Kol Isha: from a Female Chazzan's Point of View

[CantorJ <CantorJ...>]

Friends,
As a Reform cantor in a small Jewish community, I would like to share the 
following anecdotal information.

While officiating at funerals for members of my congregation, Orthodox men 
have left the room when I chanted.  At community commemorations of Yom 
Hashoah, the modern Orthodox rabbi remained in the room while I sang; 12 
years earlier, his predecessor effectively ended a community Shabbat service 
by only offering me a speaking part in the liturgy (which, by the way was not 
a true Kabbalat Shabbat liturgy).  

Was I offended by the practice of "kol isha" by members of the Orthodox 
community who choose to practice it?  Not really.  While walking out of a 
service is rude, I felt more sadness that they had not taken the time to find 
a better way to express both their condolences to the family of the deceased 
and observe their particular religious tenets.  I felt anger more anger at 
the rabbi who invoked "kol isha" when he was not even planning a liturgical 
worship and then suggested that the service have no music whatsoever.

The emotional quality of some of the postings on "kol isha" reminds me of 
what my teacher, Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman, has said about beliefs, it goes 
something like this: "You know it's about beliefs when people start shouting 
at each other to prove their point."  Clearly "kol isha" is such a tenet on 
this list.  Some have taken the "live and let live" approach while others 
cannot bear the presence of laws, which they personally do not follow, still 
"being on the books."  Still the shouting continues.

>From where I sit, the reality is that on certain issues there will never be a 
unity among the Jewish people.  We can only hope to understand these issues 
better. Many who have posted about the technicalities of the rabbinic 
discussions on "kol isha" have tried to help us do that.  However, we cannot 
expect that those who hold that practice dear will change just because we 
think it unfair or are offended by it.

I stand with those who urge respect for our differing viewpoints and 
practices.  All our talents are divine gifts, we have an obligation to use 
them for holy purposes.  However, not everyone will choose to be inspired by 
them and, that is their right.
For one, I look forward to continuing the great exchange of information that 
has been the hallmark of this list.

B'drishat shalom,
Cantor Janice Roger
Indianapolis, Indiana