ACC Life Cycle Notice: Baruch Dayan HaEmet: Cantor Jodi Schechtman, z'l

It is with deep and profound sadness that I announce the death of Cantor Jodi Schechtman after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Jodi served the American Conference of Cantors with distinction as the Chair of the Joint Cantorial Placement Commission, Chair of the ACC Membership Committee, member of the ACC Executive Board, member of the Joint Commission on Worship, Music and Religious Living, and she served as a member of the ACC senior staff as the first Director of Organizational Partnerships.

Jodi is survived by her husband, Gene Laks, and their daughter, Madison Laks; Jodi’s sister, Nancy Schechtman, and brothers Neal Schechtman, Russell Schechtman, as well as many, many family and friends.

Jodi’s influence on the cantorate, the ACC and the Reform Movement will have a lasting impact on generations to come. Jodi built relationships with our partner organizations at the URJ, HUC-JIR, the RAC and others. With Jodi’s contribution and steadfast belief that cantors should always have a seat at the table, the ACC found new ways to work with old friends. Jodi’s work on behalf of the ACC made a cantor actively participating in a North American Board meeting the norm.

So much of the work Jodi did on behalf of the ACC is reflected in the cantorate of today. Some partnerships were reinforced. Others were elevated because of the work Jodi did on behalf of the organization and colleagues she adored.

Many more remembrances of Jodi will be shared during her funeral service on Friday, March 19, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EDT. Click here for the funeral link.

Zichrona livracha. May Jodi's memory be for a blessing and may her family be comforted by the love of everyone who knew her.

Cantor Claire Franco
President
American Conference of Cantors