Maggid
(Spiritual Leader)
Maggid Jhos Singer
has served the Coastside Jewish Community as its head teacher
and service leader since January 2000. Jhos received smicha
from Rabbi Gershon Winkler in 2002 as a Maggid -- literally
"one who tells." The title of Maggid was used in the early
Chassidic movement to describe a person of learning who
was skilled in storytelling, preaching, counseling, teaching
and singing.
Jhos holds a
degree in music from UCLA, and spent many years working
in a variety of occupations: oceanographic researcher, scuba
diver, music teacher, fire fighter, symphonic percussionist,
and barrista. Jhos's deep and inspirational teaching draws
from this wildly diverse background. As a spiritual teacher
and guide, Jhos is playful, creative and challenging. As
a service leader, Jhos's enthusiasm, energy and reverent
irreverence serve to inspire and uplift our community. Jhos
is also a trusted and skilled pastoral counselor. In addition
to working with CJC, Jhos has served on the faculty of Chochmat
haLev and other Bay Area Jewish institutions, and is an
independent Jewish educator, lifecycle facilitator, and
spiritual counselor.
Sheliach
Tzibbur (Service Leader)
Julie Batz serves
as the Coastside Jewish Community's Sheliach Tzibbur/Service
Leader and liturgist. Her love for Jewish song and liturgy
is evident in her work and has inspired, uplifted and energized
CJC members since she arrived as its Sheliach Tzibbur/service
leader in the fall of 2001.
Julie's calm
and centered spiritual approach has made her a much appreciated
presence in our congregation. She has a wonderful voice
that is equally at home with traditional chazzanut (cantorial
music), contemporary song and Torah chanting. Julie received
her training in cantorial music, liturgy, and Jewish ritual
practice from Hazzan Marc Dinkin of Congregation B'nai Shalom.
In addition to her work with CJC, Julie is the Co-Director
of The Ritualist, a non-profit community resource that provides
information, referrals, and consultation about Jewish lifecycle
rituals. Julie also tutors traditional age and adult B'nai
Mitzvah students, coaches cantorial soloists, and facilitates
lifecycle rituals.
