who have made donations in support of our conference at the following levels over and above their annual dues from August 1, 2012 through May 30, 2013:

Ro'im- Visionaries
(Cumulative gifts of $1,800 and over per year)
Cantor Susan Caro
Cantor Richard Cohn
Cantor Jennifer Frost
Cantor Mark Goldman
Cantor John Kaplan
Cantor David Margules
Cantor Marshall Portnoy
Cantor Tracey Scher
Cantor Steven Weiss

Bonim - Builders
(Cumulative gifts of $1,000 to $1,799 per year)
Cantor Rabbi Gabriella Arad
Cantor Rosalie Boxt
Cantor Laura Croen
Cantor Claire Franco
Cantor David Goldstein
Cantor Tanya Greenblatt
Cantor Kay Greenwald
Cantor Deborah Hartman
Cantor Marcy Kadin
Cantor Leigh Korn
Cantor Kerith Spencer-Shapiro
Cantor Debra Stein
Cantor Jodi Sufrin

Chasidim - Supporters
(Cumulative gifts from $361 to $999 per year)

Cantor Roslyn Barak
Cantor David Berger
Cantor Rabbi Arlene Bernstein
Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher
Cantor Susan Bortnick
Cantor Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Cantor Mark Childs
Cantor Lori Corrsin
Cantor Roy Einhorn
Cantor Vicky Glikin
Cantor Jonathan Grant
Cantor Peter Halpern
Cantor Bradley Hyman
Cantor Deborah Jacobson
Cantor Aviva Katzman
Cantor Evan Kent
Cantor Penny Kessler
Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein
Cantor Sharon Kohn
Cantor Ted Labow
Cantor Susan Levine
Cantor Arik Luck
Cantor Mikhail Manevich
Cantor Barbara Margulis
Cantor Rachelle Nelson
Cantor Martha Novick
Cantor Barbara Ostfeld
Cantor Samuel Radwine
Cantor Jacqueline Rawiszer
Cantor David Rosen
Cantor Sarah Sager
Cantor Randall Schloss
Cantor Lisa Segal
Cantor Linda Shivers
Cantor Robbie Solomon
Cantor Seth Warner
Cantor Josee Wolff
Cantor Cheryl Wunch
Cantor Natalie Young

Chaverim - Friends
(Cumulative gifts of up to $360 per year)

Cantor Sarah Lipsett-Allison
Cantor Lisa Arbisser
Cantor Theodore Aronson
Cantor Wendy Autenrieth
Rabbi Vicki Axe
Cantor Lauren Bandman
Cantor Shannon McGrady Bane
Cantor Kathy Barr
Cantor David Bentley
Cantor Susan Berkson
Cantor Julie Berlin
Cantor Rabbi Richard Berman
Cantor Suzanne Bernstein
Cantor Jennifer Bern-Vogel
Cantor Mark Biddelman
Cantor Sheri Blum
Cantor Annie Bornstein
Cantor Rabbi Richard Botton
Cantor Renata Braun
Cantor Joshua Breitzer
Cantor Paul Buch
Cantor Ida Rae Cahana
Cantor Sheldon Chandler
Cantor Galit Dadoun Cohen
Cantor Hans Cohn
Cantor Amy Daniels
Cantor Michael Davis
Cantor Lynda Dresher
Cantor Linda Ecker
Cantor Leah Elstein
Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy
Cantor Rebecca Fletcher
Cantor Lori Frank
Cantor David Frommer
Cantor Morris Glazman
Cantor Marla Goldberg
Cantor Dorothy Goldberg
Cantor Margot Goldberg
Cantor Elizabeth Goldmann
Cantor Israel Goldstein
Cantor Donna Gordon
Cantor Rebecca Goren
Cantor Julie Yugend-Green
Cantor Rabbi Jon Haddon
Cantor Audrey Halpern
Cantor Kat Hastings
Cantor Luke Hawley
Cantor Frederick Herman
Cantor Patricia Hickman
Cantor Gail Hirschenfang
Cantor Murray Hochberg
Cantor Mark Horowitz
Cantor Florence Friedman Hurwitz
Cantor Kenneth Jaffe
Cantor Aaron Kaplan
Cantor Nancy Kassel
Cantor Alane Katzew
Cantor Jason Kaufman
Cantor Ilene Keys
Cantor Todd Kipnis
Cantor Jeffrey Klepper
Cantor Michel Laloum
Cantor Regina Lambert-Hayut
Cantor Allen Leider
Cantor Lorna Lembeck
Cantor Janet Leuchter
Cantor Lisa Levine
Cantor Martin Levson
Cantor Barbra Lieberstein
Cantor Melvin Luterman
Cantor Jan Mahler
Cantor Benjamin Maissner
Cantor Emily Sleeper Mekler
Cantor Jacob Mendelson
Cantor Fredda Mendelson
Cantor Sheldon Merel
Cantor Shira Nafshi
Cantor Judith Naimark
Cantor Sally Neff
Cantor Daniel Pincus
Cantor Sarah Pscheidt
Cantor David Reinwald
Cantor Stephen Richards
Cantor Elias Roochvarg
Cantor Donn Rosensweig
Cantor Chanin Rosen
Cantor Jessica Roskin
Cantor Pavel Roytman
Cantor Dr. Bruce Ruben
Cantor Elizabeth Sacks
Cantor Wally Schachet-Briskin
Cantor Jodi Schechtman
Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller
Cantor Judith Seplowin
Cantor Nitza Amit Shamah
Cantor Darcie Sharlein
Cantor Sandra Sherry-Pilatsky
Cantor Mikhal Shiff-Matter
Cantor Kari Siegel-Eglash
Cantor Wayne Siet
Cantor Paul Silbersher
Cantor Gershon Silins
Cantor Scott Simon
Cantor Jill Spasser
Cantor Rachel Spilker
Cantor Deborah Staiman
Cantor Jeffrey Stock
Cantor Meredith Stone
Cantor Louise Treitman
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky
Cantor Severin Weingort
Cantor Roger Weisberg
Cantor Menorah Winston
Cantor Cory Winter
Cantor David Wisnia
Cantor William Wood

