Can a Cantor Help Conduct a Curated Concert of Culture, Connection and Community? My Guest: Hazzan Jesse Merlin Holzer

Schmooze with Suze

Growing up in New York City meant I was exposed to all kinds of ethnicities, cultures and religions. Except Baptist- I don't think I ever met a Baptist.
And the more I knew about every other- because I studied them relentlessly with curiosity, along with my Catholic best friend Mary Beth- the more knowledgeable I felt. The interfaith world was an easy one. But my own...?
The confusion was tough, the judgment was worse. But ultimately, while religion is one matter, what about faith?
Do you find faith or does it find you?
And that's what we're going to tackle today...
Growing up in New York's eclectic cultural hub set the stage for my life's narrative, where the spiritual mingles with the communal, shaping my story.
The transition from the pulsating energy of the Northeast United States to the Northeast of Florida heralded a chapter of discovery and connection. I share my thoughts and learn from my esteemed guest Hazzan Jesse Merlin Holzer of the Jacksonville Jewish Center.
https://www.jaxjewishcenter.org/
Together, we carve out a space where the sacred harmonizes with the beats of the everyday, revealing the responsibilities and joys that come with leadership in the Jewish community. Jesse's anecdotes of adapting to life in Jacksonville, forging ties beyond the synagogue, and the importance of camaraderie among colleagues underscore the theme of community that transcends geography. It's a narrative that invites you to reflect on your own journey of life and the unexpected turns that define us.
The essence of our conversation stretches beyond the confines of religion, delving into the realms of social justice, interfaith dialogue, and the very human experience of grief and empathy. Join us for stories that promise to uplift, challenge, and inspire you to weave your own narrative into the colorful fabric of community life.
We conclude with a heartfelt tribute to Jesse's parents, Marjorie and Aaron Holzer, whose embodiment of menschlichkeit* has left an indelible mark on their community.
Do you have some feedback, thoughts or questions?

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