Partner Program: Finding Your Voice: A Weekend with Pioneering Cantors in Honor of Women’s History Month at Congregation Beth Israel, Scotch Plains, NJ

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scotch Plains will host “Finding Your Voice: A Weekend with Pioneering Cantors in Honor of Women’s History Month” from Friday evening, Feb. 28, through Saturday evening, 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, which is presented in collaboration with the CBI Sisterhood, is open to the public.

Susan Mandell served as the cantor of Temple Emanu-El of Edison, NJ, for 14 years, during a time before women were formally ordained. A graduate of Douglass College, Susan Mandell was one of the only female cantors of the 1960s and 1970s. Cantor Mandell has also been a life-long volunteer in the Jewish community, winning numerous awards for her leadership and service. She served as President of the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, was on the national board for Jewish Federations of North America, was a Cabinet member for the Northeast Region of the UJA, and was vice president of the State Association of Jewish Federations, among other roles.

Kalix Jacobson is the cantor at Temple Emanuel of South Hills in Pittsburgh, PA. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Cantor Jacobson has been working in cantorial spaces since 2014 and has been writing music since the early 2000s. Kalix Jacobson was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 2023, winning numerous awards. Cantor Jacobson also obtained an additional Masters in Jewish Nonprofit Management from the Zelikow School. Kalix Jacobson is one of three nonbinary cantors, all of whom were ordained from the same cohort in 2023.

“We are excited to host this one-of-a-kind program with two groundbreaking colleagues,” said Jacob Greenberg, Cantor of Congregation Beth Israel. “Having had the opportunity to already hear some of their stories, music, and scholarship, I know this weekend will be inspiring for people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Congregation Beth Israel’s weekend will start with a traditional Shabbat dinner on Friday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. Cantor Mandell will then lead Friday evening services, starting at 7:30 p.m. During services, Cantor Mandell will present, “Finding Her Voice,” relaying her story and journey. An Oneg dessert reception will follow. 

The weekend continues with Shabbat morning services on Saturday, March 1, starting at 9:30 a.m.. Cantor Kalix Jacobson will lead services and present, “Finding Their Voice,” detailing their story and journey. A free kiddush lunch will follow services. After lunch, Cantors Mandell and Jacobson will lead a discussion and Q&A entitled, “Singing a New Song: Gender Minorities in the Cantorate.” 

The weekend culminates with a concert on Saturday evening, March 1, at 7 p.m. Cantors Jacobson and Mandell will perform in a concert called, “Finding Your Voice.” They will be joined by CBI’s Cantor Jacob Greenberg and Rabbi Cantor Vicki Axe, senior clergy of Temple Emanu-El in Edison. Dave Schlossberg will play piano. A dessert reception will follow the concert. 

"Our Sisterhood is thrilled to collaborate with Cantor Greenberg and CBI in presenting this exceptional program that highlights true pioneers,” said Ariel Rubin, President of Congregation Beth Israel’s Sisterhood. “Cantors Mandell and Jacobson have embraced their authentic selves, something we all aspire to do.  We cannot wait to hear their stories and listen to their beautiful music."  

While most of the “Finding Your Voice” weekend is free to attend, registration is required for all events. To register online, go to: https://www.cbinj.org/form/whmshabbat2025. Friday night dinner costs $22 per adult (13+) and $12 per child (2-12). Children under 2 are free. Tickets for Saturday night’s concert are $18 per person, with further sponsorship opportunities available.

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.

For questions or to request accommodations, call the synagogue office at 908-889-1830.

Congregation Beth Israel is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, NJ (corner of Martine Avenue).