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Cantor Janet Ilene Roth 

I have been fortunate to be able to take my greatest loves-Judaism and Music-and combine them together into a fulfilling career as Cantor here at the SJCC.

Being Cantor of the SJCC involves much more than just singing at services. I find myself immersed in so many aspects of synagogue life, including adult and children's choirs, religious school, b'nai mitzvah education, adult education, hospital visitations, cultural programs, concerts, family services, nursery school, the Interfaith Council, and life cycle events, to name a few.

I believe in upholding and maintaining our beautiful musical tradition, yet, at the same time, I like to look at current trends in Jewish music and prayer for possible ideas on how to integrate the spiritual and cultural aspects of Judaism even more creatively.

Music is my path through the liturgy and to the divine. When I look at the text of a prayer-even one that is not sung-I hear music...for me it is the music that illuminates the text and fills me with emotion as we worship together. Through my singing I try to share my vision and emotion with the congregation.

I believe that our religious services have something for everyone...davening, chanting, melody, harmony, time to pray silently, time to listen, time to burst out into song...and even, occasionally, a little hazzanut-the art of interpretive expression of the liturgy. We encourage our members to participate in services by singing together, by chanting Torah, by leading from the bimah, by listening actively, and by being part of the process by which we seek to enhance our communal worship even further.

I've been so fortunate over the years to be able to put my ideas into practice at the SJCC, with the unflagging support of Rabbi Friedman, Rabbi Horn, the Board of Trustees, the members of the congregation who work with me on various projects, and the shul as a whole. Truly we have a partnership of clergy and congregants here at the SJCC; the fact that our members are so involved is what makes it all work.

I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact me at cantor@summitjcc.org or by phone at the SJCC.

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