Cantor’s Corner
I sit here wondering why God placed me here. What is my purpose? As I prepare for the High Holy Days and look over my past year, I think about what I could do better. The same thing keeps popping up: I need to be better at speaking up for the Jewish people. Why has […]
Cantor’s Corner
I am turning 60 this month. I remember thinking when I was a kid that 60 was so old. All my grandparents seemed so old to me. Of course, I only saw them at holiday time, because times were different back then. There were no cell phones or video calling. I remember they would call […]
Cantor’s Corner
Cantor Kelly Onickel As I write this, I am in the early stages of planning my next concert on April 4, 2027. The first thing I do when planning a concert is figure out what the theme will be. At first, I thought I would do a Motown concert. Although I lived just outside of […]
Cantor’s Corner: What is the Difference Between a Cantor and a Rabbi?
Cantor Kelly Onickel I have been asked this question often, especially in recent weeks. A rabbi and a cantor are both equally ordained clergy, but they often focus on different core areas of leadership. Within the Reform and Conservative movements, a rabbi is generally the congregation’s expert in teaching, spiritual leadership and the interpretation of […]
Cantor’s Corner
Cantor Kelly Onickel As I am writing this article, I am exactly two weeks out from ordination. So many of you have already become sponsors in honor of this very important time in my life. I cannot thank you all enough. I know I have said this many times before, but I feel so incredibly […]
Cantor’s Corner
I can’t believe that April is finally here! Why? Because that means I am 27 days away from being ordained! I cannot wait to be done with this part of my life, and I am looking forward to what is ahead. I have had many people ask me what my plan is. In last month’s […]