Cantor's Bulletin

Reminiscences Of Rome

As many of you know, I returned from Rome last month following a mission led by 20 Reform cantors from North America.

I'm going to be talking about the trip in more detail to various auxhiliaries within our congregation, including video footage and pictures. So for now, allow me to give you a brief summary.

Less than 2 hours following our transatlantic flight from Miami, Aaron and I found ourselves perched high above Vatican city at the Institute Maria Bambina overlooking Vatican city on a clear fall evening.

After greeting my cantorial colleagues, many with spouses and friends, I was interviewed by an American tv and camera crew. They were to accompany us throughout the three days.

Of course, one of the highlights of the trip was the concert itself, attended by many Vatican officials as well as the US ambassador to the Vatican with much pomp and circumstance. I was so proud of my colleagues. I think everyone sung beautifully and flawlessly. It was heart warming to see our President Saul Kravec and his wife Beth in the audience, and almost comical to see the Rector of the Basilica running around snapping pictures on his camera, beaming almost as much as our spouses and friends.

There were however, many other less conspicuous highlights.

Our meeting with the Chief Rabbi of Rome and a tour of the Jewish quarter. The Rededication of the Menorah presented to Pope John Paul-and the spontaneous and glorious music of 20 cantors as the candles were lit, and tears shed.
We toured the Vatican and were seated in the VIP area during the Popes Wednesday morning Prayer session.

Another highlight was our informal discussion with Seminarians studying toward Priesthood at the North American college. As we literally 'broke bread' with future leaders of the Catholic church we were able to share with each other our belief, aspirations, and common communal calling.

As Aaron and I were waiting for our cab to take us to the Rome airport standing in the hotel lobby, I happened to catch one of those spontaneous 'life' moments. A boy, no more than perhaps 20 years old in his newly acquired Priest's garb, hugging his mother. With tears in her eyes-I made out the words "I'm so proud of you".

Jewish people and Catholics-perhaps more that binds us, than separates us.

There's talk of a repeat concert during the summer as well as other similar concerts throughout the United States. My sense is that this was just the beginning, not the culmination.
I'll keep you posted on the progress of the documentary surrounding this trip "To God's Ears".

For pictures, video clips, and more stories, please visit the website of the American Conference Of Cantors. www.accantors.org.

Cantor Mark Goldman.