AUSTIN, Texas — For Rabbi Cantor Marie Betcher, the road to breaking barriers as senior chaplain started alongside her husband of 45 years, Jonathan, decades ago.
“I used to ride out with him as much as they would let a wife ride out, I think six to eight times a year,” Betcher said.
According to a report from the Texas Jewish Post, approximately 30,000 members of the Jewish faith serve in law enforcement. Therefore, the Austinite’s beliefs and role allow her to educate others unaccustomed to her background.
“I try to emphasize how much more we're alike than different,” Betcher said.
The long-time music professional turned rabbinical community leader has embraced this mission to become a staple in Central Texas, including spending the last 10 years as a chaplain with the Austin Police Department.
“Our job as chaplains is to remind everyone to love each other as themselves,” Betcher said. “That’s a great commandment, and by doing so, we change internally. Whatever support officers and their families need, we want to be there to help.”
Despite serving in a volunteer role, Betcher’s work has made an impact throughout the department and on APD Chief Joseph Chacon.
“She has this wonderful spirit and this amazing presence of positivity,” Chief Chacon said. “What a momentous occasion and one that is certainly worthy of note.”
On Monday morning, Betcher’s dedication was pinned into history as presumably the first female Jewish senior chaplain in America.
“It’s hard to describe, being a female, a Jew and representing everybody, which is my job,” Betcher said. “It’s an awesome responsibility, and at this stage of my life, one I’m ready for. It’s amazing the day is finally here.”
“It was thrilling to pin her badge on, like she did for me many years ago,” Jonathan Betcher said. “Now I know what she felt like.”
For members of the Austin and Jewish community in attendance, it was a day of celebration.
“She’s a great ambassador who lives in many worlds, and I think she will demystify Judaism and help welcome people into their own searches for identity,” Congregation Agudas Achaim Senior Rabbi Neil Blumofe said.
A respected friend on the force to all that call the Capital City home.
“The first thing is I want to get a wonderful, cohesive chaplain core,” Betcher said. “We want to serve our officers and their family. To uplift them right now because the mood right now is difficult.”
During Women’s History Month, Betcher is looking to lead by example and inspire others to chase their dreams.
“Never stop moving forward. Never think that you can’t do something,” Betcher said. “I want young women — and even the 50-, 60-, 70-year-olds — to go out there. You can always start something and be what you want to be.