My Retirement Concert (1998)
In 1997, I began preparing for the 23rd Annual Spring Music Festival which would be held the following year. This concert would be my retirement concert. I knew that the adult choir, the children from the Sinai Academy and the synagogue school would be a large part of the program. There would be many new songs for each group. In addition, it was clear that Rabbi Kingsley and I would offer the two musical selections, “If I were a Rabbi/Cantor” and “Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Shean.” Both these selections contained original lyrics that Rabbi Kingsley and I wrote. I also invited my close friend and colleague, Cantor David Conviser, to do the musical narration of “Gallagher.”
These two songs brought so much delight to our audiences over the years and demonstrated our considerable creativity and our acting abilities.
What else could I bring to the music festival? It occurred to me that we had such a great group of cantors in the area who would love to be included in the concert. As a former president of the Cantors Association of Florida, I knew each and every one of them quite well. And so, I called up fifteen cantors from Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, including my protege from New Jersey, and personally invited them to sing solos, duets, trios, and unite as a cantors choir.
Several cantorial rehearsals were held at Sinai. Despite their busy schedules, it was heartening to see every Floridian cantor attend, bringing their gifted vocal talents with them. The Sunday evening concert was exceptionally well attended. The sanctuary was full. The many children in the choir were accompanied by their parents and grandparents. One of the selections sung by the children and me was a teaching song, “A new word today” by Benny Berman. It must have gone over well because the children loved it, and over a dozen people asked me for the music.
The adult choir, the specialty numbers, and the cantors choir were truly great attractions. And there were, also, my many friends in the congregation who came there to celebrate this farewell musical tribute to me. The evening more than met our expectations - it exceeded them.
The Special Value of Synagogue Life
For as long as I can remember, the synagogue has held an important place in my life, and the people involved in it have been very special to me. The combination of my home life, the synagogue and religious education helped forge a strong Jewish identity and a happy life. So many of my temple members have become and remain good friends.
In the 44 years of my active temple profession, I have served as cantor for Sabbath and High Holy Day services, trained almost 2,000 students and approximately 60 adults for Bar/Bat mitzvah, worked with adult and children’s choirs, taught Hebrew, participated in hundreds of weddings, wrote articles for the temple, held 23 annual Sinai music festivals, have been present at many happy life cycle events and, of course, funerals.
One of the beautiful and extraordinary pleasures of being in a temple for many years is that you get to share in the continuing life cycle of your congregation. I’ve had Bar and Bat Mitzvah parents come back to have their babies named in temple. I was fortunate to have picked a profession that I truly loved and for so many reasons.
As some of you know, since my retirement in 1998, I conducted religious services aboard cruise ships for about 22 years. They added much color to our life of travel.
Life, however, is bittersweet. Sorrow, unfortunately, accompanies joy. The loss of my closest relatives and friends is part of the inescapable pattern of life we all must experience. People die in the course of human events, but it’s always too soon. The many memorable experiences I have shared and the heart-warming friendships I have made are part of my Temple Sinai legacy and will be treasured always. A poet once said, “That which you love best is your true heritage.”
The Blessings of Life
You know, 96 years of life and living is an awfully long time. And let me say how much I appreciate this particular blessing of longevity. I’d rather be here than anywhere. It is said that “there are three stages in life: youth, middle age and you look good for your age.” People marvel at older people and ask what they eat, drink and do for exercise in the hope of learning their secrets. “What is the secret of your longevity?” they ask.
I don’t know for sure, but I can certainly tell you what helps: good genes, a good diet, exercise and an attitude of gratitude. We go to bed at night, tired and worn, and we rise up in the morning, invigorated and refreshed. I’ve long appreciated the Poet Edward Dyer’s (1543- 1607) observation: “My mind to me a kingdom is, therein such joys I find.” We are blessed with a new day. Don’t ask what tomorrow will bring. Every day that is given to you is a gift.
I discovered early in life the biblical truth that “man does not live by bread alone.” He or she has a soul as well as a body and one’s spiritual life should never be neglected. In our dealings with others, we should constantly approach the highest ideal of human conduct - from where we are to where we ought to be. The essence of our Jewish religion is really what we do for others.
My Wife, Joanne, and Our family
Ron and Heather became a Bar and Bat Mitzvah at Temple Sinai and went to Hebrew day school. Ron was a talented soloist in our children’s choir and “Shirei Halev,” a special music and dance group directed by Allison Teich. At present, he is working as an engineering manager at Applied Materials, a company that supplies equipment and software for semiconductor chips in Massachusetts.
