Hazzan Sharon McCord

Destiny

I’ve always believed in magic. Not the stuff of fairy tales, or sleight of hand, but in the belief that I could make things happen with the power of intention.  I call it magic because in a world stilted by stumbling blocks, I still believe I can accomplish anything to which I purposefully set my mind. Despite the odds, opposition, or endless effort I remain determined. 

Born with a heart and imagination for lyricism, I sang and danced throughout my youth. After a thirty-year career in the arts – performance, education and promotion – the call to serve became a command!

My oxygen is music, my nourishment is prayer, my joy is community. These three have always guided my life’s path. When elements converged in the calling to the cantorate, those stumbling blocks became stepping-stones.  As a parent in an interfaith family, conventional means to this goal were not possible, so imagine my surprise when sitting in a hot tub in Sarasota with my parents and a few community members, I struck up a conversation with these ALEPH peeps who encouraged me to apply through the ALEPH Ordination Program.  Five years later, here I am, making magic happen with the power of hard work, extraordinary spiritual training and education, and buckets of intention!

Inspiration

I owe my Jewish Soul to my ancestors Milton and Ethel Grunberger, and to Joe and Mildred Korot for making Jewish homes and rearing my parents to a live a life of Torah. My parents lovingly if reluctantly supported all my crazy artistic endeavors. My husband Sean, without whom I would be lost, has been a solid sounding board, provider of pedestals, expert debater in all matters spiritual, father to 3 extraordinary children, and love of my life. 

I want to give a huge shout out – or just shout at – Rabbi Emeritus Dan Alexander of Congregation Beth Israel, who saw leadership potential and gently guided and trusted me enough to train me to be shaliach tzibbur for our Charlottesville, VA synagogue. Thank you to Rabbi Tom, for guiding and praying with me regularly with deep passion.  All my ALEPH teachers and guides – Jack, Elliot, Mark, Hannah especially.  And to my Chutzpah Chorus members who let me experiment on them with abandon!

Jewish Musical Composition

I have written several choral arrangements of liturgy suitable for interfaith settings that have been premiered at Martin Luther King Memorial ceremonies, Jewish Choral Festivals, and Sabbath worship.  Other works include settings of Shabbat liturgy, Hallel psalms, and Tales of Rebbe Nachman. “Shabbat Hallelu,” a recording of Shabbat melodies features the Chutzpah Chorus, the Mazal Tov Youth Choir and the Hallelu band.  Our Smicha ceremony will feature the Hallel Psalms as well as an arrangement of Erev Rav Carl Woolf’s Niggun featuring our whole class of ordinees

Wow!

I am so very honored to be ordained in the company of such extraordinary co-clergy.  Expect great things from everyone featured here!

 Please add your blessings and comments below!
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