Author/Book Event

Author Cantor Barbara Ostfeld, Catbird: The Ballad of Barbi Prim

Thursday, June 13, 2019

7:00pm-9:00pm

Sanctuary at Congregation Shir Shalom

Barbara Ostfeld is the first ordained woman cantor in Jewish history. She served congregations in New York from 1975 to 2002 and then spent ten years working for the American Conference of Cantors.

In Catbird: The Ballad of Barbi Prim, the world meets an insightful 8-year-old who has already taken a few steps towards becoming a pioneer- and a shadow of her quirky self. Like so many daughters she becomes corroded-even literally-by the idea that, because she can’t be pretty, the best thing she can be is good, a good girl, whatever it takes. Never diminished, though, is her love of singing, which propels her to become the first ordained woman cantor in 3,000 years of Jewish history. In the midst of her distinguished career, a family crisis exposes old and enduring wounds, but though diligent work and music-not to mention some profane wit-the gashes begin to heal.

Dessert Reception/Book sale and signing to follow

Tickets $10 general/$5 student