THE CANTOR TAKES A WIFE

The year was 1933 and my father (z"l) was about to officiate at a wedding. Dressed in his formal robe and walking swiftly toward the beautifully adorned chapel, a lovely young woman crossed his path. Since there were several moments before the ceremony was to begin, my father took the opportunity to exchange some pleasantries with her. Whether it was love at first sight, I do not know. What I do know is that wasn't quite a year later that the lovely young woman, Mollie Saroff, became Mrs. Louis Waldman.

In April 1936, twin boys Harvey and CB, (as he was called), were born, followed by Morton five years later. The Waldmans lived in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn where the boys grew up and attended school, and later moved to Belle Harbor, Queens. As one would imagine, the Waldman home was filled with music and interesting visitors from the Cantorial world as well as the entertainment field. 

Just a word about my dear mother. I believe she was very unique as most children feel about their mothers. But in many ways she was not typical. When my father met her, she was in her mid twenties and after her graduation from Pace University, she was a practicing accountant. Three months before the birth of her twins, she gave up her job to become a full-time housewife to devote herself only to her family. Needless to say, keeping track of my father's work, traveling with him on special occasions and holidays while taking care of her twins was not an easy chore. Not only was she supportive of her children and husband but devoted her time to her mother and two sisters. Her mother lived with us and her sisters and their children were always in our home. Those were the good old days when families were always together, which I'm sure sounds familiar to many.   

Live - Yom Kippur Service

Below are selections from a Yom Kippur Shabbos Service recorded at the Chicago Loop Synagogue on October 14, 1967.

This posting completes the third installment of the “live” davening from Chicago Loop Synagogue (S’lichos, Kol Nidre, Yom Kippur). The fourth and final set of recordings, which are from Rosh Hashanah, will be posted soon. I have received many inquiries as to what will be included; among the selections will be Hineni, V’chol Ma’aminim, and portions of the Malchuyot, Zichronot, and Shoferot.

El Moley Rachamim
Zochreinu L'chaim
Eimru Lay Ehlohim
Un'sahne Tokef
Umipnei Chatoeinu
Heyei Im P'fiyos
O'chilah La'eil
Eleh Ezkerah
Shema Koleinu
Ki Anu Amecha
Ashamnu
Neilah - Avinu Malkenu

The Three Dictators

Over the years, hundreds of composers of Jewish music sent my father their original compositions in the hope that he would sing them on his radio show and consequently make them famous. Many in the field were aware of his sense of humor and that his preference was for the unique selection rather than the standard Yiddish tunes of the day including some that were quite humorous, an example of which was “Dus Fleschel” – The Flask - sung from the point of view of the flask. Another, written specifically for my father that he sung on the radio and at concerts but unfortunately never recorded, is called “The Three Dictators” which is a spoof of the famous Yiddish song, “A Chazzan Auf Shabbos.”

So how does a serious Cantor pull off a spoof of this kind? Perfect Yiddish, a theatrical flair, and a twinkle in your eye, was all that was needed, and indeed my father possessed all three.

ELEH EZKERAH (Martyrology Prayer)

As part of the penitential prayers of the Musaf Service on Yom Kippur, the traditional prayer book includes a martyrology of the death of the ten Rabbis for the Sanctification of G-d's Name. The events referred to, took place during the Hadrianic persecution following the year 135 C.E. With the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, in the year 70, the Jews had lost their Temple and their country, but not their independence. The fate meted out to the ten Rabbis is graphically depicted in the following version attributed to Rabbi Judah. *

It is not common today to hear the entire story in poetic form recited aloud.  While listening, follow along with a Machzor as my father interprets this meaningful prayer.

The prayer Sarfei Maloh, which is in the middle of ELEH EZKERAH has become a favorite amongst today's cantors.

* Background written by Rabbi Morris Silverman

WALDMAN sings the Sheva Brochos at wedding

I was fortunate to have found a cassette of my father (l"z) singing the SHEVA BROCHOS (seven blessings) at a wedding ceremony at the Plaza Hotel with the Abe Nadel Choir. I will attempt to improve the sound but this version will give you a good idea of the Waldman wedding ceremony, which always included a choir and soloist accompaniment.

After the Sheva Brochos, a boy soloist sings Veemahlei Mishaloseinu accompanied by the choir as he walks down the aisle and raises his hands as if to bless the newlyweds. The meaning of the prayer is "may HE abundantly fulfill our desires and grant us salvation and mercy".

Wedding Ceremony

Siman Tov U Mazal Tov - Leibele Waldman's Wedding Ceremony

As his weekly radio programs, recordings and movies gained in popularity, Leibele Waldman soon became a household name. In addition to requests for Shabbat & Holiday "davinings" and concerts in the country and Canada, there was great demand for him to perform at weddings that he always did with a choir, most often at many of the famed hotels and leading catering halls in New York and in cities around the country. The Waldman wedding was unique in that those present felt the sanctity and beauty of the ceremony with each note he sang.

Note: The brachos begin at T:5:45.

WALDMAN on the Radio

WHN with host Harry Hirschfield

As was mentioned in his biography, my father (l”z) sang often over the air waves when radio was still in its infancy. He had his own “live” show on Jewish radio for more than twenty years twice a week (Friday and Sunday). He also sang Saturday nights with host and comic Harry Hirschfield (WHN) and often on Sundays with the Barry Sisters on "Caravan of Stars". Many people tell me that when they were youngsters, their parents would scold them if they dared to make noise while Waldman was singing.

Following are two selections. Mi Sheoso Nisim (“He who hath made miracles”) he sang very often especially when his program coincided with the “Blessing of the New Moon” (Rosh Chodesh) and at concerts. This was the same selection he sang at Madison Square Garden for the “Hanukkah Festival” when Eleanor Roosevelt requested to meet him.

The other selection, The Cantor and the Synagogue, was another popular selection.

The Cantor and the Synagogue

Mi Sheoso Nisim

Ovinu Malkeinu