Testimonials

Lifecycle events:

Wedding:

" I have known Cantor Mandi for many years, so when the time came to decide who we wanted to marry us, among the many decisions that the wedding brought, there was one issue which we did not have to question - we knew she would be the perfect fit.

Cantor Mandi has the unique ability to create a ceremony that is at once deeply spiritual and connected to the depths of our Jewish roots and simultaneously extremely personal and connected to modern applications of the values that our tradition advocates. She has mastery over the traditional ceremony but also took hours of her time to welcome our thoughts and make decisions together and to prioritize what was important to us. This was a rare gem that made the ceremony not only a symbol but a center of gravity around which my husband and I could discuss key values we wanted our marriage to reflect in the future.

I had many non-Jewish friends at the ceremony but very few dry eyes. As people came to congratulate us afterwards, so many of them praised the beauty of the ceremony and the principles it espoused and how relatable it was to their everyday lives rather than the abstract concepts they were expecting.

I am so thankful to Cantor Mandi for making our day so special, for bringing such a diversity of people to appreciate what I believe are the most important tenants of Jewish teachings and for being a listening ear the entire way. She truly made our day all we hoped it could be."

Liat and Adi 2016

Our relationship began in 1990, when our children became students of Cantor Mandi Beckenstein. Her preparation gave the children the confidence and love they needed to perform on that special day.

Fast forward 21 years; lives change, jobs change and children grow up. Here we were planning the wedding of our daughter who was about to marry out of our religion. A family friend of ours happens to be a priest and we welcomed his presence at their wedding. Not having been in touch with Cantor Mandi, I proceeded to “search the internet" and low and behold found her.

The past 20 years dissolved when I heard her voice on the phone. Of course she remembered my children and our family; and after filling her in on the plans she happily agreed to be a part of the wedding ceremony.

Both Cantor Beckenstein and Father Peter Werhle together preformed one of the most beautiful wedding ceremonies I have ever been a part of. I always knew Cantor Mandi had a beautiful voice, little did I know that Father Peter too, had one. So as the ceremony proceeded we were blessed to have readings in both Hebrew and English. These two professionals, from different backgrounds, came together to make one couple very happy.

It's not very often you come upon someone who has touched your life in many ways; Cantor Mandi is that such person. Just ask my kids.

Sheila Varnay – June 23, 2011

B'nai Mitzvah

Bar Mitzvah in Israel: Finally. The big day arrived. We started before 7 a.m. with make-up and hair for the girls... 9 a.m. we left for the synagogue. We took tons of pictures ( which I will make sure to send you when I get them).

Errol sang lovely - he lead us in service with confidence and grace. He did a great job. Really, fantastic. All the effort paid off big time!

He read from the Torah like he has been doing it all his life. The Adon Olam was amazing!

We then went to lunch at a beautiful place. His speech was great. He thanked you. Everyone took home a siddur.

Thank you,

Judy Lipton - Summer 2017

I would not have been able to perform my prayers without you.

Sophia - 2013

You have taught her more than just Hebrew - but how to do something well and the importance of that.

Elana Gold - 2013

Cantor Mandi, we want to thank you for all that you have done for our family. Your care and dedication to what you do has been evident since the day we met you. You will forever have left your mark on Evan and Jack on their learning journey.

Love,

Andy, Tracy, Evan and Jack Lazarus - Oct 2013

Dear Cantor Mandi,

Thank you so much for being such an amazing help with bar mitzvah studies. I love working with you.

Jake - 2012

Thank you Cantor Mandi for EVERYTHING you do! You are appreciated more than words can say!

The Stahl Family - 2012

Baby Naming:

Hi Cantor Mandi,

Just wanted to say thank you.............................I wanted to tell you how beautiful the service was. Many of the guests commented on how wonderful you were and wanted to know how I found you.. John and Hilary and his parents thought it was beautiful. I am still getting calls and all say what an outstanding job you did.

With appreciation,

Mara Spizz - August 27, 2012