About Cantor Lynda

Hello. Thank you for visiting my website!!

Currently, I am the Cantor at Har Shalom Congregation, a Reform congregation, in Highland Park. Some people are surprised to know that cantors are clergy and can officiate at weddings, B’nai Mitzvahs, baby-namings, funerals, worship services etc. I was ordained through the American Conference of Cantors certification program sanctioned by Hebrew Union College/School of Sacred Music.

As a Cantor, singing is extremely important to me. I love to include chants when leading meditation groups every other Thursday evening. I was trained by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS). And just recently, the Institute conducted Wise Aging workshops. Both practices involve living mindfully with intention. Please visit my Meditation and Wise aging pages. If you are interested in joining my groups, you can email me at lynda.dresher@gmail.com. Learn more about the institute at www.jewishspirituality.org.

In August, 2014, I graduated from the year-long Chaplain Residency Program at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL. Being the only Jewish chaplain, I helped establish their protocol for caring for Jewish patients. As chaplains, we care for the emotional and spiritual needs of each patient. I am grateful for the CPE program (Clinical Pastorial Education) and to all of my fellow residents, staff chaplains and supervisors who loving and patiently shared their wisdom and compassion with me.

At the suggestion of the staff chaplain, I received training through the Grief Recovery Institute to become a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. You can visit their website at Griefrecoverymethod.com. I am now leading 8 and 12 week Grief Recovery programs at Lakeside Congregation in Highland ParK. Please contact me if you are interested so I can let you know when our next program will begin. I am only having 14 people in each program. The cost of the programs after the first of the year will be $150.

This past December, my original composition, “We Remember Them, was published in Transcontinental’s Shabbat Anthology VII. Please go to my Music tab to hear all of my new releases. Some are meditative chants, healing prayers and liturgical prayers. If you are interested in having my group perform at your event, you can contact me for availability!!

God has blessed me with two wonderful daughters; Jody and Cheryl. I am grateful to my father, Sam Wener who is healthy and active at 91 years young. I have an amazing brother, Jeff and his loving wife and children, Rhonda, Scott, Lauren, Matt their two children, Jacob and Madelyn.

THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY WEBSITE…..B’SHALOM