RABBI VICKI L. AXE

WHO IS OUR SPIRITUAL LEADER?

Rabbi Vicki L. Axe served congregations in New York Connecticut and Ohio as a Cantor for the last twenty years before becoming the Spiritual Leader and Educational Director of Congregation Shir Ami and most recently becoming ordained as a Rabbi. A graduate of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City, Cantor Axe has served on their faculty, as well as the Academy of Jewish Religion, and the National Jewish Choral Festival. In addition to her cantorial studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Cantor Axe holds degrees in education from Temple University in Philadelphia and the Ohio State University.

Known for her talent and passion in the areas of Jewish education, conducting, and creative programming, as well as the art of worship, Cantor Axe has presented workshops for public schools, civic groups, UAHC National and Regional Biennials, and has appeared as Scholar-in-Residence in many congregations throughout the US.

In addition to her work in the synagogue, Rabbi Axe has performed extensively in Israel, Canada, and major cities throughout the United States. She was a guest soloist with the Connecticut Chamber Orchestra, was soprano soloist with Dave Brubeck in a performance of his cantata, "The Gates of Justice," which she also produced, and has performed with Marvin Hamlisch and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

The recipient of many awards for her fine scholarship and talent, Cantor Axe served for many years on the National Commission on Synagogue Music, and the National Commission on Religious Living, as well as the Executive Committee of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. She is a past president of both the American Conference of Cantors and the School of Sacred Music Cantorial Alumni Association, and currently serves on the School of Sacred Music Advisory Council.

As a graduate of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Rabbi Axe enjoys full clergy status and legal rights to perform all life cycle events and ceremonies, including weddings, funerals, memorial services, Brit Milah (bris/circumcision), baby namings, B'nai Mitzvah, Bikur Cholim (visiting the ill) in the home or hospital, and pastoral counseling.

IN HER OWN WORDS

"The goal of the cantor, my goal, whether through worship, study, singing, chanting, cultural and community events, is to open the hearts of our people to Jewish life and experience so that they can make informed choices about their Jewish identity. The role of the cantor within the synagogue today goes well beyond the expected realm of music. To varying degrees, the cantor spends as much time engaged in the musical life of the synagogue, as in teaching, counseling, healing, advising, and managing. The cantor is not only called upon to direct the choir, but to direct a mitzvah project, or a family retreat.

Throughout my cantorial career, teaching has been at the very center of everything I do. Synagogues today have become an environment of Life Long Learning, and my goal has always been to bring the world of Jewish life, culture, history, practice, and language to learners of all ages.

As a cantor, I do believe, however that music is the very soul of Jewish life and experience. The music we have shared with countless cultures in our wanderings throughout history is the story of a religion, of a people, of a culture. One could tell the entire history of the Jewish people through music — the music of biblical chant, the music which tells the story of the Maccabees, the story of the Exodus from Egypt, the Expulsion from Spain, life in the shtetl, life in the ghettos and camps, music which sings the birth of Israel. Music is the beautiful thread woven through the tapestry of Jewish holidays, of Jewish prayer, of Jewish life.

Music is at the very center of Jewish worship and prayer as well. The musical settings of prayers in contemporary Reform Synagogues draw deeply from a vast and rich well of melodies, modalities, textures, and styles, all linked to who we are as Jews. We maintain a loving relationship with our past while embracing a vision for new paths to bring people closer to God, and God closer to people's hearts through music.

The cantor can certainly give voice to God's words and teachings through the music, but I believe that it is because of the music that the cantor brings a unique passion and energy to all areas of synagogue life. It is the role of the cantor to draw people into the synagogue for the spiritual nourishment they so desperately need as together we all face the challenges of the 21st century."

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CANTOR AXE

"Cantor Axe is one of the outstanding spiritual leaders of our time. Her vision and unique abilities bring one to a great sense of spirituality."
                                Cantor Scott Colbert, Executive Vice President
                                American Conference of Cantors

"Master teacher and conductor, Cantor Axe blends creativity and experience to invoke spiritual uplift."
                                Cantor Alane S. Katzew, UAHC
                                Director of Music Programming

"Cantor Axe brings her creativity and organizational skills to every community she touches. She can bring together singers from varying generations and skills and create an ensemble that both mirrors and inspires the congregation."
                                Rabbi Daniel Freelander, Vice President,
                                Union of American Hebrew Congregations

"Her glorious voice and charisma invite an awakening of the human spirit."
                                Rabbi Mark Goldman
                                Rockdale Temple, Cincinnati, OH

"Her talent as singer, choral conductor, and teacher is only surpassed by her warmth and dedication."
                                Dennis Gilbert
                                Chair, UAHC Commission on Synagogue Music

"Cantor Axe is blessed with a talent that lights up the bimah. As she shares her music and her love of Judaism she touches the heart and soul of a congregation."
                                Ruth S. Gruber
                                Executive Director, Jewish Educational Consultants

"Cantor Axe's unique contribution is her ability to bring community together for celebration and learning. She is warm and inviting and always makes everyone feel included."
                                Peri Smilow
                                Singer/songwriter