Karen
Webber
Liturgical Artist
About Me
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Karen is a liturgical, teaching/performing artist, and poet who makes her home in Baltimore, Maryland. Ordained as a Reform cantor in 1990, she has been as a holy day, guest, and
cantor-in-residence and currently serves congregations in MD and VA.
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A recipient of small arts grants in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, Karen designs innovative music/theatre pieces performed in colleges, eldercare facilities and community centers. Themes range from Folk music to Jewish women in comedy.
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She partnered with Mental Health Association of Maryland to create a unique musical wellness series targeting older adults and focusing on positivity, creativity and self care. Based on this work, her workshop, 'All kinds of Weather': Teaching the Model was presented at the Alternatives Conference 2021.
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Her poems and essays have been published in chapbooks, magazines, and on-line. Her work is included in the Haftorah commentary published by CCAR press 2021
Work Experience
Peer Mentor: Johns Hopkins Research Study
Provide Peer support to older adult mentees with depression thru education, encouragement, and connection to services in the community
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Peer Facilitator: Mental Health Association of Maryland
Created and implement a four part musical wellness series "Keep On the Sunny Side" for older adults, around themes of positivity and resilience to combat isolation and loneliness. Co-facilitate wellness groups.
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Cantor: Temple Beth Shalom, Arnold Maryland
for B'nei Mitzvah and special events
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Cantor: Bolton St Synagogue, Baltimore Maryland
for B'nei Mitzvah and special events
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Cantor: Wing & Prayer
build unique curriculum to prepare non-traditional learners, many with special needs for Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
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Teaching Artist:
Create musical, theatrical, interactive programs for eldercare facilities, classrooms and community centers.
Education
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) Winter 2021
Maryland Addiction and Behavioral Health Certification Board
Maryland Micro Credentials (Creative Aging) Winter 2021
Maryland State Arts Council
Pongo facilitator:techniques for Therapeutic Writing Through Poetry Fall 2021
Pongo Poetry Project
WRAP Facilitator (Wellness Recovery Action Planning) Summer 2021 certified by On Our Own of Maryland
co-facilitating pilot of WRAP for Healthy Aging
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Clinical Pastoral Education: 2 extended units
Twin Towers; Methodist Eldercare Facility
2003, 2004
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music
Ordained as a cantor and earned Master of Sacred Music -1990
Honorary Doctorate for 25 years of service - 2015