JOURNAL
OF SYNAGOGU
MUSIC
June 1977 /Tamuz 5737
Volume VII
Number 3
This issue is dedicated to the
70th Birthday Celebration of
Hazzan Max Wohlberg
CONTE NTS
HAZZANUT In Transition
The Emerging Image Of The
Conservative CANTOR
Max WOHLBERG: A Biographical Sketch
And Preliminary Bibliography
Max WOHLBERG:
A Son's Appreciation
Max Wohlberg 5
Max Wohlberg 17
J oseph Price 21
Rabbi Jeffrey A. Wohlberg 28
Max Wohlberg : A Rabbi's Cantor Rabbi Theodore Steinberg 31
A Tribute To Hazzan Max Wohlberg Gershon Ephros 32
Max Wohlberg: A Personal MEMOIR Rabbi Morton Leifman 33
Max Wohlberg: A Tribute
Greetings To Max Wohlberg
Max Wohlberg:
A Brother's Tribute
HAZZAN Max Wohlberg:
Servant Of The COMMUNITY
The Right Kind Of Prayers
Mitzvah And BEAUTY
Rabbi David C. Kogen 35
Dr. Hugo Weisgall and
Albert Weisser 36
Rabbi Dr. Harry I. Wohlberg 37
Dr. Shimon Frost 38
Rabbi Samuel Chid 39
Dr. Gerson D. Cohen 43
MUSIC SECTION
A Sampling Of
Max WOHLBERG'S Craftsmanship And Talent
Journal Of Synagogue Music, Volume VII, Number 3
June 1977 / Tamuz 5737
editor : Morton Shames
managing editor : Samuel Rosenbaum
editorial board: Saul Meisels, David Myers, Marshall Portnoy,
David J. Putter-man, Cregor Shelkan, Moses J. Silverman, Pinchas
Spiro, David Til man, Dr. Max Wohlberg.
business manager : Yehuda M andel
officers of the cantors assembly: Michal Hammerman, Pres-
ident; Kurt Silberrnan, Vice President ; Ivan Perlman, Treasurer ;
Jacob Barkin, Secretary; Samuel Rosenbaum, Executive Vice
President.
journal OF synagogue mUSIC is a quarterly publication. The sub-
scription fee is $12.50 per year. All articles, communications and
subscriptions should be addressed to Journal of Synagogue Music,
Cantors Assembly, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York 10011.
Copyright © 1977, Cantors Assembly
HAZZAN MAX WOHLBERG
TheJ ournal Of Synagogue Music is pleased and honored to
dedicate this issue to marking the 70th birthday of Hazzan Max
Wohlberg, and to a celebration of the man and his unique career as
hazzan, teacher and composer.
There are dozens of adjectives which could be appended to his
name, all complimentary, all true. He is an outstanding hazzan, an
acknowledged scholar, both in our general tradition and in our chosen
field; a composer who is uniquely attuned to the needs of his colleagues
and has concentrated his composing to satisfying those needs; a
teacher - there are now almost one hundred graduates who have
studied in his classes at the Cantors I nstitute, and scores of others
who have heard him lecture at regional meetings, at conventions, at
convocations. An entire American J ewish community has been
enriched by the countless articles which he has written for this J ournal
and for other academic and scholarly publications. In addition, and of
equal importance, he has the very special qualities of humanity,
gentleness, sincerity, topped off by a sense of humor which is
sophisticated, yet never out of reach of the common man, pointed, but
never used as a weapon, folky yet deep and meaningful.
We honor him with this Festschrift because he has seen fit, in a
most generous fashion, to share all of these gifts with us. He is I ike the
hasid in the old tale who together with a number of friends comes into
a cold house in the dead of winter. Some reached into their packs and
pulled out scarves, gloves, coats, whatever they could find, to keep
themselves warm. He, on the other hand, went out, gathered some
wood and built a fire so that all would be warm.
He has, indeed, built a fire whose warmth and pervasiveness will
never leave the hearts and minds of anyone who has come into contact
with him.
During this, his 70th year, the Cantors Assembly, in its 30th year,
takes pride and pleasure in presenting him with this token of affection
in the hope that it will symbolize for him the strong and lasting bonds
he has created between himself and the entire hazzanic world.
