When I was a young boy, probably only around nine or ten, my parents belonged to a small Orthodox shul in Mattapan on Blue Hill Avenue. It was the Young Israel of Mattapan, and I’m not sure I went there other than during Jewish holidays. Standard Orthodox setup, men sitting in one section women in another. But there was something quite remarkable about this small shul. It was there that I had my first and maybe most powerful experience that entered the depths of my soul. It was the cantor singing and praying in the old Eastern European tradition. It was like a powerful opera experience.

Many years later a friend told me about a boxed CD set he helped put together, The Art of the Cantor. And there on the cd was my introduction to Cantor Alberto Mizrahi. As I listened to him sing, he transported me back to that little shul when I was nine or ten and allowed me to reexperience that soulful music. Without question I have loved the music of Cantors Jodi Sufrin and Shanna Zell during my 40-odd years at Temple Beth Elohim. I find their musical expressions imbued with a very special beauty in their own styles communicating with God and giving us a different style of soulful experiences. Cantor Mizrahi brings a different style that often no longer is found in Reform synagogues. It is a different kind of soul penetration. Some of you got a taste of Mizrahi’s style when he came to us via Zoom last year, and this year you get him in person, a special treat.

Join us for An Evening with Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi on Friday, April 8, featuring a concert of Jewish Music From Around the World.