Volunteer of the Month: Cantor Marie Betcher

Rabbi Cantor Marie Betcher was certified and invested in 1999 and ordained a rabbi in 2011. She serves as the spiritual leader of Congregation Shir Ami in Cedar Park, Texas.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the ACC?

I was Chair of the Caring Committee for eight years and also served on the budget committee. I was Chair of Convention exhibits for four or five years and also served as a member of the Executive Board of the ACC. When the ACC asks, I always said yes to volunteerism!

What is it about volunteering for the ACC that was most rewarding for you?

Getting to know our  membership and  a sense that you’re making a difference in the lives of our colleagues. This was especially true while serving on the Executive Board. We really worked hard to connect with our membership and find programming to address the concerns of our membership.

What is the best part about being a Cantor?

I love all the lifecycle events in which I officiate. I’m really into connecting with people. My position now is different in many ways and I find the concentration not so much in the musical part of my life. As a cantor one of the things I find most rewarding is moving people during High Holy Days. I enjoy sharing music of various genres  from the great classical works to fabulous new compositions. Music is what moves people. After one of my sermons this past Yamim Noraim, I played the piano and sang Rachelle Nelson’s 'Hashkivenu' and the congregation was so moved. Music even more than words is where you really connect with people.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the cantorate, looking into the future?

We need to take care of ourselves spiritually, emotionally, and professionally and update. By update, I mean that we have to be current to meet the needs of the congregation. We have to be engaging and appealing, in every way!

What influenced you to become a Cantor?

For me, since I finished my Master’s in Vocal Performance, music was my life. I love languages. I love Judaism, and it sort of all came together, especially after my father’s death. You really learn what’s important in life. As Jews, we connect with our spirituality and Judaism and music is THE way to bring it all together.

Tell us one thing about yourself that we might not know and that you would want us to learn about you.

I love riding Harleys. I have a birthday coming up and we’re going to Hawaii and we’re going to take a long Harley ride.