Established 1858
Bulletin July/August 2012 Tamuz-Av-Elul 5772 Vol. 61, No. 10
Getting To Know You – As Your New Senior Cantor By Cantor Ida Rae Cahana We all wait for the “lazy” days of summer after the hectic pace of the school year with its work and volunteer obligations which tend to crescendo as the spring unfolds. This summer has none of the “lazy” quality for me; rather, it is an exciting time of transition and newness as I assume the responsibilities of senior cantor here at Congregation Beth Israel. It is an honor to follow Cantor Judith Schiff ‘s remarkable thirty-two year tenure and a pleasure to work with her, as she will continue teaching adults and children studying for Bar and Bat Mitzvah. It is hard to believe that our family moved to Portland six years ago this July. We left a life on the other coast which was full and good (maybe a bit TOO full…) to try a different life together here. And we continue to enjoy every piece of the journey. The Jewish community and the greater Portland community have embraced Michael, me, and our children with openness, curiousity, and warmth. Although you and I are not strangers, we also really do not know each other well. It is through my singing that I have most profoundly felt connected to previous congregations I have served. But here, I have been a “Jew in the pew,” and that has been a remarkable learning experience for someone who started singing on temple bimas at the age of sixteen and never stopped. It is my hope that the listening, observing, and reflecting I have had the opportunity to do over these last years will help me to stretch and grow as your cantor right along
with you. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel beautifully expressed the role of the cantor when he wrote, “The mission of the Cantor is to lead in prayer. [She] does not stand before the Ark as an artist in isolation, trying to demonstrate [her]skill or to display vocal feats. [She] stands before the Ark not as an individual but with a Congregation. [She] must identify [herself ] with the Congregation. [Her] task is to represent as well as to inspire a community.” I pray that I will have many opportunities to connect with each member of this amazing synagogue family. You can help me achieve this by writing or calling when you have news or ideas or feedback to share. And please mark these very important dates to share and celebrate together: Saturday evening, September 8th is the installation of Ida Rae Cahana as Senior Cantor, and on Sunday, November 4th is “Ida Rae and Friends – A Concert of Celebration.” See you soon!