On Sunday, December 18, much salt was needed to melt away our seasonal ice and snow. Also on that date, members of the Beth El Chorale discovered it took only a medley of songs to melt away years for the elderly residents of the Gidwitz Center. As an annual event, the Chorale entertains the welcoming seniors with inspiring and uplifting holiday songs and tunes memorable from their earlier years. The repertoire included favorites such as Heiveinu Shalom Aleichem, Havah Nagilah, Hanuka Oy Hanuka, BaShanah Ha Ba-ah, and Hal’luyah. Hazzan Larry Goller, with his charismatic personality, draws the best from the audience, encouraging their participation. His humor is contagious and it is a joy to see the faces of the group light up.  The expert accompaniment by Danny Kahn filled the room with joyous sound.

One of the highlights of the experience is speaking with the residents after the performance. One woman, wearing multi-colored beads she designed, expressed that she loves the music because in her youth, she was a dancer in Poland. Another woman, so engaged in the music, became an apprentice conductor from her seat, following each movement of Hazzan Goller. When the group was asked if they had any requests, we accommodated, including Take Me Out to the Ball Game. Requests for next year included My Yiddishe Momma and Bei Mir Bis du Schein.  

The entire performance spanned about 30 minutes, but the afterglow for the singers and the residents lasted all day and beyond. Please join us next year. In the meantime, you may want to consider joining the Beth El Chorale for the superb direction by our Hazzan, the warm camaraderie and the joy of our music. Contact Hazzan Goller at lgoller@nssbethel.org or 847-432-8900 with any questions.