Cantor Marci Vitkus

Marci Vitkus has served the JCV since October 5, 2001. She grew up in the Chicago suburbs and moved to Sarasota in 1993. Coming from a career in Early Childhood Education background, cantorial singing was not in her life plan. But nonetheless, this job was presented to her at just the right time and a shidduch (match) was made. It is here in Sarasota that her husband, Andy, and she brought up their two children, Max and Sadie.

It is also here where she discovered she was from a long line of cantors. She knew of her father’s role as hazzan and choir director. She knew of her grandfather, Hyman Reznick, a pillar of the Chicago Jewish community. But she soon learned her cantorial lineage goes back possibly 17 generations. One of the things she hopes to do when she finds some spare time is to investigate a long line of shochets (ritual slaughterers) and shalliach tzibburim (prayer leaders) also in her lineage. For now, she loves being a part of the family life cycle events that occur in a synagogue: births, namings, anniversaries, b’nai mitzvahs. They all bring joy. Even being there for a family in their most difficult hours is a gift she treasures in the circle of life.

By far the best part of her job is leading the congregation in song. They smile, they sway, the feel the same deep connection to their heritage as she does. Music is a balm to the soul.