A message from Cantor David:
In the Zohar, the great work of Jewish mystical tradition, there are "halls in heaven that open only to the voice of song." For me, a bit of that heaven is happening this summer at BIJ with my being hired as a cantorial soloist.
With Cantor Ellen moving to a full-time cantor job in Baltimore at the end of June 2008, I have worked closely with with our Rabbi and the community, building on the volunteering that I did in the past. What a privilege this is for me.
Read Cantor David's column in the Jan.-Feb. Bulletin
Although part-time, I have done all the tasks expected of a chazzan: leading the prayers for Shabbat services and the holidays; chanting Torah; tutoring b'nai mitzvah students; teaching classes in our YAFE program; assisting Rabbi with pastoral care and coverage when he's away; and leading the Torah study group at times. At times I am called upon to coordinate activities and projects.
Some of you have asked me about this transition, from working as an editor and reporter in the technology field to becoming a cantor — a journey that's still in process. Besides, I have more than a few gray hairs on my head, something that isn't usual when we think of students.
The idea started — to no surprise — with our beloved Cantor Henry Greenberg ZT"L. Years ago, I filled in for him at services when he was away for a couple of weeks on a cruise and then afterwards during his recovery from heart surgery. This sparked my heart towards prayer and I began to slowly prepare for the study of chazzanut.
Cantor Henry was also a great role model for me. He didn't start out as a cantor but was called to the profession later in his life. He loved Judaism and and our tradition. We were blessed by his heeding the call of Torah.
I've been studying weekly for a number of years with Cantor Linda Hirschhorn in Oakland. In addition, I'm looking a forthcoming program from the Hebrew Union College appears for remote cantorial studies.
According to a rabbinical saying, "the chief thing is not to study but to do." Now, I'm doing a bit of both at the same time! What an exciting time for me and again, thanks to everyone for your support.
Gam zu l'tovah (this is also for the good),
David Morgenstern