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The founding of the Congregation Ezra Bessaroth Choir
As related by Jacob David Almaleh in 1981
It was during the administration of Yahiel Franco and Mrs. Sarina Mossafer respectively that
the task of forming a choir was undertaken. I then assumed as chairman of the choir the
almost impossible task of organization. I had to confront these three problems:
1 - Music
2- personnel and
3- a music teacher.
As far as the music was concerned I knew many melodies that were sung in Kahal Shalom's
choir in Rhodes. Then through the courtesy of Gordon DeLeon I acquired the Spanish and
Portuguese prayer book of Shearith Israel. The music that we wanted was at the end of that
prayer book, plus some Ashkenazi melodies, also some of Samuel Goldfarb's own
composition's which be the way led us to the third problem. The teacher!
Samuel Goldfarb the Director of Temple De Hirsh's choir was then hired by our congregation
to train the choir to get ready for the performance of services for the High Holy Day's. But the
choir had not yet been selected and that was our next task. Then came the arduous work of
training the boys. We met continuously for approximately 8 months, several times a week at
the Educational Center, until the choir was ready to perform at the Synagogue during `Rosh
Hashanah' and 'Yom Kippur'. While all this training was going on, Mrs. Sarina Mossafer and
the entire executive committee worked hard at making the uniforms for our choir.
The holidays came and the choir was ready for it's first performance.
All of our congregation was amazed and spellbound at hearing the angelic voices of their own
children.
But that was only the first year. For the continuation of this choir for the following 50 years
can be credited to the assiduous services and leadership of Judd Israel, who to this present day
directs the choir successfully.
I know the entire congregation expresses it's thanks to all of the choir and its director for
beautifying the services of our Synagogue.
Then with the complete cooperation of our dear and departed Reverend David J. Behar, Mr.
Samuel Goldfarb and myself went to our Talmud Torah. There we selected a group of 17
boys best qualified for their vocal and musical ability, and their knowledge of reading Hebrew
well.
Theodor Herzl said "if you will it, it is no legend".What seems an impossibility can be achieved
where there is a will, with complete devotion, and attachment to the task!
Alphabetically these are the names of the boys selected!
David A. Alhadeff, David M. Alhadeff, Jack Behar, Elazare Behar, Bill Benveniste, Ralph
Cohen, Isaac Cordova, Isaac Israel and Jack M. Israel, Isaac Israel "Benditcha" and Leon
Israel, Sam Mossafer, Joe S. Peha and Leon D. Peha, Sam Rousso, Isaac B. Solam and
Morris E. Tanca.
As related by Jacob David Almaleh in 1981
It was during the administration of Yahiel Franco and Mrs. Sarina Mossafer respectively that
the task of forming a choir was undertaken. I then assumed as chairman of the choir the
almost impossible task of organization. I had to confront these three problems:
1 - Music
2- personnel and
3- a music teacher.
As far as the music was concerned I knew many melodies that were sung in Kahal Shalom's
choir in Rhodes. Then through the courtesy of Gordon DeLeon I acquired the Spanish and
Portuguese prayer book of Shearith Israel. The music that we wanted was at the end of that
prayer book, plus some Ashkenazi melodies, also some of Samuel Goldfarb's own
composition's which be the way led us to the third problem. The teacher!
Samuel Goldfarb the Director of Temple De Hirsh's choir was then hired by our congregation
to train the choir to get ready for the performance of services for the High Holy Day's. But the
choir had not yet been selected and that was our next task. Then came the arduous work of
training the boys. We met continuously for approximately 8 months, several times a week at
the Educational Center, until the choir was ready to perform at the Synagogue during `Rosh
Hashanah' and 'Yom Kippur'. While all this training was going on, Mrs. Sarina Mossafer and
the entire executive committee worked hard at making the uniforms for our choir.
The holidays came and the choir was ready for it's first performance.
All of our congregation was amazed and spellbound at hearing the angelic voices of their own
children.
But that was only the first year. For the continuation of this choir for the following 50 years
can be credited to the assiduous services and leadership of Judd Israel, who to this present day
directs the choir successfully.
I know the entire congregation expresses it's thanks to all of the choir and its director for
beautifying the services of our Synagogue.
Then with the complete cooperation of our dear and departed Reverend David J. Behar, Mr.
Samuel Goldfarb and myself went to our Talmud Torah. There we selected a group of 17
boys best qualified for their vocal and musical ability, and their knowledge of reading Hebrew
well.
Theodor Herzl said "if you will it, it is no legend".What seems an impossibility can be achieved
where there is a will, with complete devotion, and attachment to the task!
Alphabetically these are the names of the boys selected!
David A. Alhadeff, David M. Alhadeff, Jack Behar, Elazare Behar, Bill Benveniste, Ralph
Cohen, Isaac Cordova, Isaac Israel and Jack M. Israel, Isaac Israel "Benditcha" and Leon
Israel, Sam Mossafer, Joe S. Peha and Leon D. Peha, Sam Rousso, Isaac B. Solam and
Morris E. Tanca.
