Voice Like An A

1

Nurtured by the cantors of Temple Israel, talented soprano aces many
options for her future.

DIANA LIEBERMAN

Staff-Writer

I

t's standing room only at the Fountains at
Franklin when Crystal Wish Webster leads
Friday night services.
But not all the seniors who crowd into the
multi-purpose room of the Southfield retirement com-
munity are Jewish. Others show up to enjoy a shared
smile, a shared song and a few moments of generalized
spiritual refreshment — courtesy of a 22-year-old
woman lArith long blond curls, a bell-like voice and a

traditional prayers and
readings.
The services end
with "Let There Be
Peace On Earth,"
"Sabbath Prayer" from

Fiddler On the Roof –
"Shluf, Mayne Feygele"

(Sleep, My Little Bird), -!
"God Bless America"
and "Hatikvah."
Webster has been

Coming to the Fountains "is the
highlight of my week."

INrarm, inclusive personality.
"They all look forward to Friday night services with
Crystal," says Cathy Lubanski, executive director of the
250-resident continuing care community. Its the
highlight of their week. What she gives them is capti-
vating to those of any faith."
For the senior citizens at the Fountains, Webster uses
a decidedly loose interpretation of the traditional
Shabbat services. Dressed in a long, flowing white dress
with a blue prayer shawl and head covering, she sings
the blessings over the candles, followed by a selection of

leading services at the
Fountains for the past
three years.
Crystal Wish Webster
"We have an
Orthodox rabbi on call
[Rabbi Dovid Polter], and he used to lead services,"
says resident Barbara Goldsmith, who identifies herself
as the group's shammas (synagogue caretaker). But he
couldn't come any more, so Crystal volunteered. We
love her.
Webster says, "Coming here is the highlight of my

On The Go

Staff-Writer

E

ric Adelman walks fast, talks fast and
thinks faster.
Think Josh Lyman, the president's ener-
getic deputy chief of staff on NBC-TV's

The West Wing.

Officially, Adelman, 25, of West Bloomfield, is the
community relations associate for the Jewish
Community Council of Metropolitan Detroit.
Unofficially, he's a workhorse.
When an Israeli official comes into town, it's usu-
ally Adelman who shleps him or her to meetings
with local media. _
He keeps tabs on local Jewish agencies' funding
and regulatory needs, then organizes meetings at the
agencies with elected officials, agency personnel and
lay leaders in the Jewish community.

Musical Mentors

A student of acclaimed soprano Jan
Albright at Oakland University in
Auburn Hills, Webster graduated
from Walled Lake Western High
School and spent five summers at
Interlochen Arts Camp. But it was at
Temple Israel in West Bloomfield
where she received her earliest musical
inspiration.
"I grew up at Temple," she says. "I
consider Cantor [Harold] Orbach my
mentor, and, later, Cantor [Lori]
Corrsin."
Now, when Cantor Corrsin or Neil
Michaels, Temple Israel's official can-
torial soloist, need assistance, they call
on her. When Temple Israel had a
youth choir, she conducted it. She also
enjoys singing at Shabbat Unplugged,
the synagogue's monthly young adult-
oriented services.
"There's a big Christian music industry geared
toward younger people," Webster says. As Jews, we
need more of that."
Webster also is an accomplished classical musician
VOICE on page 74

but his Judaism and his convincing nature has been
evident since he was a kid.

Humble Beginnings

Multi-tasking is a way of life for JCCouncirs Eric Adelman.

HARRY KIRSBAUM

week, too. I know most of them by name, and they
bring their kids to hear me. It's a real community
here.
This year, the West Bloomfield resident also led a
much more structured and demanding religious obser-
vance — the High Holiday services at Michigan State
University's Hillel organization.
"She did an absolutely beautiful job," says Cindy
Hughey, executive director of MSU
Hillel. "She has a beautiful voice and
we hope to have her back next year."

He also writes
the Domestic
Issues Advocate,
an e-mail
newsletter about
national legisla-
tion that affects
the Jewish com-
munity. The peri-
odic newsletter
offers links and
phone numbers
to legislators as a
way to encourage
people to take
More active roles
in government.
Eric Adelman
Politics wasn't
always in his blood,

Born and raised in Oak Park, his parents, Ellen and
Cary, and his brother Scott, now 22, joined
Congregation Beth Shalom. After a couple of ses-
sions in Sunday school, his mother said he came
home and asked, "Mom and Dad, why don't we
keep kosher?"
"He got us to think about it," said Ellen. "If this
was the atmosphere we have chosen to bring him

Unofficially, he's a workhorse.

up in, then why aren't we? He was questioning
things in real positive ways and because of that, we
keep kosher to this very day."
One of his seminal experiences was B'nai B'rith
Youth Organization, where he started his group and
served on the regional board. "That's what started
to shape my desire to do things for the Jewish com-
munity. I also received a lot from the community.

ON THE Go on page 74

11/21
2003

73

