Israel: A Musical Celebration

Israel: A Musical Celebration

Presented by

Cantor George Mordecai & Cantor Deborah Jacobson Special guest appearance by Hazzan Sidney Rabinowitz

Honoring Gary Lessen Temple Beth El Sunday, June 3, 2012

Temple Beth El is proud to honor

Gary Lessen for his dedicated service to our congregation A TBE member since 1991, Gary’s first active involvement was as a tutor in our Religious School. He joined TBE’s Board of Education eventually becoming its Chair. Gary was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1998, to the Executive Committee in 2003 and served as President of TBE from 2007-2009. Today he is an active member of the Board of Trustees, serving as advisor to the president.

Gary’s dedication to TBE led him to serve as Chair of a wide variety of committees including: Casino Night, Security Committee, Search Committee – Executive Director, Personnel Committee, Nominating Committee and Membership Committee. He has also served on the Fund Raising Committee and TBE/JCC Taskforce.

RABBI JOSHUA J. HAMMERMAN TEMPLE BETH EL 350 ROXBURY ROAD STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06902

STUDY 203 322-6901 E-MAIL: rabbi@tbe.org

Welcome to our fabulous Cantor’s Concert - Israel: A Musical Celebration.

Israel affects us all in different ways, profound ways. Rabbi Sidney Greenberg summarized those feelings in these words: For the Jew, Israel is a state of mind It is not only a piece of geography It is history It is theology It is Jewish tears and Jewish triumphs It is Jewish anguish and Jewish ecstasy It is childhood legends and biblical verses It is the direction that we pray and the subject of our prayers It is exile and homecoming It is a burning Temple and a new flag at the United Nations It is the 9th of Av and the 5th of Iyar It is a people restored and hope reborn What better way to celebrate Israel than with our own Cantor, George Mordecai, joining in song with Cantor Deborah Jacobson. Both have made the spirit of Israel come alive to our community through their music, so it is most fitting that tonight their two distinct voices will blend together, bringing out the unique qualities of each. We have been so fortunate over the years to have had such excellent cantorial leadership, including Hazzan Sidney Rabinowitz, whom we also welcome back warmly tonight. Music is and always has been the foundation of TBE’s spirit and the essence of the Jewish soul.

As we celebrate, there is no person more suitable to honor tonight than Gary Lessen, a great leader and an even greater mensch, who has dedicated himself to bringing our congregation to higher heights. Having worked with Gary closely from his days on the Board of Education, I’ve come to appreciate his calm, deliberative manner, especially in the face of the major challenges and tough decisions all synagogues must face. Thank you to Gary for all he has done, and to Lois, Stacy and Emily for their support as well.

Mazal tov – and enjoy the concert!

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

CANTOR GEORGE MORDECAI Temple Beth El 350 Roxbury Road Stamford, CT 06902

E-mail: cantormordecai@tbe.org Study 203-322-6901 x 303 Fax: 203-322-0532

Israel was always center stage at the Mordecai household in Sydney, Australia. Her trials and tribulations, accomplishments and disappointments were at the center of my family’s living room conversations. Passionate, fervent debate about Israel’s future, to the rhythm of pumpkin seeds being cracked open, filled the living room at my Grandmother’s house along with the fragrant aroma of freshly baked (ka’akas) date cakes, Turkish delight, the smell of strong coffee with cardimon and (stikan chai) freshly brewed tea. It is really just an accident of history that I was born in Australia and not Israel. Almost all of my grandparent’s brothers and sisters made aliyah from Baghdad and Basra and later from Singapore in the tumultuous years following the Second World War. I have cousins in all over Israel.

One of the most important ways that our family celebrated Israel was through music. We would spend hours singing and dancing to piyutim - liturgical poems - as well as Israeli songs on Shabbat, Chagim and family gatherings. Israeli singers from Yemenite and other Middle Eastern families, like Zohar Argov, Chayim Moshe, Ofra Chaza, took their place alongside Oum Kaltoum, Farouz, Farid Al Atrash and other great Arabic singers in my family’s repertoire of songs and music that they would listen to. It was those memorable years of exposure to the musical and spiritual dimensions of Jewish, Israeli and Middle Eastern music that eventually led me to the Cantorate.

I am thrilled to present this program of Israeli music to you all in collaboration with Cantor Jacobson. We have been talking about performing together for at least a decade and Beth El has given us the opportunity to realize our dream. It is also appropriate that the music of Israel, which is central the hearts of Jews everywhere, should be performed at Beth El by Cantor Jacobson and Hazzan Rabinowitz, both talented and charismatic cantors who have brought so much creativity and joy to our community. It is an honor for me to share the bimah of our beautiful sanctuary with them.

Enjoy!

