ARTS&LIFE
The bimah at Shaarey Zedek
VIDEO REVIEW
A Culturally Important Ukraine-Jewish Music Connection
CSZ Hazzan David Propis’ Eighth Day of Passover Hallel should not be missed.
I
make a point of listening to archived Livestream or YouTube Festival services from some of my favorite congregations around the country. Particularly moving and relevant to world affairs is the recording of the Eighth Day of Passover Hallel (the Psalms 113-118 recited on festivals) from Rabbi Elliot Congregation Shaarey B. Gertel Zedek in Southfield. With impeccable taste and winsome vocal talent, Hazzan David
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JUNE 2 • 2022
Propis, accompanied by a fine pianist and impressive octet choir, seamlessly offers traditional, longtime popular, classical and contemporary renditions of these psalms and the liturgical blessings that introduce and conclude them. Besides the wonderful musical settings, this video offers an impressive glimpse into Shaarey Zedek’s soaring and arresting bimah (1962), adorned by strikingly crafted marble, wood and glass, designed by masterful synagogue architect Percival Goodman.
It highlights the triangular motifs throughout the sanctuary and the large halls that open into it. The expansive interior is most conducive to social distancing for everyone, including the choir. I would be remiss if I did not mention the fine sermons available by the rabbis of the congregation, especially a Pesach Yizkor service by Senior Rabbi Aaron Starr, who discusses memory and blessing, the themes of a particular psalm that is our focus here. Particularly stunning is Hazzan
