[HANASHIR:15050] Re: cantorial certification

[Danielkare <Danielkare...>]

In a message dated 8/10/2003 10:33:18 AM Central Standard Time, 
ros_schwartz (at) yahoo(dot)ca writes:

> program, to study with single-minded devotion, four years to certification.
> 
> But sometimes personal and financial constraints make this impossible. 
> It's not as simple as saying "personal sacrifice is needed", if other 
> people are involved, or if there is simply not enough money.
> 

I think the need for alternative certification arises because so many people 
are being drawn to Judaism at a later age...i.e. midlife crisis, getting back 
to Jewish roots, wanting to fulfill their dreams.  Alternative teaching and 
learning is happening on college campuses all over the country, 
online/part-time, executive type programs of all types, even online medical 
school courses.  I 
would like to think Jewish institutions would STRONGLY encourage every single 
person who feels a "calling" to be a rabbi or cantor to find a way to achieve 
this, somehow.  Our people needs all the leaders it can possibly grow, as 
many as possible, to teach and carry on our traditions, because that will make 
us 
stronger.  

Although I've been told several times, Oh, you should be a cantor, I feel I 
lack the money, the time, the music theory knowlege...and am not pursuing this 
for myself, at this point! but I wish everyone who wants this all the courage 
and strength, and the opportunity to make your dreams come true.

-Karen Daniel