“Dear Rebecca,
We cannot say thank you enough for your mentorship of Sarah in her Bat Mitzvah studies. She was so proud of what she was able to accomplish yesterday. She did so beautifully reading Torah and learning Hebrew. And this is thanks to your amazing teaching and patience. You have a gift. You’ve helped set her on a wonderful journey of discovery of Jewish traditions and teachings. We’re so grateful.
It was extra meaningful that you remembered Sarah from Kol Ami choir. But she knew you from when she started at Kol Ami Pre-School at 1 year old. So, for her to be up there next to someone she’d known her entire life was just beautiful.
Meanwhile, Evan came home and said he’d been watching your left hand on the guitar during the service. He’s a talented and avid guitar player who mostly plays rock and metal (which we are sure our neighbors just love…). But he walked in the house yesterday and grabbed his acoustic guitar and showed me some of the chord progressions you were playing that he found especially beautiful. And then played a couple of the melodies from the service he picked up by ear. So maybe you found an ‘in’ with him, too!”
– An email from Jeremy R., May, 2024
“Rebecca, wishing you the best on your upcoming (chai/18th) anniversary at Kol Ami. Your prayers in song have always been a source of great comfort and peace to me!”
– A card from David and Carol, April, 2024
"Dear Rebecca,
Thank you SOOO much for all your help teaching me to learn my Torah portion. Without you, I could never have done any of this. I loved meeting with you every Tuesday and will miss it very much. YOU ARE THE BEST!"
– A card from a Mila, a bat mitzvah student, April, 2024
"Dear Cantor Rebecca Schwartz,
My daughter, Briana, and myself want to thank you for the lovely (funeral) service for mom. We know she heard your beautiful voice and she was singing along. It was a lovely send off to a life worthy of celebration. Gratefully, Terri and Bill" … March, 2024
"Dear Rebecca,
Thank you for keeping our kids safe, engaged, and connected this school year. It was a very meaningful year, filled with fun, growth, and much learning. We appreciate you so much, and wish you a wonderful summer!"
-- A card from Congregation Kol Ami Student Choir parents, May, 2022
"Dear Rebecca,
I finally had a chance to watch and listen to the Knosh 'n Knowledge Kol Isha Sing-Along. Wow! What an extraordinary line-up of women and songs. You were the perfect MC and your song in memory was truly joyful. I didn't know before about the person you honored. I can hear it being sung the way it is intended. I want to tell you, also, that every time I have seen you or heard you or read your words, your heart comes shining through. You just seem to be pure love and here's that word again - joy. You make me smile, and yes, feel that we're together. I know I've said before that I am really on the outskirts, but I continue to value my membership. I learn so much and you help to make being a part of this group a special part of my life. Thank you! Thank you!"
-- An email from Linda S., Women Cantors' Network member, February, 2022
“Rebecca, where do we even begin? Thank you SO much for everything. You made our day so special and beyond our wildest dreams. You conveyed our love so perfectly during the ceremony and made a service we will never forget!”
— A note from Ali & JJ, after their wedding ceremony in August, 2021
"Dear Rebecca, I hope you and your family are all doing okay during these challenging times. I wanted to write to you and thank you again for all of your patience and flexibility in helping [our son]. You helped make his bar mitzvah possible and helped us all get through it!"
-- Personal note from a Kol Ami Family, March, 2020
“Rebecca, Thank you for providing a very touching and meaningful framework for my mother’s memorial service. I was moved by your music and how you conducted the service. It was what we needed at that moment, so thank you!”
— Jeff B.
“Dear Rebecca, In the beginning of the preparation for my bat mitzvah, I had no idea how much fun I would have chanting my trope with you. You made me love to sing even more! Thank you for your patience while I learned the Hebrew. Thanks for making the experience come to life for me. Warmly, Madeline”
— Madeline J.