From Our President:
Allons Y!

Having lived the majority of my life in North America, I consider myself an American in almost every way. Of course quaint British traditions such as afternoon tea, fish and chips, and strawberries & cream at Wimbledon remain staples of this American cantor's life. A friend who recently visited London after many years commented on the remarkable growth and evolution of the city as well as the seamless melding of 21st century architecture with buildings dating back over 500 years.

As members of the largest body of professional cantors in the world, we've witnessed a remarkable transformation both in terms of music and in terms of our clergy and professional status in synagogue life.

On a daily basis we're called upon to be teacher, preacher, musician, counselor, and even "cruise director!"

Our services are often a melding of various styles, instrumentation, and genre in an effort to produce a seamless and effective prayerful experience.

Our conference has responded remarkably well to the changes in Jewish and synagogue life that have enveloped our community over the past number of years.

Post "great recession," we find ourselves in an enviable position of close to zero unemployment, stable salaries, and a strong financial base. Over and above these materialistic realities, many members of our Conference are involved in every facet of congregational and communal life, touching and impacting souls, bringing happiness, spirituality, and meaning to hundreds of thousands of lives.

This period coined by so many as "transformative change" presents our conference with a unique opportunity to lead and inspire our communities as we continue to support and serve the needs of our constituent members.

In an ever evolving and challenging institutional Jewish landscape, we must look to the future as we envision Jewish life in the coming decades of this century. The role and place of ordained cantorial clergy in Jewish life must not only remain relevant and desirable, but indeed should be indispensable. Rather than responding to change, we must become the catalyst for change, indeed thought leaders within our own communities and in Jewish life.

Your leadership team believes that the time is ripe for the American Conference of Cantors to embark upon a process of strategic planning and visioning. Although we are in the very early stages of this process, it is safe to say that it will involve the participation and input of every member of our conference.

I'm looking forward to sharing more details as this process unfolds.
In the words of another great British tradition and staple, Dr. Who (just google). Allons Y - Let's get going!

With warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, and inspiring year.

Mark Goldman

New Beginnings

by Jacki Rawiszer

"Keep on rollin', keep on rollin' ooh, ooh, ooh" - Roll With the Changes (REO Speedwagon)

As the year 5774 approaches and we celebrate new beginnings as colleagues and friends, our Koleinu this month highlights the diversity of our membership as our contributors reflect on special new moments of transition in their lives. We hope you enjoy listening to their voices and finding connection with their stories.

After many years of extraordinary stewardship, Penny Kessler has decided to step down as editor of Koleinu. Her dedication, insight, and skill has enabled us to grow to the next level where our publication can continue to add meaning, humor, and depth to our individual and collective experience as Reform cantors in the 21st century. We deeply thank Penny for sharing her many gifts so generously and are grateful for her continued support.

