I am extremely excited and enthusiastic to be affiliated with Beth Israel Congregation!
I was born in Philadelphia, PA into an orthodox Jewish family. I grew up immersed in Jewish music, and sang as soloist in my Synagogue choir at the tender age of 13 and I have not stopped since. I studied piano and violin, and later on in life took voice lessons. After several years in musical comedy I decided on an operatic career. I sang in most of the major opera houses in Europe, England, and Germany, and had a very successful career as coloratura soprano. I recorded and sang with some of the greatest conductors and orchestras throughout the world.
When I returned from Europe to sing with the Philadelphia Orchestra, I met and subsequently married the concert pianist Ronald Marlowe. I then became the Cantor at a major synagogue in Philadelphia and, as I could always 'daven', I began my studies with Cantor Max Wohlberg, z.l., of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and who lived in Philadelphia. Cantor Wohlberg created the curriculum at the Cantors Institute at JTS. I studied for four years with him on a weekly basis to learn nusach (liturgical melody). I have been a Conservative Cantor since 1985.
In 1998 my husband and I moved to Maine (fishing is Ron's passion) and I began teaching Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Portland's Temples Beth El and Bet Ha-am I also began conducting services and teaching at Temple Beth Israel in Bangor during their extended search for a new Rabbi. I also started teaching and conducting services at Temple Adas Yoshurun in Rockland during their extended three-year search for a new Rabbi. This year I also taught chanting of some Shabbat services and teaching at Temple Beth El in Portland.
I am very excited about davening and teaching at Beth Israel Congregation here in Waterville and being your "Shaliach Tzibbur" (Emissary of the Congregation) and the possibilities and challenges it offers. I love Jewish music, tradition, teaching and chanting in the Conservative Tradition.
I shall also be on-call at all times for emergencies and any needs of the Congregation.