From the Cantor - September 2005

"Lamdeini Elohai bareich v'hitpalel, lameid et siftotai b'racha v'shir hallel"

"Teach me O God a blessing, a prayer, teach my lips a blessing, a song of praise."

We are instructed to find a teacher and study. If we are lucky, our teacher is a blessing, worthy of a song of praise. I have been privileged to study with many wonderful teachers in my life. I consider myself most fortunate to have had a year of learning with our incredible Director of Education, Leah Schaer. Leah has been a blessing to our congregation in so many ways. She is an inspiration to all who come in contact with her. Her enthusiasm and her laugh are infectious. Her nurturing, creativity, zest for Jewish life and learning, reinforces, enhances and motivates teachers and learners to do their very best.

Leah easily embraces new ideas with a willingness to let people be creative and yet hold them accountable to high standards. She has a deep concern for student learning, from the very young to adult learners, including the special needs of each learner. Leah is a leader with an eye toward the future, never stuck in the past, following old ways, but also not jumping at new ideas just for the sake of novelty. Through her involvement with the Albuquerque Jewish Educators' Alliance, Leah's vision for Jewish education has impacted the entire Albuquerque Jewish community. Leah is a consummate professional and an inspiration to all who know her.

Leah has guided me through this year of transition and become a valued colleague and friend. Leah, John, Adam and Josh have become dear friends to my family, helping us all make the transition to Congregation Albert and Albuquerque and even providing us with the occasional batch of blue ribbon cinnamon rolls! For all these things I will always be grateful.

Please join us for Erev Shabbat Services on Friday, September 9 as we celebrate with the Schaer family and say farewell. We will miss them, yet we wish them well as they begin this new time in their lives.

B'shira,
Cantor Barbara R. Finn

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