Scotch Plains shul celebrates women’s history
Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains will host “Finding Your Voice: A Weekend with Pioneering Cantors in Honor of Women’s History Month,” February 28 and March 1. The weekend will feature two of Judaism’s modern trailblazers: Susan Mandell, one of the first female clergy, and Kalix Jacobson, one of the first transgender clergy. The program, presented in collaboration with the CBI Sisterhood, is open to the public.
Susan Mandell was the cantor of Temple Emanu-El of Edison for 14 years. She was one of the only female cantors in the 1960s and 1970s. A lifelong Jewish community volunteer, she has won many awards for her leadership and service. She was president of the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, on the national board for Jewish Federations of North America, a cabinet member for the Northeast Region of the UJA, and vice president of the State Association of Jewish Federations.
Kalix Jacobson is the cantor at Temple Emanuel of South Hills in Pittsburgh. Cantor Jacobson was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 2023 and earned a master’s degree in Jewish nonprofit management from the Zelikow School. Kalix Jacobson is one of three nonbinary cantors, all of whom were ordained in 2023.
CBI’s weekend begins with a traditional Shabbat dinner on Friday, February 28, at 6 p.m. Cantor Mandell will lead services, starting at 7:30, and will tell her story, “Finding Her Voice.” An Oneg reception will follow.
On Shabbat morning, beginning at 9:30 a.m., Cantor Jacobson will lead services and discuss “Finding Their Voice,” detailing their story and journey. Afterwards, a kiddush lunch will be followed by “Singing a New Song: Gender Minorities in the Cantorate,” with the cantors.
The weekend ends with a concert on Saturday at 7 p.m., with the cantors performing in a concert, “Finding Your Voice.” They will be joined by CBI’s Cantor Jacob Greenberg, Rabbi Cantor Vicki Axe, senior clergy of Temple Emanu-El in Edison, and pianist Dave Schlossberg. A dessert reception will follow.
While most of the weekend is free to attend, registration is required for all events. To register online, go to www.CBINJ.org/form/WHMShabbat2025 or call (908) 889-1830.
Congregation Beth Israel has been recognized as an ABLE Awarded Congregation by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest for its commitment to inclusion and accommodation for all its members and guests.
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