SR
TWO ADDRESSES:
May 14.1951
May 9,1977
At the fourth annual convention of the Cantors Assembly in May
1951, Max Wohlberg, about to retire from the presidency of the
Assembly, delivered a remarkable address entitled, "Hazzanut in
Transition." Wide-ranging and scholarly in scope, yet popular and
relevant in style, the address traced the development of the office of
Hazzan from its earliest roots in pre-Talmudic days to its newly
developing form within the framework of the Conservative movement.
Twenty-six years later, in May 1977, as he entered his seventieth
year, Max Wohlberg delivered the Convocation Address at a Convoca-
tion of the Cantors I nstitute of the J ewish Theological Seminary of
America, held as part of the thirtieth annual convention of the Cantors
Assembly. By a seeming coincidence, it was entitled, 'The Quality of
the Emerging Conservative Cantor."
The second address takes off from where the first concluded.
Wohlberg analyzes with wit and wisdom, the impact which the ac-
tivities of the Cantors Assembly has had upon the nature of hazzanut
and hazzanim during the intervening years.
The two addresses are, in reality, one, and knowing Max Wohlberg
we must not entirely reject the notion that he planned it that way.
We publish herewith both addresses for several reasons: They will
give the reader a sense of Wohlberg's style - not so much of his
oratory - but of his scholarship and his encyclopedic knowledge. I n
addition, the two addresses trace the development of the cantorate
from its beginnings to the present day in a direct, concise fashion and
thus offer the student of the history of the office a bird's-eye view of
the entire panorama stretching over twelve or thirteen centuries.
Third, it is a glimpse into the mind of Max Wohlberg and a clue to his
popularity with students, scholars and laymen alike.
Finally, it should serve for all hazzanim as a heshbon hanefesh a
basis for a personal inventory of their own approach to their ancient
calling.
We hope that it will serve also, for Max Wohlberg, as a source of
personal pleasure and pride, since so much of what transpired between
1951 and 1977 is owing, in no small measure, to his labor, foresight
and perception.
HAZZANUT IN TRANSITION
MAX WOHLBERG
I have always found it pleasant and reassuring to hear a rabbi
begin his discourse with aposuk, a biblical verse or a quotation from
the Talmud. Psychologically, I suppose, this feeling of comfort can he
explained in the anticipation of hearing a familiar passage given a new
twist and interpretation and in looking forward to the end of the
sermon, when all questions raised and problems presented will have
found a final and peaceful solution in the initial posuk. While you
should not expect to find in my paper of this evening or in any given
verse the complete solution to all the problems that face us, nor do I
aspi re to touch upon all the issues that occupy our minds, I, never-
theless, seek support and find substantiation for my thesis in the
dictum of Akavyo Ben Mahalalel: "Know whence you came, whither
you are going, and before Whom you are destined to give a strict ac-
count". Although you and I are understandably interested in looking
forward, our view will be better focused when preceded by retrospect.
That hazzanut is currently passing through a period of transition
is obvious to all who would see. There is a changed attitude toward
hazzanut and there is a metamorphosis taking place within the profes-
sion. There is, however, also a noticeable revaluation and crystalliza-
tion taking place in the larger framework: in J ewish life in America and
elsewhere. A knowledge of our place in this larger picture and our rela-
tionship to it will save us from being tossed as helpless flotsam on the
waves of the seas and should enable us to steer our way toward a clear
goal.
I shall omit discussing thelabyrinthian complexities of the sub-
ject pertaining to the hazzan in the Talmudic period. We shall not refer
to the Sheliach Tsibbur, Hazzan Hakneses, Hazzan Demoso, Oveir and
Yoreid Lifnei Hateivoh, and the Poreis al Shema As evi dence of the
high regard in which hazzanim were held in those days, let me but cite
a few instances where the Almighty Himself was likened to a hazzan
and to a Sheliach Tsibbur. (B. Rosh Hashono 17b; Pirkei R. Eliezer
Chapters 12 and 16; Midrash Tehilim 17:5; Yalkut, Tehilim 26, No.
