We plan, God laughs, then carries us to where we are in this moment…
An almost fatal car crash in 1996…
An opioid overdose at her garage sale in 2005…
A minor abdominal procedure went horribly wrong in 2009…
God’s Interventions changed Patti’s life forever, the last ending with her early retirement from a temple where she had been for 24 1/2 years, prompting her to ask the very frightening question:
If I am not a Cantor, then who am I?
Patti Linsky had been the Cantor at Temple Ahavat Shalom for over 24 years when a life-threatening condition derailed her plans and dreams for the future. Following a lengthy recuperation, Patti realized that a consequence of her surgery, which nearly took her life, was that her singing voice had been compromised and she would no longer be able to perform her duties as Cantor. In 2010, Patti became Cantor Emerita of her congregation — in other words, she had no choice but to retire.
She was forced to look within, “If I am not a Cantor, then who am I?” With that question, she embarked on her spiritual quest, searching for her next chapter. Patti actively chose to be open to every possibility. In doing so, she enrolled in a Woman’s Empowerment Course in which she was asked to write a bucket list. One of the ten items stood out and hit a resonant chord — she wanted to perform a one-woman show so that she could tell her story. This creation, she felt, would feed her soul, give her an opportunity not only to explore her own path and find strength and vision, but also empower others to believe that they are “enough.”
Being “enough” is pinnacle to Patti’s spiritual awakening. In 1996, Patti was in an automobile accident resulting in severe back and neck injuries. Soon after, she underwent surgery for a hernia — her doctor accidentally cut a nerve in her leg. Following was a decade of descent into painkillers and alcohol in an effort to mask her physical and emotional pain. In 2007, Patti entered, and remains, in recovery —
“It was the first time in years that I felt authentic, the first time I experienced real feelings.”
Altar EGO is the creative, energetic, spiritual child of Patti’s extraordinary journey. This is a story of Patti’s passion for music and religious commitment. It is also a story of battling addictions, self-worth, recovery and ultimately redemption. As a singer/songwriter, Altar EGO is told through her very personal compositions and stories peppered with her unique humor, wisdom and zest for life.
In addition to Patti’s one woman show, she remains active in the Jewish community as a freelance Cantor officiating at services, Lifecycle events, performing in concerts, recording in the studio and as visiting Artist-in-Residence.
Patti is currently Interim Cantor at Temple Beth Hillel and Leo Baeck Temple Minyan Cantor the 2nd and 4th Shabbat mornings of each month.
Patti brings her Artist in Residence weekend to congregations and communities alike, pulling the curtain on the myth that addiction and alcoholism can’t happen to a Cantor…
As an Artist-In-Residence, Patti will hold the space to provide a time of reflection and inspiration. Patti’s presentations are based on authentic self-empowerment. They allowindividuals to explore their paths by beginning to learn how to map out their own journeys, inspired by Patti’s personal stories ranging from being a cantor to being a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, all through humorous and seious anecdotes, songs and life lessons. This fall , Patti’s essay, God’s Perfect Child has been published by Seal Press in an anthology, edited by Amy Ferris entitled Shades of Blue. As part of the Torah Study, Patti marries her essay to the Parashat Ha-Shavua (portion of the week), teaching how our tradition and its lessons are more than relevant to the issues of today, many of which remain silent. She creates the space to share community, stories and fellowship – reminding us of our sacred connection. You will both laugh and cry. Her lectures and workshops are focused on the truism that each one of us is ENOUGH, and mistakes are simply delusions.
The Artist-In-Residence weekend would include a Friday night Shabbat Service co-led with Patti and Clergy, incuding a sermon in song, Shabbat morning discussion based upon Patti’s essay and how we can find sacred connection through torah study, sharing our stories and releasing shame and finally, ending on Saturday evening with Patti’s highly acclaimed one-woman show, Altar EGO.
Please contact Patti for booking information
Holiness is in every moment. The spiritual gifts that Patti brings to every life cycle celebration are filled with sensitivity, tradition, and loving…
Holiness is in every moment. The spiritual gifts that Patti brings to every life cycle celebration is filled with sensitivity, tradition and loving. Whether officiating at a wedding, burying a loved one or bringing a new child into the world, it is a continual humbling experience for Patti as she is witness to life’s most precious moments.
INHERITYOURBRAVE.ORG is at heart of what instigating Bravery is all about. Being “enough” is paramount to Patti’s spiritual awakening…
INHERITYOURBRAVE.ORG is at heart of what instigating Bravery is all about. Being “enough” is paramount to Patti’s spiritual awakening. In 1996, Patti was in an automobile accident resulting in severe back and neck injuries. Soon after, she underwent surgery for a hernia — and her doctor accidentally cut a nerve in her leg. Following was over 3 decades of descent into painkillers and alcohol in an effort to mask her physical and emotional pain. Add to that an overdose at her garage sale, where her children had to call 911, and an operation gone horribly wrong in 2009, and you have the perfect storm. Patti believes these were God’s Interventions. She shares her experience, strength and hope to those who have yet to find their voice in dealing with the ways life can be challenging and filled with fear.
Through it all, Patti has tremendous gratitude for each of these events, for she believes that the only way out is through. We are given the keys that unlock the doors to the next room. It is our choice as to whether we want to enter.
In addition to performing her one-woman show, Patti remains active in the Jewish community as a freelance Cantor and visiting Artist-in-Residence.
”Patti is a musician's musician. Her voice, her playing and her writing are all very impressive. But it is her heart and her neshama that bring her skills to life and give them purpose. Patti has chosen to use her personal journey and God-given gifts to touch and to teach, and with humiity and grace she does both. I am so fortunate to be able to learn from her."
Beth SchaferComposer/Producer
”Patti Linsky is one of my favorite artists in the world, hands down. She's my "go-to" studio singer, a sweet, soulful vocalist with a gorgeous, inspiring stage presence. Her newest chapter, her one-woman show entitled Altar EGO is just another step in the career of an absolutely beautiful national treasure who will leave you wanting more...."
Julie SilverSinger/Songwriter
”I have known Patti Linsky for many years and besides being an extraordinary human being, full of light and love, she is also a superb talent. She sings from her kishkes, with a voice feels like a big hug. She’s an amazing performer, funny, compelling, and completely entertaining. And her willingness to give us the raw and real Patti is nothing less than courageous."
Marta KauffmanCo-Creator/Executive Producer of “Friends"
”Cantor Patti Linsky is, quite simply, one of the most talented people I have ever met. Not only does she have an incredible voice, but she also possesses a beautiful soul. I have had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Patti on two of my CD's and feel truly blessed to have been able to work with her. She is funny, fearless and forceful. Her ability to touch people through her humor, pathos and passion is breathtaking. I cannot recommend her enough. Any community or organization that has the good fortune of hearing her story and her voice will be changed
Rabbi Joe Black
forever. "
”Patti Linsky is that rare breed of artist: gifted, committed, intelligent, a blessing to work with, and heartfelt.I've vocal coached stars in all genres of show business and Patti, stands tall among them all. Her voiceis lush, her comedic timing impeccable and her love for performing and sending a clear message of spiritis unparalleled. Any audience is blessed to be a part of her joy. "
Bob GarrettVocal Coach
”This is what i know… I know that Patti Linsky is a fierce & mighty WOmensch. I know that she is audacious & bold. I know - with every fiber in my being - that her one woman show WILL change YOUR life. It's powerful, poignant, stunning, funny, wise, witty, brilliant …
Amy FerrisAuthor. Writer. Girl
You know… just like Patti. "
