By Sheila Orysiek
SAN DIEGO — All too often when Jews are pictured in the media, the view is of older men shrouded in prayer shawls, swaying back and forth, mumbling prayers in an archaic language. It’s almost as if Jews are born old, always close to tears, bemoaning some event in their history and usually helpless to determine their fate. I sensed this impression when several non-Jewish guests at a Temple Emanu-El Shabbat service mentioned to me how surprised they were that we sing so many of our prayers.
As I engaged them in conversation, I realized the depth of their view and almost a disappointment that this view did not coincide with what they had just witnessed. While they were aware of the many Jewish stars of the concert stage – they did not connect this to the singing which takes place during religious observances.
A prime example of this path from the Bima to many of the greatest concert halls in the world is the renowned Cantor Yossele (Josef) Rosenblatt, born in Russian Ukraine in 1882. His biography is available in a well written book Yossele Rosenblatt: The Story of His Life as Told by His Son, by Rabbi Samuel Rosenblatt (Farrar, Strauss & Young publishers – 1954).
Beginning at age 4, he spent his life singing and composing liturgical music to ever greater acclaim. After immigrating to America, in addition to contractual employment at a synagogue in New York City, he constantly toured North America, South America, England, Europe, and more. Deeply observant, when offered a principal starring role on the opera stage in Chicago, he refused it because he would have to sing a repertoire that was counter to his religious beliefs.
His musical gift, though relatively untrained, was nevertheless outstanding. His voice covered more than three octaves and included tenor, coloratura and falsetto. Immersed in his music and religious life he was naive in the larger worldly context and unscrupulous people often took advantage of him. Though he earned large sums, he found himself deeply in debt to the point of having to sing in Vaudeville and other venues he abhorred.
Bankruptcy and flight to pre-Israel Palestine were sad events in a brilliant career. Just before he was to begin another grueling concert tour of Europe in an effort to pay off his debts and though already ill, he sang the Shabbot morning service in Jerusalem’s largest and most venerated synagogue and then the same day at the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron. He died two days later at the age of 51.
The book, as well as his recordings are still available. In addition, samples of his many recordings can be heard and enjoyed on You Tube:
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Orysiek is a freelance writer who specializes in coverage of the arts and literature. She may be contacted via sheila.orysiek@sdjewishworld.com