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Hazzan Isaac Azose is one of the most well known Sephardic Hazzanim in North
America. His rich baritone voice, prolific contributions to the preservation of Sephardic
minhagim and gentle kindness have all contributed to his ever growing popularity and
renown.
Born in Seattle (WA), Hazzan Azose was raised in a prominent family of Turkish
extraction. Employed in 1966 at Congregation Ezra Bessaroth, Hazzan Azose was their
first new Hazzan in almost 50 years. Under the tutelage of the prior Hazzan, Haham
David J. Behar, Hazzan Azose immersed himself in the unique Rhodesli traditions that
are the custom at Ezra Bessaroth. After having served in a stellar fashion at Ezra
Bessaroth for nearly 34 years, Hazzan Azose continued full force his life's work of
preserving the distinctive melodies and liturgy of the Rhodesli tradition.
In 1999 Hazzan Azose stepped into the recording studio at the urging of Ezra Bessaroth
member, Steven Baral. While there he recorded for posterity a priceless sampling of the
unique liturgy that is so beloved to him. His first CD "The Liturgy of Ezra Bessaroth"
was released to immediate critical acclaim and stands today as one of the best recorded
examples of the Mediterranean Sephardic tradition.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Hazzan Azose initiated what would become an exhausting
but satisfying effort to create a new siddur that would reflect in exactitude the traditions
of the (Rhodesli & Turkish) Seattle Sephardic Community. Working to unprecedented
standards of perfection in dikduk (grammar), minhag and aesthetics, the "Seattle
Sephardic Siddur" (Zehut Yosef) was completed in 2002 and overnight became the
standard prayer book for both Seattle Sephardic Congregations. Individuals and
synagogues worldwide have sought out this magnificent new contribution to our liturgy.
In 2007, Hazzan Azose produced a Seattle Sephardic Mahzor for the three Festival
Holidays. It, too, has been a very welcome and popular addition for the members of our
community and others around the world.
Today Hazzan Azose remains as devoted as ever to the future of our Sephardic
community. He spends his daylight hours patiently passing on our traditions to the
leaders of tomorrow.
Hazzan Azose currently teaches Sephardic Tefilah at the Seattle Hebrew Academy.
Hazzan Azose is currently producing a double cd set of 35 Ladino Romansas and
Folksongs. It should be ready by November of this year (2009).
More about Hazzan Azose at www.IsaacAzose.com
America. His rich baritone voice, prolific contributions to the preservation of Sephardic
minhagim and gentle kindness have all contributed to his ever growing popularity and
renown.
Born in Seattle (WA), Hazzan Azose was raised in a prominent family of Turkish
extraction. Employed in 1966 at Congregation Ezra Bessaroth, Hazzan Azose was their
first new Hazzan in almost 50 years. Under the tutelage of the prior Hazzan, Haham
David J. Behar, Hazzan Azose immersed himself in the unique Rhodesli traditions that
are the custom at Ezra Bessaroth. After having served in a stellar fashion at Ezra
Bessaroth for nearly 34 years, Hazzan Azose continued full force his life's work of
preserving the distinctive melodies and liturgy of the Rhodesli tradition.
In 1999 Hazzan Azose stepped into the recording studio at the urging of Ezra Bessaroth
member, Steven Baral. While there he recorded for posterity a priceless sampling of the
unique liturgy that is so beloved to him. His first CD "The Liturgy of Ezra Bessaroth"
was released to immediate critical acclaim and stands today as one of the best recorded
examples of the Mediterranean Sephardic tradition.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Hazzan Azose initiated what would become an exhausting
but satisfying effort to create a new siddur that would reflect in exactitude the traditions
of the (Rhodesli & Turkish) Seattle Sephardic Community. Working to unprecedented
standards of perfection in dikduk (grammar), minhag and aesthetics, the "Seattle
Sephardic Siddur" (Zehut Yosef) was completed in 2002 and overnight became the
standard prayer book for both Seattle Sephardic Congregations. Individuals and
synagogues worldwide have sought out this magnificent new contribution to our liturgy.
In 2007, Hazzan Azose produced a Seattle Sephardic Mahzor for the three Festival
Holidays. It, too, has been a very welcome and popular addition for the members of our
community and others around the world.
Today Hazzan Azose remains as devoted as ever to the future of our Sephardic
community. He spends his daylight hours patiently passing on our traditions to the
leaders of tomorrow.
Hazzan Azose currently teaches Sephardic Tefilah at the Seattle Hebrew Academy.
Hazzan Azose is currently producing a double cd set of 35 Ladino Romansas and
Folksongs. It should be ready by November of this year (2009).
More about Hazzan Azose at www.IsaacAzose.com