As one opposed to early marriages because of the high divorce rate, I made a wager to Ron that if he stayed single till the age of 25, I would give him 500 dollars. Ron stayed single till the age of 25, won the bet and married his lovely bride that particular year.
Sara and Ron have been happily married since 1993. Ron has sung with the choral group “Blue of a Kind.” In his synagogue in Melrose, Ron has been actively involved as chairman of the ritual committee, member of the choir and sound technician for the temple. When Ron takes on any challenge, you can be sure his commitment to the project follows. We love him very much and are very proud of him.
His wife, Sara, is a practicing psychotherapist and has her own practice. In addition, she, like Ron, has been fully involved in temple life. They are both strongly committed to the growth of the temple. Eventually, she rose to the position of president at their temple in Melrose. It is always interesting for me to discuss temple matters with Ron and Sara.
Ron and Sara’s sons, Nate and Bennett, have both been to college and are working towards their chosen professions. We wish them a life of success and happiness.
We love them all and wish we could see them more often.
For my 90th birthday, in 2020, we invited our entire family to a vacation in Las Vegas. It was very exciting with all the hotel shows and attractions, including ice skating. Two years later, we invited the family to a cruise aboard the Celebrity Beyond. We all had breakfast and dinner together and enjoyed our daily conversation. Nothing like quality time for all the family!
Today, Heather is eager to take on new challenges. She volunteers at schools where her children attend and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in Martin County, Florida. When time permits, she helps out at their local Chabad. Heather and her family are actively involved at Temple Judea in Palm Beach Gardens. A source of Heather’s strength is her faith. Every week, Heather and Sophia prepare challah for Friday night Shabbat dinner. What particularly touches me is the recitation by Heather and Chris of the three-fold blessing after the kindling of the lights. At times, Ethan and I chant the Kiddush together. This is very precious to me.
Heather is truly an “up” person who brings much joy to many. Heather is a good listener and a fine problem solver. In her college years, she tutored children with learning disabilities, worked with Hadassah and the Interfaith Alliance in Washington, DC. Heather is highly motivated and gives her best in all her endeavors.
Joanne and I took several trips with Heather to the east and west coasts of the United States, Europe and Israel - to London, Paris, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. In 2001, we also traveled up the eastern coast of the United States to find a suitable college for Heather. The college that strongly appealed to her was American University in Washington, DC. It was here that good fortune brought Heather and Chris together and has smiled on them ever since.
To be good friends and then fall in love is truly the ideal sequence. Heather and Chris became good friends and shared many interests before they married. That served them well. I remember the first time we met Chris’ parents, Jan and Barrie, in Washington, D.C. for dinner. This took place after Heather and Chris started their studies at American University. Joanne and I thought they were good friends and nothing more. Jan and Barrie, however, saw the entire picture, the beginning of a serious relationship and a far-reaching commitment for both Heather and Chris. They were, of course, correct in that observation.
In college, where he graduated cum laude, Chris majored in computer information systems where he excelled. He is totally at home in the field of technology. He builds websites and applications and has a strong interest in using AI. At heart, he’s a problem solver - someone who loves using technology to make every day work easier for others.
At my 90th birthday, each of the tables was assigned the name of a prominent composer such as Leonard Bernstein, Irving Berlin and Ernest Bloch. Chris put together a QR barcode for each table. A featured song from each of the composers was then played to the delight of all.
Chris is caring and personable and his approach to the pursuit of life is a positive one. He is also an excellent listener. Clearly, Chris and Heather were made for each other. As parents, they bring much understanding and love to their family.
Since their marriage, they have traveled and cruised widely to many parts of the world. Their children, Ethan (born 2014) and Sophia (born 2016), are doing well in their studies in Palm City.
The Following are individual messages to Ethan and Sophia:
How lucky we are to have such gracious and personable relatives, our in-laws Jan and Barrie. We count them among our dearest friends. Interestingly, Jan attended a Catholic parochial school and I, on the other hand, attended a yeshiva elementary and high school. That has not only enriched our spiritual lives but also increased our respect for each other.
I also want to add my heartfelt thanks to Jan for the special videos she created for my 80th and 90th birthdays, for which I am most grateful. The photos and accompanying music took days, weeks, and months. And it all came together in such a spectacular way. And I know behind the scenes, Barrie’s technical computer support ensured that the entire project would run smoothly.
