A group of Conservative cantors here has angrily protested the recent decision by the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York to ordain women as cantors in the Conservative movement.
The protest was organized by the Rev. Eliezer Kirshblum of Adath Israel Congregation here, who is chairman of the Cantors Assembly for the Ontario region. Joined by eight other cantors from Toronto and Hamilton, he sent a letter to Chancellor Ismar Schorsch of the Seminary, charging that he reneged on a promise to maintain the status quo and to consult on such matters as women cantors.
The letter said, “Your unilateral decision in such a critical religious matter plays havoc once again in an even more dramatic way with those of us who are trying to live along traditional lines within the framework of the Conservative movement.”
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