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

A letter from Edward G. Robinson

Edward G. Robinson (born Emanuel Goldenberg; December 12, 1893 – January 26, 1973) was a Romanian-born American actor. A popular star during Hollywood's Golden Age, he is best remembered for his roles as gangsters, such as Rico in his star-making film Little Caesar and as Rocco in Key Largo. Other memorable roles include Barton Keyes in the film noir Double Indemnity, and as Dathan in The Ten Commandments. Robinson was selected for an Honorary Academy Award for his work in the film industry, which was posthumously awarded two months after the actor's death in 1973. He was included in the American Film Institute's list of the 25 greatest male stars in American cinema.  [from Wikipedia]

In March 1944, my father visited Edward Robinson at his home in Beverly Hills, CA.  He was invited to sing at Robinson's synagogue during his tour of California and received one of the famous cigars which was Robinson's "trademark".  This letter was received after the visit.