Dear Temple Beth El Family,
We are thrilled to announce that Cantor Danielle Rodnizki will join us as our new Cantor, starting on July 1, 2024. This follows a thorough and extensive national search, initiated in January 2023 after Cantor Thomas announced her new role with the American Conference of Cantors.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to Cantor Jessica Roskin for her invaluable service as our Interim Cantor during this year of transition.
Cantor Rodnizki’s journey, beginning at Temple B’nai Israel in Clearwater, FL, fostered her deep understanding of the role of music in shaping a congregation’s spiritual life. Her early experiences in song leading with the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) and various summer camps, coupled with her work in congregations, paved the way for her cantorial studies.
A proud alumna of Washington University in St. Louis and the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Cantor Rodnizki was ordained in 2020. While in seminary, she was the recipient Rabbi Jacobs Prize for Creativity and Imagination in the Leadership of Worship, including six additional awards and prestigious fellowships. Her internship at Central Synagogue in New York, NY, and her tenure as Associate Cantor at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, NY showcases her remarkable talent and her ability to create an inclusive and engaging environment that resonates with congregants across all ages and stages. Above all, Cantor Rodnizki is a true mensch.
Click to hear recordings and see videos of Cantor Rodnizki.
The search committee was deeply impressed by Cantor Rodnizki’s vision for the cantorate, which skillfully balances the diverse needs of our congregation with the richness of Jewish spiritual practices and music. Her innovative approach, merging a wide range of musical styles to elevate the community’s voices, aligns perfectly with our dynamic and diverse congregation. Additionally, her successful experience developing family-oriented programs and lifelong learning initiatives is inspiring. She is an ideal leader to partner with our clergy and staff to help guide our community towards a vibrant and promising future.
We extend our profound gratitude to the search chairs, Tammy Seigel and Ginger Brock, for their tireless efforts over the last eleven months. We thank the search committee members Lucas Atkins, Jessica Auslander, Richard Carney, Lynne Cojac, Barak Francis, Abby Kleber, Laura Philipson, Howard Seidler, and Ron Townsend for thoughtfully leading us to this joyous moment.
In the coming months, we will share opportunities for you to help welcome Cantor Rodnizki to Charlotte and our Temple Beth El family. In the meantime, please watch a video introduction, below! We eagerly anticipate the inspiring contributions Cantor Rodnizki will bring to our community.
Sincerely,
Alan Kronovet, President
Rabbi Asher Knight
Jonathan Friedman, Chief Operating Officer
