Volunteer of the Month: Cantor Charles Romalis

Charles Romalis volunteers for the ACC because he feels that the ACC has done a lot for him and a terrific job for the Cantorate. By volunteering, he says, he can give back to the Conference. When Charles became treasurer in 1966, the ACC was a fledgling organization. Charles believes it is important to be involved in the work of his professional organization, and he has enjoyed working with many talented people to make the ACC better. Charles’ work with the ACC also led him to become involved in the Alumni Assn of the School of Sacred Music.

How does Charles make time for volunteering for the ACC?

“When you want something done,” he says, “give it to a busy person.”Charles has been at Temple Beth Tikvah of Wayne, NJ for 43 years! He sees being involved in the ACC as part of his job description. Being involved gives him a better handle on what’s going on in the Conference and his congregation understands this. Currently, Charles serves on the Personnel Committee. He has sat on the Executive Board as Alumni president in past years.

Charles was in on the beginning of the ACC’s current governing and professional structure – he was excited to be among those who chose qualified people to serve. Charles found it outstanding to work with such caring people, as well as a thrilling opportunity to be involved in the ”guts” of the ACC.

Charles inspires students through their bar/bat mitzvah training. He talks to the students about why they should continue their involvement in Judaism. He has always led a wonderful choir and he conducts a junior choir too. By starting the children in choral singing while they are young, Charles gives them a good experience that will take them on to the next musical and Jewish steps of their lives.

Charles’ family is very important to him and he is proud to be a new grandfather to a baby who lives only two hours away. When he’s not spending time with family, the Cantorate is everything to him – his friends and life revolve around the synagogue. Recently the synagogue honored Charles and made fabulous video about him which you can watch at www.reellifetributes.com/videos/cantor.htm.