703). Special toasts were drunk at weddings and at the house of
mourners in honor of the hazzan; Ketubot 8b.
Roughly, it was at the close of the Babylonian Talmud that the
period of the puyetanim began. Here we find the hazzanim not only
foremost in the creation of the new liturgy, but also as teachers and
preachers, as darshanim of the community. (Mahzor Yannai, Israel
Davidson, pp. XVI 1 1 , XXXVI 1 1 .) Again, as the Siddur and the various
miiiliagim developed, we find the hazzanim instrumental in
establishing the different rites. Thus the Minhag Tsorfas was codified
(in 12th cent.) in SeferMahkim by Nathan Ben J udah, a hazzan of the
third generation. Among those who established the Ashkenazic ritual
where Meyer ben Isaac, hazzan in Worms, and the renowned J acob
Mollin, theMaharil. Great personalities MkeRashi,theMaharil, and
the editor of Kol Bo, served as hazzanim. The Maharil was particularly
strict in chanting the proper nushaot. The functions of hazzanim up to
the 16th century usually included one and often more of the following:
teaching children, writing scrolls and mezuzot, serving as a shohet, as
dayan, and as mohel.
The 16th century witnessed transmigrations of populations, felt
the effects of the Renaissance, the upsurge of the arts, the period of
wandering minstrels, and religious reformation. With the 17th century
came the birth of the modem opera with Monteverdi and Scarlatti and
the "novo modorum genere", the new music of the Church by
Palestrina and his disciples.
All of these events had a profound effect upon J ewish life and in-
fluenced the hazzan in his art. As evidence of this influence, permit me
to cite the following facts: The introduction of new music into the
synagogue; the gradual neglect by hazzanim of functions other than
singing: the organization of choral music by Solomon Rossi and Rabbi
Leon de Modena; the placing of organs in synagogues (these were not
used on Sabbaths and Festivals) and the composition of a multitude of
new, original tunes.
Great artists arose with the ability to adapt foreign melodies and
fit them into the ancient molds of J ewish music. Men of talent began
composing hundreds of original tunes to the sacred texts and finally
men of historic vision, afraid that the old nushaot might be replaced by
the new music, commenced to collect and write down the hallowed
melodies. Foremost among the latter were Aaron Beer, Abraham Baer,
Moritz Deutsch. Meier Kohn, Meyer Wodak, and Edward Birnbaum
Among those who brought order and system into the field of
liturgical music were Israel Lowy, Solomon Sulzer, Louis
Lewandowsky and Samuel Naumbourg.
The past 100 years proved to be the golden era of hazzanut. Begin-
ning with Weintraub and culminating with the genius of
Nowakowsky. a rich age of hazzanic creativity took place. Although a
number of composers like Blumenthal, Sulzer. Zeidel Rovner,
Berkowitz, Henle, Wolf Shestapol. and others, saw fit to drink at times
from foreign sources, others like Nisi Belzer. Emanuel Kirchner, B.
Schorr, E. Gerowitch. B.L. Rosowsky, A.B. Bimbaum and Samuel
Airman, fashioned their compositions mostly in the J ewish idiom.
What is, alas, little known outside of our own circle is that a
number of our men have done yeoman work in the fields of historic and
comparative musicology. May I mention the numerous scientific
articles of Edward Bimbaum, his "Yudische Musiker Am Hofe Des
Mantua. " He was indeed a scholar and a talmid haham. J oseph Singer
was among the first to analyze our synagogue scales in "Die Tonarten
Des Traditionellen Synagogen Gesanges. "Naumbourg and Bernstein
have written scholarly articles. Aron Friedman has earned our
gratitude with his "Lebensbilder Beruhmter Kantoren, "with his "Der
Synagogale Gesang, " and with his "Die MusikalischeAugestaltung
Der Schemoneh Esreh " Too little known are the penetrating articles
of M. Deutsch, I. Lachman and E. Kirschner. Only slightly better
known are the numerous writings of Minkowsky, in Hebrew, Russian,
Yiddish and German. But it was A.Z. Idelsohn who achieved pre-
eminence in the field of J ewish musicology. A single-spaced typewrit-
ten sheet would not be sufficient to list the titles of his volumes and his
articles. His ten-volume 'Thesaurus" stands as the most imposing
monument in the pantheon of J ewish music. While the works of these
men are of permanent value, they remained strangers to our people.