Cantor George Mordecai

We Thank Our Sponsors Anonymous Anonymous Lisa Tannenbaum-Brownstein and Donald Brownstein Penny and Michael Horowitz Lois Stark and Gary Lessen Jacqueline Tepper and David Robinov Lisa and Michael Rome Eileen H. Rosner Eileen and Fred Springer

Jerusalem

To the Temple Beth El Community: It has been a privilege to contribute to the success of our Temple.

I greatly appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to serve Temple Beth El. My family and I thank you all for this great honor.

Lois Stark, Stacy, Emily and Gary Lessen

Jerusalem

Mazal Tov to All! Thank you, Cantor Mordecai, for bringing great spirit to us with this wonderful concert.

The Brownstein family

Jerusalem

anonymous

Jerusalem

To Gary, George and Deborah, With gratitude for all you’ve done and continue to do for our community and Klal Yisroel

The robinov family Jackie, david, greg and benjy

Jerusalem

Congratulations to Gary Lessen on this well deserved honor.

Your leadership and spirit have been an inspiration to our Jewish Community.

Love,

The rome family

Jerusalem

ANONYMOUS

Jerusalem

Gary Thank you for your friendship, for your support and for being my voice.

Cantor Mordecai and Cantor Jacobson Thank you for sharing your love of Israel and her music with us.

Eileen H. Rosner

Jerusalem

Gary has put forth tremendous effort on behalf of our congregation and community.

Beth El’s posture today is largely a result of his commitment.

His leadership has made it possible for us to enjoy this wonderful concert and so much more.

Our family is grateful.

Eileen and fred springer

Tel Aviv

It is an honor to know you and to have had the opportunity to work with you on the Board of Temple Beth El. Thank you, Gary Lessen, for your past, present and future guidance and commitment that you provide to Temple Beth El.

Temple beth el board of trustees

Tel Aviv

The Board of The Beth El Cemetery Association salutes Gary Lessen for his dedication and commitment to Temple Beth El.

THE Beth El Cemetery association

Tel Aviv

Mazal Tov to

Temple Beth El on its 2012 Cantors Concert “Israel: A Musical Celebration!”

Congratulations to

Gary Lessen on being honored by the congregation.

May we continue to partner together in celebrating Israel, in creating vibrant Jewish life and in nurturing young Jewish minds to lead our people into the future.

!‫חזק חזק ונתחזק‬ May you continue to strengthen Jewish life in Connecticut.

Tel Aviv

Thanks for bringing us the joy of music!

Marsha colten and Robert cohen

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

Mazel Tov to Gary Lessen and many thanks for all you do for Beth El. Also, thank you to Cantors George Mordecai and Deborah Jacobson for performing for us at Beth El. What a great team!

Phyllis and gary gladstein

Tel Aviv

Thank you, Gary, for your past and continued dedication to Temple Beth El. You are a mentor and friend to so many of us.

With warmest regards,

Betsy and peter kempner

Tel Aviv

In appreciation of your vision, commitment and hard work we honor Gary Lessen who has helped make Temple Beth El a special place.

You continue to be an inspiration for service and leadership.

Past presidents of Temple beth el

Tel Aviv

Sing to Adonai a New Song, Sing to Adonai All the Earth!

Psalm 96

We celebrate Israel with words and song With our Cantors, George and Deborah‌ And we celebrate all that Gary Lessen has done for our Temple and Community.

The men’s club of Temple beTh el

Tel Aviv

In appreciation of your efforts on behalf of Temple Beth El, we offer our best wishes.

Sisterhood of temple beth el

Haifa To my Temple Beth El Family under the leadership of my dear friends, Rabbi Hammerman and Cantor Mordecai: I am honored and delighted to perform this evening with Cantor Mordecai…

To honor “Mensch Extraordinaire,” Gary Lessen, celebrate Israel and be with all of you!!!

B’ahavah V’B’shira (with love and song) CANTOR deborah

Mazel Tov to the honoree Gary Lessen for your dedicated service to Temple Beth El in so many areas and for so many years.

Cantor George Mordecai & Cantor Deborah Jacobson Thanks for the joy you have brought to our services with your music.

Stephne and Kerrin Behrend

Haifa Yasher Koach to Gary Lessen for all of his efforts and leadership at Temple Beth El. Many thanks to Cantor George Mordecai, Cantor Deborah Jacobson and Hazzan Sidney Rabinowitz for bringing the joy of music to our lives.

Cheryl Bader and Stephen Goldblum Rachel, Daniel and evan

Congratulations, Gary, on a well-deserved honor!

You are a true mensch, a good man and a role model who always thinks of others before himself.

We are proud to be your friends and to celebrate with you.

liz, Scott, Zac and Andrew krowitz

Haifa

Mazel Tov, Gary on this well deserved honor

Gayle and Howard Rothman

To two superb singers...

Have a great concert!

Meryl and Hank Silverstein

Haifa In honor of Gary Lessen for his dedication to Temple Beth El. Thank you Cantor George Mordecai & Cantor Deborah Jacobson for lending your beautiful voices to this celebration.

