After going downstairs, I immediately went into services being five minutes late. The service was an opportunity to welcome one of our keynote speakers, Cantor Steven Richards. I have had the pleasure of seeing Cantor Richards on multiple occasions under multiple conditions, as a student cantor mentoring under Cantor Richard Botton, as a fellow participant in many other capacities at other conventions and perhaps more recently, when Cantor Richards was honored in San Francisco for his years of service to the ACC and we all lovingly and spontaneously sang his R'tzei (a signature piece of his creation, used by many cantors including myself). It was no surprise that when we got to that part of the Amida today, we once again eased into the very familiar sounds of this piece. What a wonderful sound, when so many people are so masterful with the notes and text at the same time
Services finished, and we very quickly needed to board busses, bound for two special locations. First, we went to the National Civil Rights Museum. I had not been thinking about this place- or how it related to our Nation's history in a larger way. But we were walking around the side of the building..... I saw the sign for the 'motel' on the side of the building, just as it looked 42 years ago this past April. I still didn't get it from then name. Then we rounded the corner, onto a large open area covered in pavers. I looked to my right and payed much closer attention to the outside of this old, run-down motel and then I got it. Just before I noticed the assembled groups near the front.. and before I noticed the large wreath all in white outside his room. This was the very spot that Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed. I was on 'sacred ground' for so many and I was only just starting to remind myself why I even got on those busses today. Boy, did I need that wake up call.
We went inside, no photography allowed, to listen to some important words from Rabbi Micah Greenstein who really is an inspired speaker and humanitarian. After that, we had a tour of the museum by a wonderful docent. She knew exactly where to speak to us- from what place within herself, and with the right inflection and pace that made her words even more relevant. I have always been raised to respect and love all people. I have been known to stand up for those whom I felt were being mistreated. But there is a difference between what I attempt to do, and what Dr. King and so many others did for this cause not so long ago. I have a new perspective to draw from besides my upbringing in Detroit.
We were gently but firmly hurried off to the next place of great social importance- the Church Health Center. Do not be fooled by the name. Although the center was founded with the name 'church' it was started with a very generous donation from the Jewish community, with the understanding that it is the responsibility of many to 'reclaim the Church's biblical commitment to care for our bodies and spirits.' Here, they provide health care and wellness care to the residents of this great city who have no other means of health care for many various reasons. For every dollar they spend on treating patients, they spend another dollar on prevention and wellness care, including exercise classes and life-style management, therapy and vast educational offerings. This is a model for any organization, and for any community- rich or poor.
After a meal provided by Whole Foods, we went back to our hotel for work on our respective plenary sessions. It is here that the very important job of our organization takes place. This long but necessary session happens at every convention, because it is a time when we are guaranteed a quorum for large decisions. I am proud to be serving my group as a member, but as of tomorrow I will be a member of the Executive Board of the ACC, not as an officer but as an elected representative for the East A division, which serves the New York and Connecticut communities. I am honored and excited to do this.
Of course, all things seem to gravitate to the services we experience together. I have to admit. I was very distracted this evening, and did not fully engage in the keynote leadership's offering. I was thinking ahead to the next day's service, where I would be joining a friend (as requested) in singing in her ensemble. We needed to rehearse and then make our way to dinner out of the hotel 'on the town.' Things happend, as they tend to happen, and I had to join my group already in progress. This was not a major problem, as I managed to sit down just as the wonderful server was taking the dinner orders. I sat and ate with some truly amazing people. Colleagues who I already love and respect, who are funny and fun, and who do so much to make our organization better. We laughed, ate.... shared.... and there were others who were sitting with us, who became great resources as well. The Young Composer Award winner, Russell Nadel was among us, and as a lover of music and a teacher of music he will be a powerful force for the future of serious and thought provoking art songs to Jewish texts. Believe it or not, this is a dwindling art and his talents as a composer are directly linked to his spirit as a person. I enjoyed my evening with him as well as Dr. Allan Mason from the GTM who is a gifted musician and keeper of our tradition.
I decided not to make the three second walk to Beale Street and headed back to the hotel for late-night activities. What a good choice this was! Cantor David Berger is one of the funniest guys in the ACC.... and he's also one of the most talented and knowledgeable people about one of the things I love, Israeli music. He was responsible for organizing the late-night and we laughed the entire time. Of course, I got up, and of course I sang... but boy, did I love to listen! What a group. I did not eat the ice cream sundae, but I did sneak a small brownie.
Nighty night......
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