Clergy and Leadership

Rabbi-Cantor Marci Vitkus has served the JCV since October 5, 2001. She grew up in the Chicago suburbs and moved to Sarasota in 1993. Cantorial singing was not in her life plan but nonetheless, the opportunity was presented to her at just the right time and a shidduch (match) was made.

Rabbi-Cantor Marci is from a long line of cantors, beginning with her father’s role as hazzan and choir director and her grandfather, Hyman Reznick, a pillar of the Chicago Jewish community. 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 the long line of shalliach tzibburim (prayer leaders)  in her ancestry. For now, she loves being a part of the family life-cycle events that occur in a synagogue: births, namings, anniversaries, b’nai mitzvah. 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. 

In 2005, Marci joined the Women Cantors’ Network. She has been on the Executive Board for six years and served as the president for the 2022-2024 term.

Rabbi-Cantor Marci has been part of the JCV for more than 22 years. On June 22, 2024 she was ordained as a rabbi through the Jewish Spiritual Leader’s Institute. We are so thankful for her expertise and willingness to guide us as a long-time spiritual leader.

Leadership