Join us as we celebrate the past, present, and future of women in the cantorate and honor the trailblazing legacy of Cantor Barbara Ostfeld! Cantor Ostfeld made history in 1975 when she became the first woman ordained as a cantor, paving the way for countless other women to follow in her footsteps.
Cantor Ostfeld’s impact on Jewish music and the Reform movement is undeniable. She has served as a role model for aspiring cantors, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and challenge traditional gender roles within the Jewish community. Her dedication to music, education, and social justice has left an indelible mark on the Jewish world. Learn more about Cantor Barbara Ostfeld: Wikipedia: Barbara Ostfeld | Biography
Fri, Jan 31 | 6:30 PM Dinner | 8:00 PM Shabbat Service
We are honored to welcome Cantor Barbara Ostfeld as our guest cantor this Shabbat. Please register for dinner.
Sat, Feb 1, 7:30 PM
Our celebration of 50 Years of Women in the Cantorate continues with a concert featuring Cantor Barbara Ostfeld, our own cantors and cantors from around the DMV. The concert will take place in our sanctuary with a reception immediately following in the Social Hall. Concert and book discussion attendees will receive Cantor Ostfeld’s book free (one per household) at the event. If you would like to pick up your copy in advance, please stop by the main reception desk anytime the Temple is open. Please register.
Sun, Feb 2, 10:00 AM
Hear from Cantor Barbara Ostfeld about her book Catbird: The Ballad of Barbi Prim, which reflects on her journey to becoming the first female ordained cantor. “The world meets an insightful, opinionated eight-year-old who’s already taken a few steps toward becoming a pioneer–but also a shadow of her quirky self. Although she’s corroded–sometimes literally–by a toxic but familiar social atmosphere, her love of singing propels her to become the first ordained woman cantor in 3,000 years of Jewish history. A family crisis exposes old and enduring wounds, but she begins to rescue herself–by diligently going to therapy–and embarks on an imperfect but perpetual metamorphosis, becoming the well-coiffed heroine of her own story. Barbara Ostfeld shows us that we are all brave pioneers–at becoming our true selves.”
