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Professional development is a crucial component of being a good professional. You certainly would want your accountant to be knowledgeable in the current IRS regulations as opposed to
an audit and sizable fine. You would want your doctor to be familiar with the newest techniques and practices as well as medicines. You would want your attorney familiar with the newest changes to the law. How does that apply to Cantors?

First you should know that the Cantors Assembly, of which I am senior Vice President, is the professional organization of Conservative Cantors, with over 600 members. It provides a range of services to its members, such as placement, publications, pension, disability insurance and professional development. I am currently at the Cantors Assembly convention in Minneapolis (the home of our current president). We don’t sit by the pool all day drinking margaritas and then at the bar all night drinking scotch, although the concept is appealing. So what do we do?

This year’s convention features three tracks: self-care; acquisition of skill sets for younger Cantors; new and best practices. I will be teaming up with a colleague to teach young colleagues how to craft a eulogy, as there are times when the Cantor is the sole clergy at a
funeral. There is a read-through of the newest musical publications. There are performances of selections of newest musical works. There are themed recitals. And then there are the famous evening concerts. Depending upon the venue, there can be a piano, orchestra and/or chorus. There are two or three different types of minyanim in the morning (I’m leading Shacharit on Wednesday), afternoon and evening, so you can experience a wide range of voices and
davening styles. Each attendee will be encouraged this year to select one track, and attend all of the sessions of that track.

Spending time with dear friends, some whom I’ve known for over forty years is always enjoyable, hearing updates on their lives and sharing family photographs. I also can hear about new and different programming, and we share the common challenges that we face and debate solutions. Yet the biggest uplift I have found from this convention is the pride in being part of such a wonderful group of human beings devoted to a noble calling that goes back over two
millennia, in fact pre-dating the rise of the rabbinate.

And before I forget, mark your calendars for May 18-22, 2025. That is when I will be installed as president of the Cantors Assembly, at the Seaview in Galloway, NJ, just outside of Atlantic City. You are all most warmly invited. This past weekend I celebrated my fortieth anniversary of my ordination. I recited the Shehecheyanu bracha in gratitude to God for enabling me to serve the Jewish community. May I merit God’s blessings to be able to continue to do so.