Cantor's 1st Article
As the year 2000 drew to a close, and the dawn of the New Year came, I awoke with excitement for the first day of a new period in my life. I was no longer the Hazzan of Shaare Zion Congregation in Montreal, but was back in Toronto, as the new Hazzan of Beth Sholom Synagogue. On behalf of my wife Melissa and myself, I can honestly say it is great to be home. We are proud to be part of a synagogue with such a rich history in this great Jewish community.
Much has happened in my first two months at Beth Sholom. Music is thriving once again. As it is written in psalm 149, “Shiru L’Adoshem Shir Chadash – Sing unto the Lord a New Song.” In consonance with this verse, the newly formed Beth Sholom Choir has rehearsed and is performing at Shabbat services each month. Our repertoire combines old and new – the melodies we have grown to cherish with new compositions on the way. We are fortunate to have an ensemble of eight very talented and committed singers under the inspired direction of our conductor, Mr. Bram Goldhamer.
COMING SOON! Stay-tuned for upcoming information on the Beth Sholom Children’s Choir.
Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel Independence Day is not far away. On April 26, 2001, Beth Sholom is presenting its largest musical undertaking in the synagogue’s 53-year history. We are proud to feature Michael Burgess, the star of “Les Miserables”, who played the leading role of Jean Valjean at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. He will grace our bimah with his magnificent voice along with Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi, the “Jewish Pavarotti”, Amy Goldstein from New York, and myself. This gala event will be under the direction of world famous conductor, Maestro Boris Brott, along with a 35-piece symphony orchestra and the Beth Sholom choir. This is truly an event not to be missed.
During the December break, Melissa and I took the opportunity to enjoy some time off in the sunny south. We went on a cruise to Hawaii! I am not writing to tell you about the trip, but rather to share an experience that I found to be very profound. Since the cruise took place during the week of Chanukah, arrangements were made for a Rabbi to be on board. On the third night, as on every other night, we received the activities outline for the following day. In addition to the usual shuffle board tournament, bingo game, bridge lessons, cocktail of the day, and show times, we also saw the following announcement: “Chanukah service – 7:30 - 8:30 PM in the Showboat Lounge.” Melissa and I then engaged in a friendly bet. She said that no more than twenty people would show up to the service. My guess was only slightly higher. (I might add that there were over two thousand passengers on board the vessel.) When we arrived at the Chanukah service, to our surprise and delight, more than three hundred people were in attendance! Jewish people from all over the world had come together during the one-hour service to feel connected to something greater than a vacation to Hawaii. Did we come for the latkes? Was it a spiritual calling? Did we just want to catch a glimpse of the other Jewish people on board? The point is…it really didn’t matter. We all came together because we were Jewish and felt a desire to be connected.
And so, why share this story? In the city, going to Shul may seem like a chore, but in the middle of the Pacific, it seemed like the ‘in-thing’ to do. I don’t want to wait until Rosh Hashana or my ‘next cruise’ to meet the congregation. I daven every week – Friday night and Shabbat morning. For a sneak preview of your new Hazzan, don’t wait! Come and visit soon!
Cantor Eric M. Moses