A Note from David in the July/August Bulletin:
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, the board of trustees offered me an interim, part-time position as a student cantor. Some of you know that I have been volunteering over the past number of years, chanting some services and Torah when Cantor Ellen was unavailable.
I can only express my gratitude and thanks to the community and Rabbi Rosalind. This position will allow me work more closely with everyone and with Rabbi and gain experience. What a privilege this is for me.
Although part-time, I will be doing many things at the shul, some that I've done before and others brand new. My work will include the chanting most Shabbat services and all the holidays; chanting Torah for some services; working with our Educator Riva Jacobs on tutoring b'nai mitzvah students; assisting Rabbi Rosalind with pastoral care and coverage when she's away; leading the Torah study group at times; and joining with the students for Tefillah in the religious school. I'm also coordinating some activities and projects.
Some of you have asked me about this transition, from an editor and reporter in the technology field to 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.
It 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.
With the encouragement of Rabbi Rosalind, I've been studying weekly for more than a year with Cantor Linda Hirschhorn in Oakland. I've learned to chant Torah and Haftorah as well as studied some unfamiliar prayers and nusach, the traditional modes of the services. There's always more to learn.
In addition, I'm looking at several of the cantorial programs that offer distance learning. The Jewish Renewal movement offers the Aleph program towards cantorial ordination and the Hebrew Union College appears to be readying a similar program.
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