On important life and political issues, we are on the same page. Jan is very knowledgeable in American and world history, and we have fun discussing it with her. Barrie has very wide business interests and is truly an entrepreneur. He is up to date on all technology and follows it carefully. We have spent time with Barrie, Jan and her fabulous brother, Larry, and Donald, Matt (Kristin), and Andrew (Kathy).
On many occasions, at restaurants, holidays, in our homes and travel, we have enjoyed being with Jan and Barrie. They have fully endeared themselves to us and we love them dearly.
The Zionist Organization of America’s Gala Celebration
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, I attended the Zionist Organization of America’s gala celebration in Palm Beach. I approached one of the main speakers, Professor Alan Dershowitz, a strong defender of Israel and our civil liberties. I have always held him in high esteem and was greatly pleased to meet him.
I mentioned to him that “We both attended the same elementary school, Yeshiva Etz Chayim, in Borough Park.”
He answered with a question, “We did?”
“And we also attended Yeshiva High School as well,” I continued.
“We did?” asked the renowned constitutional lawyer.
“And we both continued our education at Brooklyn College. After that, you went to Yale, and I went to Teachers College, Columbia.”
“Then how come I don’t know you?” asked the professor.
“Because I’m nine years older than you. I sure wish I knew you growing up,” I answered. We both enjoyed a hearty laugh.
Professor Dershowitz, the Harvard law professor, was a masterful speaker at the event. He was introduced by another truly great man, the scholarly Mark Levin, a prominent news analyst and one of the best political commentators in this country. I am proud of both of them. They have used their extraordinary talents to help make this country a better place for all of us. And to the excellent national president of the Zionist Organization of America, Morton Klein, I say, “Kol Hakavod!”
Thanking Many for Their Grand Efforts
To our temple choir go my heartfelt thanks and gratitude. You have given of yourselves, over and beyond, in your pursuit of excellence. As my mother used to say, “Mazel un brocho mit groys hatzlocho.” (Good luck, blessing, and much success in all your future endeavors). May you go from strength to strength in the years ahead.
And I want to thank our Temple Sinai Clergy:
To our Rabbi Emeritus, Ralph Kingsley, my distinguished colleague of 28 years. He and I worked diligently to raise Jewish standards and strengthen Jewish identity in all our educational undertakings and challenges. He has been so responsive to musical innovations and creative programming and has lent his talents to so many of our music festivals.
We now have the highly committed leadership of Rabbi Alan Litwak and Cantor Norman Cohen Falah whose vision and dedication are obvious to all. Life after Covid changed how we assembled and learning flourished in new ways. The on-line Sabbath Services and Torah Study sessions welcomed participants from wherever they were.
To Rabbi Alan Litwak who brings so much warmth and personable leadership to our temple and who has been so supportive of the music festivals that bear my name all these years.
To Cantor Norman Cohen Falah who adds much vocal beauty to our religious services and has worked so diligently and creatively in our festivals with his exceptional skills and abilities.
Over the years, the four of us, rabbis and cantors together, have built a truly special professional bond. The following picture was captured after rehearsing the Shehecheyanu as we prepared to celebrate Temple Sinai’s 70th anniversary.
This second picture features the four of us singing at the event. Rabbi Kingsley and I were both honored for our service to Temple Sinai at the gala celebration held there in February 2026. A big thanks to Sage Kantor for all her efforts that went into the success of the gala celebration. It was certainly enjoyed by all who attended.
Susan Warech not only makes everything possible but ensures that it is beautifully done. Over the years, she has worked constructively for the betterment of congregational life at Temple Sinai. Susan is to be highly commended for her continued efforts on everyone’s behalf. We just love her. And kudos to her son, Jonathan Warech, who performed so magnificently as MC at the temple gala celebration.
And, to our gifted keyboard artist and accompanist, Juvenal Correa-Salas, a vital member of our choir family.
To Stuart Israelson and the Israelson family, our heartfelt thanks for sponsoring these many joyful and memorable Spring Music Festival concerts.
And Henry Hirsch, our personable and highly committed temple president who brings honor and distinction to the position.
My heartfelt thanks to my doctors for your exceptional care and dedication in making my 2025 aortic valve replacement a success.
And thank you, Leah, for being there all the way all these years.