We had a particularly lovely family reunion here at Temple Beth Orr recently. Our early third-Friday "Shabbat Experience" on August 19, a casual worship event driven by music and neighborly good feelings in any event, derived extra energy from having everyone back from Summer vacation on the last weekend before the resumption of Broward Schools.

It was a true reunion as well because it marked the return to Coral Springs of Rabbi Aviva Bass, who grew up here; who served as part of our instructional staff two years ago; and who has this month taken up permanent residence as our Cantorial Soloist handling the musical portion of our worship services.
Historically the position of cantor was an informal one in the synagogue, with that title bestowed on any lay member of the congregation who happened to be leading the assemblage in worship. Today the cantorate is generally regarded more formally as a unique clergy specialization unto itself. Rabbi Bass fits that bill by virtue of having formal training as an operatic coloratura as well
as a mastery of Jewish liturgy that was part of her seminary training.

Worshippers at our synagogue are already delighted with the quality, breadth, and depth of the musical program at our services. And, based on the professionalism and effectiveness with which she directed our B'nei Orr Children's Choir two years ago, we know that Rabbi Bass will be bring the same kind of personal devotion to running both our Children's and Adult Choirs.
Everyone in the community is invited to join us in worship at any time, to experience this devotional richness for yourself . . . and to welcome a Coral Springs native back home.