owe thanks to the amazing Installation Committee under the direction of Adam Slavin.

I am deeply grateful to our wonderful staff under the direction of our administrator Ilana Locke. I could not function without them.

To the faculties of our Religious School and our ECC under the guidance of Leah Schaer and Bonnie Joy Evnetzky, I wish to express many thanks for welcoming me, and allowing me to share my skills with our students.

We are blessed at Congregation Albert with an amazing number of musical volunteers. I thank you all for your devotion to the music of Congregation Albert.

I will be forever grateful to Rabbi Joseph Black. It is my honor and privilege to work with a true clergy partner, who not only trusts and supports me, but allows me to be creative, who helps make this not a job, but a joyful daily experience. …and that song was amazing!

I am blessed with a wonderful and supportive family. May I be a blessing to them, and to all of our Congregation Albert community.

May the happiness we share continue throughout Adar, Purim and for many years.

B'shira,
Cantor Barbara R. Finn

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