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July 28, 2000/25 Tammuz 5760, Vol. 52, No.46
Letters to the EditorJuly 28, 2000
'Cantor' connotes rigorous trainingEditor:In reference to the article "Beth Israel hires two cantors" (Jewish News, June 30), I would like to clarify the difference between the terms "cantor" and "cantorial soloist." The primary way to become a cantor is through matriculation in a Jewish seminary. In the Reform movement, cantors are trained in a rigorous four-year graduate program at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. The program includes extensive study in Hebrew, liturgy, Jewish history, Reform and traditional Jewish music, cantillation of the Bible, education, Torah, Talmud, Midrash, Jewish philosophy, pastoral counseling and other elective courses. Fieldwork in congregations throughout the country is also an essential aspect of cantorial students' training. Upon satisfactory completion of the college's course work, cantorial students earn a master's degree in sacred music and investiture as cantor. Investiture, like ordination for rabbis, grants clergy status to a cantor. Some cantors receive their training through intensive study with another cantor. In the Reform movement, this study must be with a cantor approved by the American Conference of Cantors, and the candidate must pass an extensive written and oral exam in order to call themselves a "cantor." A cantorial soloist may or may not have training in areas of greater Jewish knowledge. Many simply have appealing voices and can read Hebrew transliteration. The terms are not interchangeable and the title "cantor" should not be applied to just anyone who can sing Jewish music. What if you found out that your doctor was really just a representative to a drug company who decided to take the title "doctor?" Cantor Julie Berlin Temple Solel Paradise Valley Why not use pseudonyms?Editor:I am writing about your policy of always printing the name of the author of an op-ed piece or letter to the editor. Most newspapers allow the use of pseudonyms or withhold names upon request. While you explained that your policy is based on the community's right to know whose opinion they are reading and that it affects the credibility of the paper if writers aren't identified. A "no exceptions" policy has drawbacks. There are times when the use of a pen name or withholding a name is justified. These reasons include:
Joan Zuckerman Scottsdale (Via the Internet) Letters and commentaries appearing in Jewish News include the name of the writer except under rare instances when the editor determines that withholding the name is necessary to protect the writer's identity. -Editor Spare lives of Israeli ScoutsEditor:As I watched the Israeli Scouts of the Israel Friendship Caravan perform in Phoenix recently, their energetic and moving program of Hebrew and English songs and dances, tears came to my eyes. These beautiful youngters will soon be in the Israeli armed forces, and who knows what will befall them. When Abba Eban was asked his comments some years after the peace treaty with Egypt, whereupon Israel gave up the Sinai, he simply said it had spared the lives of thousands of Israeli youngsters. I would add that it not only made a difference to soldiers but also to their parents and grandparents. That is what we should keep in mind when we hear reasons why Israel should not make peace with the Palestinians. For the sake of all those young Israeli lives that could be lost we must support the peace process with all our hearts and minds. Irv Fellner Mesa Seek peaceEditor:My concern for Israel's safety and success leads me to support strongly Prime Minister Barak's efforts to reach a mutual peace with the Palestinian people. The reports of plans for a viable Palestinian state with enough territory and coherence to pursue its own decent future, arrangements for Palestinian neighborhoods of Jerusalem to govern their own internal affairs, and arrangements for the Palestinian capital to be on the outskirts of Jerusalem, all make sense to me. They carry out the ancient Jewish vision - "Seek peace and pursue it" - not just to sit still while it comes or doesn't come, but to take an active role in creating it. Rabbi Arthur Waskow Philadelphia, Pa. (Via the Internet) Man looks for lost relativesEditor:I live in South Australia, where I have been involved in compiling my family history. I have recently become aware that a cousin lived and died in Maricopa County. As part of our family is Jewish, I wonder if Robert Stargatt and his wife Elizabeth were known to any of your readers? I can be reached at stargatt@senet.com.au. Bill Stargatt (Via the Internet) |
