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June 8, 2007
Changes for Har El
The search for a new cantor and ED begins.
KYLE BERGER
Congregation Har El in West Vancouver has recently announced a
few changes to various leadership positions both on and off the
bimah.
After several years as the congregation's lay cantor, Hebrew school
teacher and tutor, Naomi Taussig has decided that, with a young
family, she is unable to expand her cantorial duties.
In a recent letter to the congregation, Rabbi Shmuel Birnham shared
the story of how Taussig's voice captured his attention three-and-a-half
years ago.
"Naomi came up to me a few days before Shemini Atzeret and
asked me if I needed any help during the upcoming holy days,"
he wrote. "I said, 'Well, since you asked, do you think you
could learn the prayer for rain coming up on Shemini Atzeret?'
"Shemini Atzeret arrived and she led such a powerful and beautiful
Musaf service, including the Geshem prayer, that Bram Solloway and
I both said to each other: 'She's got to lead our High Holy days
next year!' "
Taussig was soon hired to be the lay cantor for the shul's High
Holy Day services, which eventually turned into regular Shabbat
appearances.
"Naomi touched many with her voice and her passion," Birnham
wrote. "With her amazing musical memory and moving voice and
presence, she led many a service on Shabbos.
"By her third year at Har El, Naomi had taken us to a new level
in our services and we obviously wanted to continue to go higher,"
the rabbi continued. "At the very same time, understandably,
as we wanted and needed more of her, she wanted and needed more
time with her [family]."
Cantor Steve Levin has agreed to join Har El part-time for Shabbat
duties this summer as the congregation works on longer-term plans
for cantorial leadership.
"We look forward to Cantor Levin's experience, expertise and
deep knowledge of Jewish music to augment our services," Birnham
said.
A special Shabbat of appreciation will take place Saturday, June
23 to recognize Taussig's contributions to the shul.
Har El and executive director Neil Loomer have also mutually agreed
to part ways as of June 30.
The synagogue's executive committee is currently in the process
of searching for a replacement to lead the business side of its
community.
Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer
living in Richmond.
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