February 29, 2012 - Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills

A Warm Welcome
to Marlene Canter,
Temple Emanuel's New
Chaplaincy Intern
I’m Marlene Canter, your
chaplaincy intern this year
at Temple Emanuel. I am a
student at the Academy of
Jewish Religion, California.
Before beginning on this
path, I worked in the fi eld of
education. I began teaching
in the 70’s as a special
education teacher at Alta
Loma Elementary School and
worked for eight years in the
classroom teaching autistic
children, as well as serving as
a resource specialist in several
other districts. It was at that
time that my former husband
and I wrote a book for teachers called Assertive Discipline.
This book served as the foundation for a business we began
training teachers in areas that would make them more
successful in the classroom. We ran the company for twentyfi
ve years, then sold it to Sylvan Learning in 1998.
In 2001, I decided to run for the LAUSD School Board. I
served two terms representing children and their families on
the Westside and in the West Valley and decided not to
run for a third term. I retired from public service in 2009.
I realized, however, that something was still calling me to a
different kind of service. Surprisingly, given my very secular
background, it was a calling to deepen my Jewish roots and
discover what Judaism means to me. This yearning led me to
the Academy of Jewish Religion and it’s chaplaincy program.
Chaplains have traditionally ministered to people in
hospitals, prisons, and hospices. I see my chaplaincy
through a slightly different lens. Throughout my career I
have experienced ‘chaplaincy’ moments occurring everyday.
What I mean by that is what we all experience on a daily
basis many challenging moments. Oftentimes we feel alone
in our struggles however big or small. Chaplains offer
solace through their presence to create connections that
oftentimes are not available in our day to day interactions.
Jewish Chaplains offer pastoral care which is also based on
Jewish texts and prayer.
(28) TEMPLE TOPICS /// JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2012
I feel very privileged to be interning at Temple Emanuel
under the guidance of our clergy, and in particular Rabbi
Geller. I will be working with members of the congregation
including the elderly and the sick as well as with congregants
whom other needs. I am delighted to be part of the Temple
Emanuel community.
Beginning in January I will be leading a group, with
congregant Renee Brook for congregants that are dealing
with their aging parents. Many of us have experienced the
joy and the challenge of our aging parents and I am looking
forward to creating a support network that will deal with
this issue. The fi rst meeting will be on January 25 from 7:30-
9:00PM. The location will be at a congregant's home and the
address will be given when you register for the group.
I feel very fortunate to have been placed at Temple Emanuel
for my Chaplaincy internship. I will be participating in many
of the Temple Emanuel activities and I look forward to
meeting you.
Please contact me at marlenedcanter@gmail.com or
310.446.9998 if you have any questions.
Dealing With
Your Aging Parents
A group to discuss the challenges of dealing with our
aging parents, led by Marlene Canter and Renee Brook.
First meeting:
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
7:30PM–9:00PM
For registration, questions, and location of meeting
email marlenedcanter@gmail.com
"You shall rise before an elder and allow the beauty,
glory, and majesty of their faces to emerge."
Leviticus 19:32