Volunteer of the Month: Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher

This month’s honored volunteer is Marie Betcher. 

Why do you volunteer for the ACC?  How do you make time for volunteering in your busy schedule?

I believe that as Jews, it is our duty to give back by volunteering. For many years I volunteered for No Kill Rescue Animal Shelters but now I am concentrating on the ACC.  Volunteering for the ACC is one of the most important things in my life. I can only do so much and right now the ACC is my priority. It’s such an honor to be able to help.  As I am the only professional on staff at my congregation (all others are volunteers), I am keenly aware of the dedication, time commitment and work our ACC volunteers do for us! As my husband and I have no children, I can accomplish things late at night.  I’ve resigned from two other boards as the ACC takes precedence over all else.

What projects are you currently involved in with the ACC?  What past involvements have given you exceptional memories?

I am currently chair of the Caring Committee. I make personalized cards to send to our members in need.  People love the cards. I was also Exhibits Chair for the Memphis convention and have accepted the position again and am already working on exhibits for the upcoming convention in Boston. When I was asked to help with the Memphis convention I said I’d do anything that was needed. I was assigned exhibits. I didn’t know anything at all about obtaining vendors but quickly  learnedquickly learned by doing, and now my goal is to have twice as many exhibitors in Boston. The first time I volunteered for the ACC was for the Houston Convention. I worked on the bags that are given out to all the attendees. Through that I met a lot of people.  Everybody I worked with was really wonderful and the ACC did a wonderful  jobwonderful job of thanking everyone.

How do you try to inspire Jewish young people?

Since I am the sole Clergy and Spiritual Leader and Leader, and Director of Education for my congregation–(Rabbi, Cantor, Dir. of Ed., Publicity, etc.), -I have lots of many opportunitiesty to inspire the young people.  I try to keep “young” in my thinking. I try to be a fun leader and not a stick- in- the- mud.  I have to say,  –I  have returned from our ACC conventions and have used many ideas gained from them (i.e. Storahtelling or forming a rock band in our Beatles Purimshpiel that I wrote). I served four years at Green Family Camp which emphasized the experience of having fun with the kids. I invite our children’s choir to our annual service of Blessing of the Animals. I get the children on the bima for almost everything we do.  Our post-b’nai mitzvah students lead pretty much the entire Yom Kippur Mincha service.  Of course, music is an inspiration for them and I try many innovative programs with the children.

What do you like to do that is completely unrelated to your cantorate?

I like to ride Harleys. I’ll never forget ridding the Harley up to my Shul....my Rabbi at the time loved it! I no longer own a Harley but I often borrow one from my neighbors and friends. I love animals and I work with No Kill Shelters. I volunteer for events – one-shot deals.

My husband, Jonathan, and I rescued two beautiful babies form from Poodle Rescue of Houston. I guess, in a way, I do have “children” now! I am blessed to have a Senior choir (remember the movie ‘Young at Heart’?!) called the Dell Tones. They are sponsored by Jewish Family Service and we perform 1-2 times a month. I also personally visit many nursing homes each month. I like to sit with the elderly –any elderly, Jew and non-Jew alike.  My Mom took us when we were little and I continue to do it.  We also love to travel and visit my relatives in northern Italy.