Finchley Reform Synagogue’s Rabbi Deborah Blausten, Cantor Zöe Jacobs and Rabbi Eleanor Davis
Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) held a whole Shabbat of beautiful celebrations.
The day began with the induction of Rabbi Eleanor Davis and ended with a very special concert celebrating both FRS’ Principal Clergy Cantor Zöe Jacobs and 50 years of women in the cantorate.
Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen gave a sermon, sharing some words of Torah and reflection to celebrate Rabbi Eleanor, her love of all things lunar, and her commitment to teaching, Judaism, community and divinity.
Rabbi Robyn said: “Clergy at their best, just like our Jewish calendar, lead influenced by the moon. The work they do mostly goes unseen, in the shadows, whether that is sitting by a hospital bed, sitting with the bereaved, standing by a graveside, reflecting, preparing and writing words/shiurim that can empower others and weave Judaism into the lives of their community members.
“Clergy know how to navigate the dark and walk by the light of the moon – they are trained to walk this path and do it every day. Through the pandemic, through wars, terror attacks, in the face of complaints and polarisation in the community. They may step into the sun for services, on social media, in inter-faith settings, but it is in the moonlit times where the clergy move and make impact, building relationships, infusing compassion and modelling Jewish values. Driven by their care for community, divinity and desires to enhance the community, at our best, clergy are creative, reflective, insightful practitioners and we/they have never been more needed.
“With these moonlit infused leaders, in sacred partnership with community, with you, Jewish communities have the potential to offer up something vital to our world today.”
The incredible Voices of Light: A Cantorial Celebration concert
Rabbi Eleanor then delivered her own sermon, celebrating the regular work of community: making the mundane our masterpiece.
She said: “I’m looking forward to continuing with you the work of building the daily Jewish life and community that is a blessing to each of us. This community has something so out of the ordinary; I am beyond grateful to be here day after day, working with you as we try together to make the mundane our masterpiece.”
That evening, the synagogue was transformed into a concert hall for Voices of Light: A Cantorial Celebration, a fundraising event celebrating 50 years of women in the cantorate, and Cantor Zöe’s role as Principal Clergy of FRS.
A star-studded performance of cantors and musicians included Cantor Zöe Jacobs, Gareth Malone, Theo Travis, Daniel Cainer, Cantor Sarah Grabiner, Cantor Tamara Wolfson, Cantor Rachel Weston, Student Cantor Chessy Weiner, Judith Silver, Mich Sampson, Rhiannon Humphreys and Leo Nicholson.
Cantor Zöe was also interviewed by The Jewish Chronicle, talking about her background, the incredible people she works with, the importance of music to Jewish services, and the shoulders she is standing on. She told the paper: “The concert honours the fact that I have the privilege of leading this team, that FRS have been brave enough to let a cantor lead a clergy team. That is where the honour is.”
Speaking after the event, she added: “The whole evening was a total joy. I am so grateful for the gift of fabulous colleagues and wonderful friends who helped to celebrate 50 years of women in the cantorate.”
One special moment of the concert was the all-women choir singing the shehecheyanu (blessing for something new or special) and taking us into a new calendar year. You can watch it below.
- Pictures and video by grahams.photos.