Mia and Lonny Weinstein

We join in honoring Gary Lessen for his many years of leadership and service to TBE Rabbi Joshua Hammerman Cantor George Mordecai Steven Lander, Executive Director Rabbi Michelle Dardashti, Director of Community Engagement Al Treidel, Director of Jewish Life Education Ronnie Brockman, Early Childhood Director Antonio Avalos, Facilities Alberto Eyzaguirre, Facilities Manager Ellen Gottfried, Secretary Lana Rapaport, Education Office Administrative Assistant Linda Rezak, Bookkeeper Mindy Rogoff, Secretary

Temple Beth El Staff

Haifa With best wishes from your auditors

Friedberg, smith & company, p.c.

Certified public accountants

ANONYMOUS

Eilat To Cousin Gary, Mazal Tov! Your golf shoes are waiting for you!

With Love and Aloha,

George You are a splendid enhancement to our community. We enjoy your excellent voice, your vibrant and different melodies, your enthusiasm, and your drive to make Temple Beth El a focal point for all our members.

We are delighted to attend your concert.

Sandy, Don, Tammie, Tiffany and Zachary ARMSTRONG

Congratulations to Gary Lessen

Carol and Wil Brewer

A wonderful night of celebrating Israel in song!

Thank you to Cantor George Mordecai and Welcome home Cantor Deborah Jacobson

Thank you to George and Deborah for this concert.

Bobbe and Ben Evans

Fran and Gerry Ginsburg

And many thanks to Gary for all he does for the Temple.

Eilat Thank you to Cantor Mordecai and Cantor Jacobson for bringing us wonderful music!

Congratulations to our dear friend

Thank you to Gary Lessen for all that you’ve done and continue to do for TBE.

Gary Lessen Cantor’s Concert 2012 New Construction and Renovations Sylvan D. Pomerantz 30 Huckleberry Hollow Stamford, CT 06903 203.595.9882 cell 203.667.7441 www.csgroupct.com

Denise and David Greenman

In honor of Cantor George Mordecai Cantor Deborah Jacobson and Gary Lessen for your inspiration, support and friendship

Cantor Mordecai We celebrate all the music you add to our lives!

Beverly and Allen Kezsbom

The Leitersteins and The Zohars

Eilat Best wishes from

Mazal Tov and thanks for allowing us to join in this well deserved occasion.

Norma and Milt Mann

Congratulations on this special honor.

We are so proud of you, Gary, for all of your selfless work on behalf of your community, your synagogue and your wonderful family.

We know you don’t like the attention, but sit back, relax and enjoy it just this once.

All our love,

Brooke, Eric, Emily, and Isabel Meltzer

Georgina, Paul, Joshua, Aaron and Gabriel Roth

Eilat With best wishes from

Mary C. Silberman and Alan Silberman

Safed To Gary, Our thanks for all that you do and all that you are!

And to Cantor George and Cantor Deborah, You bring joy to our hearts and music to our souls!

With special, special hugs of grateful appreciation!

Judith and Meryl Aronin

Thanks Gary for all you do.

Gary Lessen

Thanks for a magical musical evening Cantors Deborah and George!

Mensch and brains...

A perfect combination.

The satz family

Carol and Allen Krim

Gary Lessen A well deserved honor!

Thank you, Gary, for all you contribute to TBE!

Cantor Mordecai & Cantor Jacobson the dynamic duo!

Thank you, Cantor Mordecai, for what I’m sure will be a great evening!

Shelly and Harold Schwartz

Marsha Shendell

Thank you for your dedication and hard work on behalf of Temple Beth El.

We are so proud of our friend Gary for his dedication and service to the Jewish Community

Mazel Tov.

Mazel Tov.

Suzanne and Norman Stone

Karen, Mark, Jason and Sarah feder

Safed Thank you for your leadership and support.

It all started with us.

Temple Beth El Board of education

Yasher Koach!

Jeanne Feore, Dana Horowitz Rona Katz, Betsy Kempner, Carol Krim, Susan Leiterstein, Susan Plotzky Temple beth el MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Special tribute to Gary, George, Deborah and especially Israel.

Mazal Tov, Gary!

Gail G. and Stephen Trell and family

Elliott Lessen

Tiberias Amy and Mel Bloomenthal Liz and Jared Finkelstein Meira Rosenberg and David Friedman Pat and Stanley Meltzer Rhonna and Brian Rogol Guy Sasson Dana and Carl Weinberg Harriet and Seymour Weinstein

Israel: A Musical Celebration Special Thank You to the Concert Committee Rosalea Fisher Denise Greenman Susan Greenwald Carol Krim Steve Lander Roni Lang Eileen H. Rosner Judy Schneiderman

Temple Beth El 350 Roxbury Road Stamford, CT 06902 Www.tbe.org