Honoring Cantor Emerita Marlena Taenzer

Congratulations Cantor Emerita Marlena Taenzer! On November 8, 2024, Temple Beth Hillel-Beth Abraham celebrated Cantor Marlena’s extraordinary contributions to our shul, and we honored her on her retirement after thirty-eight years as Cantor, teacher of Torah and member of our kehillah kedusha.  

Cantor Marlena has touched every member of our congregation profoundly. She has brought joy, beauty and meaning to us in prayer with her voice and music. In countless ways she has led us in creating a sacred space in which the divine presence is felt. And we are blessed that Cantor Marlena understood that the righteous work of a shaliach tzibur, a messenger of the community, reaches beyond the pulpit. She would often check in on the sick, visit with those who suffered losses, and conduct funerals when the Rabbi was not available. She was a force that could always be counted on to hold our kehillah together.

At the November celebration, we heard testimonials from members of the congregation who were students of Cantor Marlena decades earlier. They spoke of Marlena’s impact on their lives, as they joined with her on the bimah in song.  Other congregants shared memories, and expressed gratitude for Cantor Marlena’s love, friendship and generosity of spirit.  Cantor Marlena reminisced on particularly meaningful moments over her years as Cantor and teacher.

Among the moving tributes that evening was an unprecedented one. We conferred on Cantor Marlena the honor and distinction of Cantor Emerita, the first in our synagogue’s history.  We are delighted that Cantor Marlena will always be part of TBH-BA’s family, and we kvell with joy that our relationship will flourish and deepen long after retirement.  A copy of the “ketubah” presented to Cantor Emerita Taenzer is displayed proudly in the synagogue. Among the words honoring her are these: “For our hearts are one, now and forever, and our bonds will never end.”   A heartfelt Yasher Koach – thank you – Cantor Emerita Marlena Taenzer, for inspiring us, teaching, and leading us with love, in prayer and heartfelt song for 38 extraordinary years.