by Maxine Fischbein
(AJNews) – Alberta Jewish News joins Beth Tzedec Congregation in extending a hearty mazal tov to Rabbi Cantor Russell Jayne on his recent smicha. Beth Tzedec made the official announcement on Dec. 24 with this message:
“It is official!
Cantor Russell Jayne, who has served our congregational family as our Chazzan for more than seven years, has earned his smicha from the Pluralistic Rabbinical Assembly. The ceremony – which saw the ordination of Rabbi Jayne and five classmates— took place in Tarrytown, New York on December 19th.
Our newly-minted Rabbi’s official title is Rabbi Cantor Russell G. Jayne, though he prefers to be addressed informally as Rabbi Russ.
In addition to carrying out rabbinical responsibilities, Rabbi Jayne will continue to share his considerable cantorial talents at Beth Tzedec. He is capably assisted by our Chazzan Sheini, Elliott Steinberg, and Rabbi Ilana Krygier Lapides, both of whom serve Beth Tzedec part-time.
“I am deeply grateful for the support the board of directors and congregants have given me since I arrived in Calgary,” said Rabbi Jayne.
“It has been a privilege to study at the seminary and I plan to keep in touch with the friends and mentors I have been so fortunate to engage with during my online studies. Throughout my journey, I have endeavoured to bring their wisdom and love of Jewish learning home to Beth Tzedec.”
“We look forward to hosting a celebration in honour of Rabbi Jayne’s ordination as soon as it is safe to gather in large numbers,” said Beth Tzedec President Lorne Pearl.
“Beth Tzedec was fortunate when we hired a talented cantor with a lifelong commitment to Jewish learning. Cantor Jayne served us with distinction for more than seven years, first as our Chazzan and, more recently, as our Kol Bo. Now the board of directors is pleased to enter into negotiations with Rabbi Jayne toward an employment agreement matching his new status as Rabbi.”
“I could not have done what I did without my congregational family behind me and, in particular, I want to express my deep appreciation to my colleagues, the board of directors and staff, and the lay daveners and minyanaires who kept daily services going strong as I juggled my responsibilities as Kol Bo and rabbinical student,” said Rabbi Jayne.
“My husband Russ and I were blessed to be able to make our home in Calgary. We look forward to many, many more years serving Beth Tzedec and Jewish Calgary.”
Join the board and staff of Beth Tzedec Congregation in wishing Rabbi Russ a hearty yasher koach! Watch your inbox for information about a future celebration.”
Maxine Fischbein is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.
Mazel Tov Rabbi Jayne! Your Beth Tzedec family is very proud of you,
Mazal Tov on your smicha Rabbi Russ! Calgary is lucky to have you!