In this time of renewal and transition we are delighted welcome Miriam Eskenasy as the new editor of Koleinu. Miriam brings great strength, energy, compassion and an eagle eye to her new role as we continue to help further realize the vision of our conference through this important communications vehicle.

Wishing you and your families sweetness and peace in this new year.

B'ahavah,

Jacki

From our Treasurer

by David Margules

The leadership of the American Conference of Cantors is dedicated to a strong future for our organization, one of growth and relevance in a liberal Jewish movement that continues to evolve and change.

With this dues increase, we are assured a future that together we will define on the bedrock of a sound financial foundation.

As our conference grows we will be able to support employment counseling for our members, financial backing to promote the work and name of our conference and it's constituent members, secure sorely needed larger office space in Schaumburg, IL, and continue to support and sustain our professional staff. All of this as we continue to serve and inspire our growing membership.

As we examine who we are today as an organization, we can move forward together dreaming of a future that our strong and prudent financial planning has enabled us to implement.

Thank you all for your support, commitment and trust.

I am pleased to announce that the plenum in Minneapolis approved a restructuring of dues, adding two additional tiers as well as small increases in the percentages across all income levels. This will be effectuated for our 2014/15 fiscal year.

My relationship with God remains a constant - even in hospital rooms

by Sarah Krevsky

This September I will begin my first full time job as a cantor. I will not be starting out serving a synagogue, but instead as a chaplain resident for the VA in New York City. A non-traditional beginning, perhaps, but one that I've gravitated towards since the beginning of my cantorial studies.

The first time I realized that I loved chaplaincy was shortly before I applied for cantorial school. I volunteered at a nursing home in the Philadelphia suburbs where I led short Shabbat services for the residents. One particular week, my supervisor asked me to lead services for residents on the dementia unit. A bit nervous about what I would encounter I took a deep breath, walked in, and started greeting the residents with a friendly "Good Shabbos!"

(Read more!)

Ushering our beloved tradition unto future generations

by Sam Radwine

Early in my cantorial career, I overheard a comment by a recently retired colleague that was extremely troubling. "I can honestly say that I could NOT recommend the cantorate to someone who was considering a career", was his pronouncement as his cantorial career was coming to a close. Though I was shocked by his admission, I sought to understand his perspective. At the time (the early '80s), his experience perhaps reflected others of his generation. The cantorial world that he had entered decades before had changed. Indeed, modern synagogue life was evolving into something different, something new. Additionally, the demographics of the community that he had served for decades had changed. Older communities were losing members through attrition and changing neighborhoods. (Read more!)

Checkpoints

by Leah Elstein

Several Shabbatot ago, as the Saturday morning minyan at my congregation and I were finishing our reading of the book of Numbers, I took the opportunity to use our Torah discussion time during services to connect with one of my students who was to become a bar mitzvah the following Shabbat. This student and I had been studying together since immediately after the High Holy Days last year, and while he took easily to his bar mitzvah studies, he had spent a great deal of time preparing for the momentous occasion that was to occur the following week. I started the Torah discussion by asking my student about the Israelites journey through the wilderness, and what he made of where they stood as the book of Devarim was about to begin. Was this a radically new chapter in their lives? Was it a continuation of the journey they had been on for years? Without pause, this young man responded with the following: It's a checkpoint. A checkpoint. I let the wisdom of this student of mine turn in my mind for a few moments, savoring his perspective.

(Read more!)

Have you heard yourself say "I'm going to Israel!"

by Davd Berger

I don't know about you, but every time I hear the words "I'm going to Israel" coming out of my own mouth, I get excited! Knowing that I'm heading back to Israel just fills me up with expectation and hope, creativity and connectivity, and music and passion. Join me in my excitement. Say those four words out loud - "I'm going to Israel!"

We, the ACC and GTM, are going to Israel together next summer. Our week-long conference will be filled to the brim - learning the latest trends in Israeli society and culture; traveling from one end of the country to the other in search of insight and inspiration; listening to the newest music coming from Israel; singing our sacred songs alongside our Israeli brethren, and, finally, with praying .

Our convention committee is tirelessly working to make sure that every opportunity is maximized - every minute you are with us and every dollar you spend is designed to enrich, inspire, and rejuvenate you and the communities you serve.

There are too many exciting plans to share each of them right now - so I thought I would instead wet your appetite by telling you in detail about two rare opportunities we are especially thrilled to offer you.

(Read more!)

