Review: Shira v’Simcha

[by Dave Miller]

If you thought you were hearing and seeing double Sunday evening, November 13, at Keneseth Israel, you, along with about 300 others, would be almost correct. Cantor Eric Wasser, twin brother of K.I. Rabbi Joel Wasser, was the featured performer. As Rabbi Wasser put it, “My brother and I were wombmates.”

Among Cantor Wasser’s selections was a medley of six old time Hebrew favorites topped off with his solo of Yerushalayim.
But he was far from the only performer. The concert’s community-wide theme of “Shira v Simcha” came through loudly, clearly and on key, as Keneseth’s landmark sanctuary also played host to the community children’s choir and representatives from area shuls.

Keneseth’s own Cantor Sharon Hordes mesmerized the audience with her rendition of “Romania, Romania.” She later joined with Adath Jeshurun’s David Lipp and The Temple’s Rabbi Gaylia Rooks to form a veritable local Klei Kodesh Chorale. Jennifer Diamond also performed.

Add to all that the Old World flavor of Temple Shalom’s and The Temple’s Lost Tribe Klezmer Band and a dessert reception put together by Keneseth’s Sisterhood and the result was a very memorable and successful evening.

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