THIS MONTH HaHodesh
AT CHIZUK AMUNO CONGREGATION AND SCHOOLS Engaging Jewish Life & Learning DECEMBER 2017 | Kislev / Tevet 5778
HAZZAN’S FAREWELL MESSAGE
FROM THE PRESIDENT
I am proud to announce that Hazzan Perlman will become Chizuk Amuno’s Hazzan Emeritus on August 1, 2018, and I look forward to our entire community celebrating with the Hazzan at our celebratory concert next year. As many of you know, and as I have shared on many occasions, Hazzan Perlman has wonderfully continued the auspicious legacy of Hazzanim at Chizuk Amuno. Hazzan Perlman will continue in his current role in our Congregation and Schools through July, and then will be bestowed his Emeritus status. The Hazzan has agreed to be with us for the High Holy Day season next year, as well as additional opportunities throughout the year. Hazzan Perlman has generously assured that the musical liturgy of Chizuk Amuno will be passed along, so that future generations of Chizuk Amuno families will find meaning and enjoyment from our musical heritage. Certainly, the next Hazzan of Chizuk Amuno will have the shoulders of great Hazzanim to stand on, and we will promptly begin the process of finding that individual. Let me close on a personal note. Over the last decade, I have had the benefit of becoming close with the Hazzan, and I am pleased that Chizuk Amuno will always be his synagogue, and that the Hazzan and Janice are going to continue to call Baltimore home.
In April of 1997, a large package arrived at our home in Syracuse, New York. It was from the Executive Director of Chizuk Amuno, Ron Millen. The contents were approximately 500 pages of choir music that had been sung at Chizuk Amuno Congregation over the years, establishing a beloved tradition for a nationally recognized shul.
Chizuk Amuno was notable and respected for its distinctiveness, and as such many of the compositions and arrangements were unfamiliar to me as a new Hazzan moving to Baltimore. I zealously began learning the century old musical heritage that preceded me and have been privileged and honored to nurture that tradition for over 20 years. Sixteen years ago, when Herb Dimmock became the Chizuk Amuno Choir Director, we reintroduced many of the established melodies with Herb’s magnificent contemporary arrangements. We also introduced melodies such as L’dor Vador
(L’dor vador) Hazzan Perlman in front of Cantor Salkov.
and V’al Kulam. We included many of my now familiar composed melodies, which were masterfully arranged by Herb including the Shema Koleinu, which is sung at the High Holidays. One of my best decisions was asking, a then eight-year-old, Shira Pomerantz to sing B’rosh Hashana, for the High Holidays. Her singing has been a blessing to us all. Continued on Page 3 >
HANUKKAH
LIGHTS UP THE SKY Chizuk Amuno and Beth El Congregations join together to celebrate Hanukkah!
Fireworks, Candle Lighting, Songs, and Games Our students will perform Hanukkah favorites.
MONDAY DECEMBER 18, 5:45 PM Cost for dinner:
By December 11, $5/person, $18/family; At the door, $6/person, $20/family
To RSVP, either: Jason A. Blavatt President
Mail or bring your check to the synagogue office, or Pay online at tinyurl.com/hanukkahfireworks Sponsored in loving memory of Daniel Joseph Siegel and in recognition of Daniel’s Sparks of Change Foundation