The "Mini Apple" was Delicious!

by Sarah Lipsett Allison

Our 2013 ACC/GTM convention was held in the City of Lakes, Minneapolis, Minnesota, from June 29th through July 4th. This year we celebrated the ACC's 60th anniversary, and were treated to Rabbi Gary Zola's fascinating keynote: Profiles In American Jewish Courage: The 60th anniversary of the founding of the American Conference of Cantors (ACC), in which he discussed the meaning of historical milestones and significant anniversaries.

(Read More!)

Chai

Chai Fund Donations

May 31, 2013 to August 16, 2013

In memory of William Bernard, father of Cantor Andrew Bernard: Cantor Susan Caro

In honor of the birth of Mikala Jasmine Bortnick, daughter of Cantor Susan Bortnick: Cantor Marshall Portnoy

In honor of Cantor Laura Croen's 25 years as cantor: Rabbi Jonathan Roos, Temple Sinai

In honor of Don Croll: Cantor Marshall Portnoy

In memory of the father of Cantor Betsey Peters-Epstein: Cantor Deborah Staiman

In honor of Cantor Barbara Finn-remembering over 20 years of rooming together at ACC Convention: Cantor Marie Betcher

In honor of Cantors Deborah Hartman and Rosalie Boxt: Lois Simpson

In honor of Cantor Jenny Izenstark: Cantor Elizabeth Goldmann

In memory of Cantor Sharon Kunitz from the DFSSM Class of 2011

In honor of Gene Laks, r'fuah sh'leimah: Cantor Sharon Kohn

Memory of Sandy Moore, mother-in-law of Cantor Mary Thomas: Cantor Jamie Marx

In memory of Joseph S. Pinsel: Mr. Kenneth Moody-Arndt

In honor of Joshua Romalis: Cantors Elizabeth Goldmann and Marshall Portnoy

In honor of Cantor Howard Stahl, r'fuah sh'leimah: Cantor Marshall Portnoy

General Chai Fund donations: Cantors Dana Anesi , Naomi Cards and Josee Wolff

Chesed Fund Donations

In honor of Cantor Amy Daniels and Scott Daniels son Jacob's marriage to Duygu: Cantor Florence Friedman Hurwitz

In memory of Cantor Sharon Kunitz: Cantors Lisa Arbisser, Marshall Portnoy Judith Seplowin and Sarah Rosen, Zev Sonnenstein

In memory of Cantor Sharon Kunitz and GTM member David Henig: Cantor Kat Hastings

Chesed Fund Donations: Cantors Burton Borovetz, Amy Daniels, Peter Halpern, Frederick Herman, Steven Weiss and Temple Sha'aray Shalom

Enhanced Dues

Thank you to our members who have enhanced their dues in the amount of $360 or more for fiscal year 2013-14.

Cantor Jennifer Frost
Cantor Deborah Hartman
Cantor Andrea Rae Markowicz
Cantor Alicia Stillman

Additional Highlights from the 2013 Board and Plenary Meetings

The ACC Board, by unanimous proclamation, voted to sponsor and support the Women of the Wall 25th anniversary mission with a donation of $1,000.
Cantors Bruce Ruben and Jodi Schechtman announced that "the College-Institute hereby grants all graduates of the DFSSM (SSM) retroactive ordination status."
The 2013-14 budget was passed by the Plenum.
The dues restructuring proposal for 2014-15 was passed by the Plenum.
Cantor David Frommer introduced the Plenum to the possibility of Military Chaplancy as a career path.
2012-13 Board members Cantors Marie Betcher, Brad Hyman, Susan Levine, Lisa Segal, and Kerith Spencer-Shapiro were discharged from their duties.
Cantors Seth Warner, Kerith Spencer-Shapiro, and Dan Singer were appointed to the ACC Board to fill vacant positions.
The ACC board, by unanimous proclamation, voted to approve a cantor congregation mutual review process. The next stage of the process will be approval from the NCCCR (National Commission On Cantor Congregational Relationships).
GTM Ethics Document was approved by the GTM board

Upcoming Events! Save the dates! Important Information!

See the ACC calendar for a complete list of important dates. Don't forget to update the ACC with any new contact information.

Hava Tefilah: Engaging in Worship in Our Communities (a CCAR/ACC partnership program) in October 7-8, 2013, New York City! Registration Deadline: September 10, 2013 (Read more)
Israel Convention! June 30 to July 8, 2014.

Don't forget to update Chaverweb with your new contact information!

American Conference of Cantors

1305 Remington Road, Suite D

Schaumburg, IL 60173

847-781-7800

847-781-7801 (fax)