Women Cantors Network is an international outreach support group for female cantors, which works for the nationwide recognition and employment of qualified female cantors.[1] It was founded in 1982 by Cantor Deborah Katchko-Zimmerman, who was the granddaughter of a prominent cantor (Adolph Katchko), and who was trained privately by her father, also a cantor.[1][2][3] At the first meeting of what became the Women Cantors Network, only twelve women attended.[4] In 1983 the Women Cantors Network began regularly publishing a newspaper, in 1993 its constitution and bylaws were written, in 1997 it began to commission new Jewish music, and in 1998 it created an online list-serve network.[3]

Women Cantors' Network
Founded1982 (1982)
223575617
FocusCommunity Improvement, Capacity Building, Promotion of Business
Location
Area served
U.S., Canada, Israel, United Kingdom, France, Germany
Members
300+
Key people
President Geri Zeller
Executive Vice President Jacqueline Breines
Communications Vice President Debby Lewis
Special Events Vice President Robbi Sherwin
Corresponding Secretary Sherry Barnes
Recording Secretary Barbara Stambler
Treasurer Robin Sparr
Websitewww.womencantors.net

In 2011 the Women Cantors' Network had a piece commissioned for them honoring the Liberty Bell, which they performed at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[5] It was composed by cantor Lori Sumberg of Tucson, Arizona, and was called “Song of the Bell.”[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b Heskes, Irene (1 March 2009). "Cantors: American Jewish Women". Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia. Jewish Women's Archive. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  2. ^ Schackman, Maxine (31 May 2011). "Carrying on a family tradition". Judaica Sound Archives at FAU Libraries. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  3. ^ a b "The Women Cantors' Network". Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  4. ^ Grossman, Ron (18 June 2010). "Concert spotlights Judaism's diversity". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  5. ^ a b Tawa, Steve (15 June 2011). "Cantor Composes Piece Honoring Liberty Bell, Performed At Jewish Museum". CBS Philly. CBS Local Media. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
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