Changes of the Horizon for Our Cantors’ Office

At Washington Hebrew Congregation’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 4, we announced two significant changes on the horizon for our Cantors’ Office.

After more than 30 years of outstanding service to our community, Washington Hebrew Congregation Senior Cantor Mikhail Manevich has announced that he will retire and accept the position of Cantor Emeritus on June 30, 2020, at the end of the 2019-2020 fiscal year. We are so deeply grateful for Cantor Manevich’s many contributions to life at WHC over these past 30 years. His magnificent voice and warmth have moved us spiritually, lifted us up in joy, and brought us comfort during times of sorrow. We treasure him – as both a spiritual leader and a friend – and are glad to have this final year to appreciate and celebrate his gifts. A Temple-wide retirement celebration for Cantor Manevich is being planned for next spring with details to come.

The second change involves Cantor Susan Bortnick. We are delighted to announce that after more than 18 years of exemplary service to Washington Hebrew, Cantor Bortnick will become Senior Cantor upon Cantor Manevich’s retirement in June 2020. Cantor Bortnick’s musicality, spirituality, and creativity have contributed immeasurably to our community, and we know that under her guidance, we will be moving from strength to strength.

---