Fame came, however, to our virtuosos, to the great exponents of
the cantorial art. Adored and beloved were the great Kashtan,
Bachman, Abras, Yeruchom, Razumni, Shlossberg, Sirota, Roitman,
Hershman, Steinberg, Rosenblatt and Kwartin. These were the idols
and, the latter, the best paid hazzanim in the history of our profession.
These men have spread the love of hazzanut throughout the J ewish
world. Their talents were not alike and their arts differed. Thus
Minkowsky describes Yeruchom as pleading with God; Nisi Belzer as
screaming to God, Shestapol hoped to God and Abras bawled Him out.
Baruch Karliner was the great improvisor, Bachman had the great
voice, Razumni had sweetness, Nisi Belzer, the temperament, etc.
J ews flocked to hear them, Congregations vied for their favor and in
their wake followed an era of creativity.
Unfortunately, there was also a debit side to this period of virtu-
osity. The synagogue became a concert hall; the pulpit - a stage: the
cantor - a performer; and the worshippers - auditors. The sanctity of
the hazzan's art was profaned. A true hillul hukodesh took place. To
this situation was added a new plague: the desecrating influence of
hearing sacred prayers sung on wax disks. The battle against this
situation, even in our own day, is not yet won; as a matter of tragic
fact - has not yet been waged.
As soon as the question of finances began to loom large in the af-
fairs of congregations and the virtuosos, the problem of tenure re-
ceived a serious setback. Congregations like those in Vilna, Odessa
and Berditchev, changed their cantors (and vice versa) with unholy fre-
quency. In an era when the phenomenal voice reigned unchallenged,
the other, more worthy requirements of the hazzan were overlooked
and a number of ill mannered, ill-tutored men entered the profession.
The result was that hazzanut lost prestige. Where respect for the office
was retained, it was due entirely to the dignified bearing of the local
hazzan.
This period of virtuosity, while, in some measure, it influenced the
multitude of hazzanim to i mprovement and to creativity, had in the
main, with its emphasis on theatricality and exhibitionism, a
frustrating and degenerating influence upon their colleagues and a
disturbing effect upon congregations. This period of excitement and
restlessness was confounded to an even greater degree by the
cataclysmic World War I.
Another regretful result of the period of virtuosity was the
weakening of the choir in the synagogue. The strength of many of the
virtuosos lay in solo selections and it was these the people wished to
hear. Surely, when the "star" hazzan' s salary was a considerable
percentage of the congregational budget, the size of the choir, then its
quality, were first to be cut. While one could not conceive of a Seder
Minsker, Nisi Belzer, Zeidel Rovner, Yeruchom Hakoton, without
their choirs, Rosenblatt, Steinberg, Roitman, Hershman (after Low),
and Kwartin were individualists. When these men came to America
they were, seemingly, not affected to an appreciable degree by the lack
of a we&organized, closely-knit choral background. May I add paren-
thetically that while it is true that these men, as well as Razumni,
Bachman, Sirota and a few other, received liberal remuneration, the
salaries of other hazzanim, including those of world renown, were far
from adequate. Belzer, Rovner, Yeruchom, Schorr, Kinstler, were com-
pelled to travel with their choirs through towns and villages and thus
eke out a haphazard livelihood.
Speaking of tenure and remuneration, I recall reading a few days
ago 'The History of the J ews of Charleston", by Ch. Resnikoff and
U.Z. Engelman. A number of pages are pertinent to our discussion and
will prove, I trust, of interest to you. The irst hazzan of the first J ewish
congregation there, in 1750, Isaac Da Costa, like its first rabbi, had to
be a "shopkeeper" in order to earn a fair livelihood. He was, it seems,
successful as a shipping agent and a real estate broker, because the lot
for the first J ewish cemetery there was bought from him.
However, in the year 1800 we find that the Hazzan Abraham
Azuby was already paid an annual salary of approximately $500.
