There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.
~Leonard Cohen
Artist in Residence
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. Her Sermon in Song, “The Spirituality of Recovery”, is presented on Shabbat evening in partnership with the Clergy from the host community. Shabbat morning marries our Torah portion of the week and it’s themes with her essay “God’s Perfect Child” in the acclaimed anthology, SHADES OF BLUE, which focuses on issues of mental health, addiction, alcoholism, self-esteem, and recovery.
Sunday morning is spent with Patti participating on a panel for adults/parents with other respected members of the Mental Health community regarding issues of their child’s mental health and the issues which challenge kids today, ranging from bullying, self-esteem, finding their voice and dealing with social media and peer pressure. On Sunday afternoon, Patti works with the teens and their Youth Group Advisor/Educator talking with them about her double life as an alcoholic/addict and Cantor. There is an anonymous Q&A, as the teens ask Patti questions they write on cards. No topic is off limits. Patti’s intention is to provide the message that the Clergy and congregation are a safe place for them to go if they need support in any way. It is a brutally honest exchange in which trust is paramount, solution is the goal, and most importantly, there is no shame in being human.
Cantor & Spiritual Conduit
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.
Bravery Instigator
Inherit Your Brave™ 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 went horribly wrong in 2009, and you have the perfect storm. Patti believes these were God’s Interventions. She shares her experience, strength and hopes to those who have yet to find their voice in dealing with the ways life can be challenging and filled with fear.
Patti is certified as a Mental Health First Aid ™graduate and values her work with those dealing with the emotional issues we cannot see.
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.
Testimonials
“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 Altar EGO is just another step in the career of an absolutely beautiful national treasure who will leave you wanting more…”
~Julie Silver, Singer/Songwriter
“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…Her ability to touch people through her humor, pathos and passion is breathtaking. Any community or organization that has had the good fortune of hearing her story and her voice will be forever changed…”
~Rabbi Joe Black
“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 humility and grace, she does both. I am so fortunate to be able to learn from her.”
~Beth Schafer, Composer/ Producer
“ 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…”
~Marta Kauffman, Co-Creator/ Executive Producer of “Friends” and “Grace&Frankie”
Dear Cantor Linsky,
Thanks to you, the door to starting the conversation about mental health in our congregation opened wide after an amazing delivery of your “Sermon in Song” at Shabbat services… The congregation was riveted throughout by your honesty and the cold, hard facts of your journey back from addiction. Your beautiful, soulful melodies reached deep into our hearts. This was a transformational experience for many who were awestruck by your strength, talent and courage and the realization that it is ok to acknowledge and move to acceptance of their own struggles that they have kept hidden for so long. I have been a mental Health advocate in my community for many years. After the service, I was approached by people passionate about becoming involved in mental health advocacy, and a friend, who after rejecting this path previously, decided it was time to step up and talk about her illness.
The contrast in your approach to your story in “Altar Ego” on Sunday morning was smart, delightful and cleverly insightful. We laughed through the tears and appreciated, even more, the range of your remarkable talents.
You have left an indelible impression on all who experienced your story during your Artist in Residence weekend.
Warmest thanks for the many gifts you bestowed through your sharing.
~Gerda Klein-Mental Health Committee, Temple Shaarei Shalom, Boynton Beach
