Dear Friends, With great excitement our Cantor arrives today in America! For two years we conducted an extensive search for the most talented cantor who would be a great fit for our congregation, and we found the wonderful Cantor Ines Kapustiansky. She will lead us in our first service next Friday, July 8th. This is a historical moment in the life of our congregation. Please join us for this festive event, as we lift our spirits and our voices in song in a celebration of Jewish life and hope. In Psalms it says “Sing unto God a new song!” Rashi teaches “What is a new song? One that renews our strength (Koach) and our purpose (Kevanah).” Our Cantor’s voice and spirit reminds me of Joan Baez who inspired a generation of Americans in spiritual renewal to overcome the social chaos of the 1960’s. I believe our Cantor possesses a similar power to lift our souls with joy and renew our drive to make this world, in 2022, a better place. Cantor Kapustiansky is an ordained Cantor having completed a five-year graduate study program at the Seminary for Rabbinical and Cantorial Studies in Argentina. She is a trained therapist who earned a degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. For five years she ran a Jewish school of over 600 students in Buenos Aires. She brings a great intellect and a great heart to our community. She is a highly educated clergy professional who has lead weddings, funerals, b’nai mitzvah ceremonies, baby namings and more. Please come next Friday night and personally welcome her to our community. Invite her to your home to meet your family to make the social and spiritual connections that will strengthen us as a community. There will be only one “First Shabbat” for our Cantor. It is July 8th at 6:30pm. This is the definition of a shehechiyanu moment. Please come and say “Bruchim HaBa’im,” we welcome you with blessings. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi David Wilfond |