Texas Jewish Post (Dallas, Tex.), Vol. 72, No. 8, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 22, 2018 Page: 12 of 24
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TEXAS JEWISH POST $ SINCE 1947
12 I February 22,2018
Emanu-El Choir fetes 65 years of music
Submitted by Connie Dufner
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Photos: Courtesy Temple Emanu-El Choir
With 66 members, the Temple Emanu-El Choir is thriving.
FAST FACTS about the Temple Emanu-El Choir
Longtime, new
singers share
music memories
• In 1920, Sadie Lefkowitz, wife of Rabbi David Lefkowitz,
organized a volunteer choir for Shabbat morning services
that included Jessonda Fox of blessed memory, one of the
founding members.
Founding Members
*Rosalie Alexander, Myron Ball*, Carol Brin, Jessonda Fox* Blanche Fromm* Bernice Raden, Celia Levy*, Phyllis Lissauer, Emmy Lou Williams*, Florence
Winer* Pat Zilbermann* (*of blessed memory)
choir in 1955 when it sang for
the High Holy Days in Fair Park
Auditorium, described the choir as
“another family for me,” and noted
its enduring impact on prayer.
“It makes services so much more
meaningful.”
And Sarah Yarrin, a member
since 1985 and past chair of the
former Music Committee, said that
W.-
convert, joining
me the
with
Cook
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“singing in the choir enhanced my
love of Judaism and it has become a
priority in my life.”
The choir has had eight directors
over the years, with Simon Sargon
serving for the longest period of
time, from 1974 to 2001. It has
also worked with five cantors and
performed locally, nationally and
internationally.
information on that event, visit
www.vocesintimaeartsong.org.)
The choir will be honored in a
service of celebration and tribute
on Friday, March 2, followed by
a dinner. (Those interested in
registering for dinner can do so at
participate.tedallas.org/taam8500.)
The service will be held in Olan
Sanctuary and will be the only
I
The Temple Emanu-El Choir
turns 65 this year, and the group
that has added to Temple life in
so many important dimensions
is thriving and growing. Its 66
members range from two original
members who are still singing, to
15 new and returning members
who have joined in recent months.
“The choir has always been an
emotional experience for me,”
said Carol Brin, a member of the
original 1953 choir under the
direction of Samuel Adler, Emanu-
El ’s first music director (1953-1966).
Brin is still active in the choir and is
known for her dedication and for
her legendary twice-yearly dinners.
“Rehearsals and weekly services
were inspiring and refreshing,” she
said. “I looked forward to them with
anticipation and for strengthening
of spirit. I also enjoyed cooking for
the choir twice a year.”
And new choir member Ariana
Cook is grateful for the opportunity
to connect more deeply to the
synagogue.
“As a new
the choir has allowed
opportunity to engage
Judaism through music,”
said. “It helps me with my Hebrew,
and I continue to learn about all the
wonderful facets of Judaism in an
immersive way.”
Sue Lichten, who joined the
The ’90s
• 1991: The annual
Showcase Series begins
The ’70s and ’80s
• “The Gates of Justice,” by Dave Brubeck as part of the
100th Anniversary Celebration of Temple Emanu-El, with
the Temple Emanu-El Choir, East Texas State University
Chorale, Dallas Symphony Orchestra Members and Alvin
Epstein Conduction.
“For 65 years, the Temple
Emanu-El Choir has remained
united in their unswerving devotion
to Jewish music, and committed to
giving their all at worship services,
and throughout long hours in the
loft during the High Holy Days,”
said Sargon, who will be honored
for his 80th birthday on Sunday
at a concert at SMU. (For more
Choir Highlights and History
Early History
• Music has played a central role in Temple life from its
earliest days. In 1876, the year after the congregation was
founded, a paid professional choir and an organist were
hired for services. Children received musical instruction as
early as 1894, and a children’s choir sang at Shabbat services
as early as 1916.
• Performances of works by Simon Sargon: “Tov L’Hodot,”
“Elul: Midnight,” “Flame of the Lord,” “At Grandmother’s
Knee,” a program of Yiddish heritage.First Hanukkah
concert at NorthPark Center, now an annual tradition.
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v j
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• 1997: Biennial
Convention of the Union
for Reform Judaism
(formerly Union of
American Hebrew
Congregations)
1 jrt.J
The ’50s
• “Avodath Hakodesh
(A Sacred Service)” by
Ernest Bloch, featuring
soloists by Metropolitan
Opera baritone Mack
Harrell, soprano Joan
Merriman and contralto
Gloria Brydon. “The
Vision of Isaiah,” by
Samuel Adler.
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Wisch-Ray, Sharon. Texas Jewish Post (Dallas, Tex.), Vol. 72, No. 8, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 22, 2018, newspaper, February 22, 2018; Dallas, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1305629/m1/12/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; .