Remarks to Cantor Olivia Brodsky on the Occasion of Her Installation at East End Temple March 29 2024 ??? ???????? ?? ????? By Rabbi Joshua Stanton Most people here probably know your good heart and stirring voice. I want talk about mind. When first you applied become cantor Temple reached out my friend colleague Ben Spratt. You had interned with his community as a cantorial student figured that he would have sense you. He spoke character candor kindness. celestial voice collaborative spirit. Then paused delicately explained were one smartest met. That was polite way saying we should absolutely hire -- but get ready work someone smarter than me. filed away comment in back But already our second informal conversation Think Coffee over Mercer Street proved him right. decided test this wit yours laid great confidence hypotheses found their into book. spent more little time thinking them pretty confident them. then challenged find flaws logic. promptly dismantled large parts book just co-written provided far compelling alternatives. It took 90 seconds pick apart 25 pages endnotes which gone through multiple layers review from top Jewish studies scholars rabbis.That's when knew Yes needed with. problem-solve innovate anything thought-partner off pulpit. While it turns emotional intelligence is keen analytical reasoning focus once Since came co-authored many op-Ed's every single other country combined no less some country's publications. delivered sermons befitting rabbi decades experience. taught music aplomb conducted musical ensembles precision big stage uptown. friend. true clergy partner. teacher. co-led trying times walked valley shadow. And harness incredible mind so can beacon thousands others across country. admire cantor. thought leadership for may most revered. look forward learning years ahead.