Twenty Years of Music, Community, and Gratitude

Twenty Years of Music, Community, and Gratitude

By Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers

On March 25, the Reform Cantors and Cantorial Soloists of Canada (RCCC) presented a wonderful concert during which I was honoured for 20 years at Holy Blossom Temple, as well as my installation as President of the Guild of Temple Musicians. I was especially touched to be recognized by Cantor Josh Breitzer, President of the American Conference of Cantors, who also shared a moving message from the GTM immediate past president, David Shukiar.

Just two days later, we gathered again for a truly joyous and beautiful celebration of this milestone for the congregation and me. The Kabbalat Shabbat service was especially meaningful, enriched by the presence and participation of cherished colleagues and friends from the cantorial world. I feel profoundly blessed, surrounded by such warmth, generosity, and community. The outpouring of love and appreciation was both humbling and deeply nourishing.

I am sincerely grateful to my HBT colleagues and to everyone whose care and effort made this evening so moving and memorable. And to you, our beloved congregants, thank you for celebrating with me. Your presence, kind words, and heartfelt good wishes mean more than I can express.

I would like to share an excerpt from my remarks during the March 27 celebration.

“It would be easy and accurate to say that time flies, but so much has happened in these twenty years. They have been filled with meaningful services, vibrant events, deep learning, spiritual growth, a good deal of joy, laughter, and a few challenges, just keep things interesting. Through it all, this congregation and its leadership have been a sustaining force for our Temple life and for me personally. You lifted and held my family and me at our most challenging time, reminding me that this Temple is not just a congregation, but a lifelong wellspring of strength and comfort. Our congregants and our staff care about one another. Whether a multi-generational family or newcomer, whatever brings you through our doors, it’s inspiring to watch you inhabit and create fulfilling ways to be in sacred community together.

Our congregants have always been the soul of this community. I am humbled by the dedication, generosity, and heart of our daily service and shiva leaders; our Torah, Haftarah, and Megillah chanters; and the patience and talent of our B’nai Mitzvah tutors. Along with our Brotherhood and Women of Holy Blossom, and dozens of volunteers, Temple is not just growing, it’s blossoming, with seeds planted steadily over many years. The energy is palpable, and the future looks good.

I’ve had the privilege of working with remarkable Rabbis, Cantors, and staff through many transformations, evolutions…and occasionally revolutions: in our team configurations, our building, our outlook, and our reach. It’s an honour to be part of Team HBT, to do what I love, surrounded by brilliant, kind, and dedicated colleagues, and to stand side by side with exceptional partners.

Along the way, I’ve worked, studied, prayed, and led with eleven associate, assistant, or adjunct rabbis, two senior rabbis, three rabbi emeriti, and two senior cantors, each bringing their own gifts while leaving a lasting impression on this Temple and on me. And that’s just the clergy. There have also been four executive directors, nine Temple presidents and more impressive staff and board members than I can count, and I have learned from each one. I feel humbled, honoured and very lucky.

I will always be deeply grateful to Cantor Beny Maissner, Alav HaShalom, who brought me here in 2005, trusted me with his congregation and his bimah, and laid the foundation for me to grow into the Cantorial Soloist I’ve become. The past six years working alongside Cantor David Rosen have allowed me to discover and express new layers of my cantorial identity. It has been deeply meaningful… and I’m happy to say, also a lot of fun.

To my clergy colleagues: Rabbi Splansky, Rabbi Kaye, Rabbi McCarroll, Rabbi Baruchel, and Cantor Rosen, you are not only exceptional in your work, but you are extraordinary people. It is a privilege to be part of this gifted team, and I know we still have much important work ahead of us. Yael, you have been part of my journey from the very beginning. Your support has been constant, generous, and profound. Thank you for everything.”

Thank you for 20 years and counting. May we continue to go from strength to strength, and may it truly be a Shabbat of Shalom.