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  • About Me
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Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher enjoys full Clergy status and legal rights to perform all Life Cycle events and ceremonies (weddings, funerals, memorial services, Brit Milah (Bris/circumcision), baby namings, B'nai Mitzvah). Rabbi-Cantor Betcher finds it most gratifying to officiate and work with families to create sacred moments on their spiritual journeys. Rabbi-Cantor Betcher uses her singing and musical talents to communicate the riches of our Jewish tradition. She is devoted to working with everyone whether Jewish, Secular, Interfaith, or same sex ceremonies. She brings enthusiasm, joy, compassion and creativity to all she serves and she not only dedicates her time but her complete heart as well to all she works with.

Rabbi Cantor Marie Betcher

Hear Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher sing: Light These Lights play

About Me

Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher received Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees in Vocal Performance from Indiana University School of Music and Florida State respectively. After years of a successful music career, she made the decision to answer the call to serve the Jewish people. She became an Ordained Cantor in 1999 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City and was Ordained Rabbi in 2011.

She has served both Reform and Conservative congregations across the country, gaining a wide and varied experience throughout her pulpit career. She served from 2004-2015 as Rabbi, Cantor and Education Director for Congregation Shir Ami in Cedar Park, TX, a URJ Congregation. There, she grew the congregation from 19 families and developed the Religious School with her curriculum which yielded some of the best and the brightest B'Nei Mitzvah around!

She is honored to serve the Cedar Park Police and Fire Departments as a Chaplain. (LINK) She also serves the Austin Police Department as Chaplain. She is on the national Executive Board of The Police Chaplain Project. (LINK) Rabbi Betcher is also blessed to serve as Jewish Chaplain for Lone Star Social Services (working to take care of children). Dr. James Mercer Founder and Owner.

She served the American Conference of Cantors Executive Board, Chair of the ACC Caring Committee and sat on the ACC Budget Committee. She serves on the Advisory Board of The Interfaith Arts Council (IAC) (LINK). She was on staff for the LLI (Life Long Learning Institute in Austin, TX) and teaches classes on Judaism and Jewish thought and Belief. She is very active in the community in Interfaith circles and participates in LGBTQ Services. She performs Interfaith Weddings and LGBTQ Weddings and also co-officiates weddings with Clergy of other faith traditions. She is a Board Member and Singer/Pianist for Swan Songs, Austin, Texas. (LINK)

Rabbi-Cantor Betcher sang in concert in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, toured Sicily and England. New York University Recital Hall, The Ambler Music Festival in Philadelphia, Piccolo Spoletto in Charleston, SC, among many other venues. She was one of the winners of the Bellini International Opera Competition in Sicily. She has also won many other Operatic competitions. She has sung with many symphony orchestras.

She is a member of the American Conference of Cantors; member of Guild of Temple Musicians; Austin Jewish Clergy Association; Interfaith Clergy Association; Bureau of Jewish Education; Faculty for Global Day of Jewish Learning at the Dell Jewish Community Center; SULAM; Tapestry; Hadassah Life Member; and JWI Life Member.

She has written many articles, three of which are her article for the URJ Ten Minutes of Torah (LINK), the American Conference of Cantors Notes Worth Knowing (LINK), and The Austin American Statesman "Helping to find God Even in the Darkest Hours." (LINK)

Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher is honored and available and blessed to Officiate at all Life Cycle events and serve the Jewish people in all aspects and now performs and officiates weddings with members of other faith traditions for interfaith couples.

Hear Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher sing: Per La Gloria play

Services

click on each service for more information

Weddings

Rabbi Cantor Betcher joyfully performs wedding services for:
•  Jewish couples
•  Interfaith couples: INCLUDING Co-officiating
    with Clergy from other faith traditions
•  Same-sex couples
•  Renewal of Your Wedding Vows

Bris, Baby Namings

Celebrate the birth of your son with a Brit Milah (Bris) in your home or in the Doctor's office. Gather your family in joy to give your daughter a Hebrew name in your home or other venue. Contact Rabbi Betcher to set up and plan these joyous s'machot (happy times)!

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Rabbi Betcher is available to tutor in person or through Skype your child through the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process and preparation. Tefilot (prayers), Liturgy, Trope, Torah and Haftarah blessings and readings will be recorded for the student. The Ceremony can be in any venue or destination desired! Rabbi Betcher will guide you through the preparation and planning of your Simcha.

Funeral

Rabbi Betcher joins with families in their most painful moments as they say goodbye to a loved one. She will work with the family to plan and assist in funeral, graveside arrangements or in a respectful and loving ceremony for a cremation. She is also available for Unveilings and other mourning Services such as Shivah. Rabbi Betcher works with the family to create a most meaningful remembrance and celebration of life of the loved one.

Music

Hear Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher sing: Avinu Malkeinu >> play
Hear Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher sing: Light These Lights >> play
Hear Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher sing: Per La Gloria >> play
Hear Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher sing: Summertime >> play
Hear Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher sing: Mi Shebeirach >> play
Hear Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher sing: El Malei Rachamim >> play

Media

I would be happy to have you contact me to discuss and ask any question on your mind about your Celebration or Ceremony. I am here to guide you through your journey!

Rabbi Cantor Marie Betcher joyfully serves those in Texas and neighboring states. As well, Rabbi Cantor Betcher is often available for "destination weddings" or Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies to be held in the US and out of the country.

Contact Information

I would be happy to have you contact me to discuss and ask any question on your mind about your Celebration or Ceremony. I am here to guide you through your journey!

Rabbi Cantor Marie Betcher joyfully serves those in Texas and neighboring states. As well, Rabbi Cantor Betcher is often available for "destination weddings" or Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies to be held in the US and out of the country.