Ritual Committee Updates

July 22, 2022 update

Dear Beth El community,

Rabbi Josh and I are happy to tell you that after concerted effort over the past six weeks, we have lined up a gifted and stable cohort of cantorial leaders to collaborate with him on Shabbat mornings over the coming year. We have also identified a lovely and talented High Holiday cantorial soloist, Lisa Jane Lipkin, who will lead us in song and prayer for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Here is the plan for our Saturday morning leadership throughout the year:

  • Lisa Lipkin will lead two Shabbat mornings per month during this period.
  • Rabbi Lev Friedman will lead two Shabbat mornings per month during this period.
  • Two other guest leaders — Cantor Louise Treitman and Cantor Marcie Jonas — may also occasionally lead with the rabbi during this time. 
  • Zach Mayer will give a musical offering (probably on a Sunday) in May 2023 — stay tuned for more info!

Mah Chadash will provide the names of the cantorial leader partnering with Rabbi Josh each Shabbat, so everyone will know whom to expect each week. B’nai mitzvah tutoring will be offered by members of our congregation who will be compensated for this important and time-consuming work. This arrangement is projected to save the community roughly $23,000 from what was originally allocated for ritual coverage in this transition year.

At this time, I have made the decision to step down as VP of Tefilah. I have spent a great deal of my free time this past year on Beth El leadership activities during this challenging first year since Lorel’s retirement. I now need to reestablish a work-life balance in my life. The ritual committee’s leadership will now be in the competent hands of Toby Kopman and Judith Lytel, co-VPs of Tefilah, who will work closely with Rabbi Josh.

Kind regards,

Carolyn Schwartz