Inside RACAA: How Albuquerque's Rabbis and Cantors Support Each Other and the Community

By Cantor Barbara Finn

There are many members of our local clergy that are part of the Rabbinical and Cantorial Association of Albuquerque (RACAA).  This organization was founded in 2008 and has evolved over the years to be a meaningful opportunity for local clergy to study, address issues, and support each other.

The purpose of this group is to provide mutual collegial support, plan ritual and service events that involve the congregations and the community, discuss issues of concern in the Jewish community and to serve in an advisory capacity to the Jewish and greater Albuquerque communities. 

There are specific requirements for membership, and we are fortunate in our community to have so many who have these abilities.  An important expectation for each of us is membership in good standing of a National Rabbinic or Cantorial Association with an ethics code and process. Whether we are working full time or retired, we take our clergy roles very seriously.

Often RACAA has been asked to advise on Jewish community issues including the former Jewish Family Service (JFS), Jewish Federation (JFNM) and the current Jewish Community Relations Coalition (JCRC).

Members of RACAA represent a variety of Jewish denominations including Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Renewal.  RACAA, as a group and individually supports the Jewish community both individuals and institutions with teaching, officiating at life cycle events and providing guidance on Jewish issues.

Our Current members are:

Rabbi/Hazzan Jonathan Angress 
Rabbi Josie Felt Boskoff
Rabbi Deborah Brin, Founding Chair
Rabbi Chavah Carp 
Rabbi Micah Citrin
Rabbi Paul Citrin      
Rabbi John Feldman 
Cantor Barbara Finn, Chair
Rabbi Art Flicker 
Rabbi Jordi Gendra 
Rabbi Shefa Gold 
Rabbi Min Kantrowitz   
Rabbi Darah Lerner    
Hazzan JoAnn Rice 
Rabbi Harry Rosenfeld, Past Chair
Rabbi Celia Surget