Dear Friend,

We read in the book of Deuteronomy, “Blessed shall you be in your comings and blessed shall you be in your goings.” In that spirit, we wanted to share with you the bittersweet news that Cantor Julia Cadrain has accepted a new position as Senior Cantor of Temple Israel in Westport, Connecticut, starting July 1. While we are overjoyed and excited for her and her family as they embark on this new journey (and with a former Central Synagogue rabbi, Michael Friedman, as their Senior Rabbi and Julia’s new colleague), we are also saddened that she will be leaving our Central family and we will very much miss her presence on the bimah.

Cantor Cadrain joined Central more than nine years ago upon ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Over her near 10-year tenure she has contributed to our community in countless ways, officiating lifecycles for hundreds of families, from simchas such as weddings, b’nei mitzvahs, baby namings, and conversions, to more challenging moments, providing comfort at funerals and shivas. She revamped and led our b’nei mitzvah program, cultivated our Teen Choir program, inspired and reassured dozens of adults who have chosen to become b’nei mitzvah later in life, and helped us to innovate worship. Cantor Cadrain played a central role in shaping adult and family programming, designing and leading retreats that deepened participants’ relationships with each other and with Judaism. Always leading from a position of compassion, Cantor Cadrain has brought joy and spirituality to all of her work, and she will be deeply missed. We have all been touched by her warmth, kindness, and beautiful voice.

Given the timing of this news, with the cantorial placement season nearing its end, we have decided that now is not the optimal time to launch a formal search to hire a replacement for Cantor Cadrain. We are confident that with our incredible clergy team we can continue to provide excellence from our bimah, raising our voices in song, and continue to support our families pastorally.

We will have an opportunity to celebrate Cantor Cadrain at an upcoming Shabbat and thank her for her incredible contributions to our community. More details to follow.

May we move from strength to strength, and also wish Mazel Tov to Julia, Elana, Maya, and Acadia as they approach the next chapter of their lives.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi
Jeremy Fielding, President