Book Club: Catbird by Barbara Ostfeld
July 17 @ 3:30 pm
Special Guest: Barbara Ostfeld
Join Cantor Debra Stein, Rabbi for an opportunity to delve into an interesting book, expand your thinking on a new topic or just meet new friends. Whether you’re an avid reader or just want to follow along with the group, our book club welcomes you!
In-Person & Virtual
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All in-person services are reserved for members and their pre-registered guests.
Catbird by Barbara Ostfeld
In Catbird: The Ballad of Barbi Prim, the world meets an insightful, opinionated eight-year-old growing up plump, nerdy and Jewish in a Chicago suburb. Three things make her happy: singing, reading books, and going to Temple. Ridicule makes her afraid to open her mouth, even though she really can sing. But she persists, and with her awkwardness, anxiety, and fear in tow, her love of singing propels her to become the first ordained woman cantor in 3,000 years of Jewish history. Overcoming her own crises and the challenges of finding her way in a male profession, Barbara Ostfeld shows us that we are all brave pioneers at becoming our true selves.
About Barbara Ostfeld
Cantor Barbara Ostfeld made history when, at the age of 22, she became the first woman cantor in the world. Ordained in 1975 by Hebrew Union College’s School of Sacred Music, her leadership opened the doors for many women to pursue similar paths. Cantor Ostfeld’s influence on Jewish music, aspiring cantors, and the Reform movement is profound, most notably through her commitment to music, education, and social justice. 50 years later, the female reform cantorate is 400 women strong and growing.