By Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray, Founder of the Women Cantors’ Network, and International Vice Chair, Cantors for Women of the Wall May 12, 2013, 3 Sivan 5773 Justice, justice, we must pursue! It is clear to me that justice means mutual respect and religious pluralism, especially in our holy Jerusalem and at the Kotel, the Western […]
Koch and Moses
Mayor Koch and Moses Recently we read about Yitro, the father in law of Moses and his influence on him. As a leader, Moses looked to Yitro for advice and ideas on how to improve his leadership of the Israelites- Last month we lost a wonderful leader of New York City and a devoted member […]
A Narrow Bridge in Newtown
A Narrow Bridge in Newtown A beloved and well-known rabbi, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov taught “ The whole world is a narrow bridge and the main thing is not to be afraid” The words are used in a popular song called, “ Gesher Tzar Me-od”, meaning “ A Narrow Bridge”. It is often sung with […]
Why I Love Isaac- A lecture by Elie Wiesel
Return to the Akeda-Why I Love Isaac A Lecture by Prof. Elie Wiesel 92nd St Y May 16, 2012 Listening to my teacher and mentor, Elie Wiesel is always a privilege, enlightening, uplifting and moving. Just hearing his voice can put me in a place of learning with an appreciation for his masterful teaching. The words that […]
Dreams Can Come True
Originally published in RJ.org. In the new home of the National Museum of American Jewish History, a Women Cantors’ Network postcard shares space in a display case with one of Bella Abzug’s hats. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined such a pairing. Likewise, in early 1982, neither could I have imagined the founding of the Women […]
30 Years of the Women Cantors’ Network
Founding the Women Cantors’ Network by Deborah Katchko Gray Having grown up in a cantorial family, I was used to hearing the sounds and issues surrounding the cantorate. My father, son of the legendary Adolph Katchko (1886-1958), was a wonderful part-time cantor in his own right, with a full-time liquor store — he used to […]
Tomorrow’s Synagogue Today- Let’s Learn More!
At a recent day of learning for members of the Cantors Assembly, Rabbi Hayim Herring shared his thoughts on “ Tomorrow’s Synagogue Today”. It is also the title of his book, focusing on “creating vibrant centers of Jewish life”. I found it fascinating as I have grown up in synagogues as the daughter of a cantor and […]
Domestic Violence and Dina
When I was asked to give a d’var Torah for the Clergy Task Force, I hoped I would have something relevant to share given our focus on domestic violence. Looking at the Torah portion last week, Vayishlach, the story of Jacob transitioning to the story of Israel and the rape of Dinah and subsequent slaughter of […]
My Experience with Limmud- To Learn
Limmud is an international movement of study and friendship, of Jewish identity and identification. It literally means- “ to learn” and was founded 30 years ago by four educators in l980 as a retreat attended by 70 participants. In 2012, it drew over 2600 Jews from all over the world, the longest Limmud experience, but […]
A Survivor’s Story to Remember
The Jewish Virtual Library on the internet describes the Jewish community of Kromeriz among the oldest of Europe, beginning in 1322 when one Jew as allowed to settle in the town. Moving ahead to 1940 when anti-Semitic laws flourished ending with the an attempt by the Nazis to blow up the synagogue , the community […]