When he died in 1805 his widow received his salary and the use of the
house in which she lived until another hazzan should be elected. She
was then to have a pension of $300 a year for life. Here we witness a
radical change within five decades.
A development that affected most vitally the trend of hazzanut
and the status of hazzanim was the period of emancipation, followed
by the birth of the Reform movement.
Congregational singing was by no means of recent vintage. It was
a subject of argument and even resulted in legal disputes, (ibid. p. 114)
It was, nevertheless, only in the Conservative congregation that con-
gregational singing became i ntegral and indispensable. Experience
has shown that under the guidance of a competent musician such
singing can become a source of beauty and inspiration, minus this
guidance it is bedlam and anarchy. Here again the cantor was needed.
Bar mitzvah instruction was a hit or miss affair. A number of con-
gregations with ever-expanding budgets found themselves
constrained to request the rabbi to do some teaching and the cantor to
instruct the B'nai Mitzvah. Another new field for the cantor was the
organization of choral groups and women's choruses. Music
assemblies, lectures on Jewish music, special events and services all re-
quired the advice and direction of a trained musician. Again and again,
the congregations turned to their cantors and in almost all cases the
cantor was not found wanting.
With the new demands came also recognition of the value of the
cantor and in many cases corresponding increase in his remuneration.
It is, I believe, a fact beyond dispute that the cantor, in many
cases lacking formal training and adequate preparation for the new
tasks, accomplished a praise-worthy and noble act of adaptation and
resolution.
This is the story of our meiayinboso, the place whence we came. In
this year, 1951, when the clamor for clarification in Jewish life is heard
round about us, when our own profession is emerging from a sea of
uncertainty and is in search for a place in the sun, it is proper and wise
to take stock and to make plans for the future. Let us decide the leon
ato hoieikh, whither we are going.
Let us begin with ourselves. Due to circumstances, mainly beyond
our control, we were compelled to acquire our education, bit by bit.
Hebrew, here: music there; hazzanut, elsewhere; voice, in still another
place. I nevitably some of us feel deficient in certain subjects. Our first
duty, therefore, ought to be self-improvement on an individual basis,
acquisition of proficiency in every field relative to our office. We must
be well-versed in the liturgy, its history; in the Hebrew language; in
nuschaot; in hazzanut; in J ewish music in all its phases; in general
music. We should have a solid background of general education and ac-
quaintance with pedagogy. There is no substitution for knowledge and
competence. Properly we ought to follow the chronological order as
laid down by Simeon, thej ust, and followed in the Amidah: hashi-
veinu lesorosekho, return US to Thy teachings; vekorveinu
laavodesekho, so that we may be fit for Thy service.
While it is, of course, historically true that our most conspicuous
and specialized task is performed on the pulpit, we ought also
recognize the sign of the times, namely: the day of the hours-long,
concert-service is, if not dying, surely fading out. Instead have arisen
many other opportunities for the cantor to serve. His functions are no
longer in the realm of luxury, but decidedly utilitarian. The cantor
with foresight, with ambition and with zeal, will not soon be replaced
nor for long be underpaid.
As the pupils of our religious schools are our future congregants, it
is well for us to supervise the liturgical music taught them. Alois
Kaiser was entirely correct when, in 1892, in an address before the
Cantors Association of America, said: 'The proper path to the
synagogue leads through the Sabbath school". (American Hebrew,
Nov. 4,1892.)
At first, it seemed that as long as the innovations brought about
by the Reformers would stay within their own confines, the main
stream of the traditional service would not be deflected from its
course. However, it soon became evident that, at first surreptitiously,
then openly, "modernism" found a place in the traditional synagogue.
First came the so-called "orderliness" - restrained behavior and
decorum; then came the measured, rhythmic choral response: then the
concluding hymn; then the weekly sermon in the vernacular, this
occasionally introduced by an anthem; responsive readings; then the
inevitable abbreviation of the service. A fact it was, and still is, that
for almost every innovation and addition introduced into the service,
the cantor had to give up something of his work.
With the general increase in ignorance, this process of addition on
the one hand and reduction on the other, so painful to the cantor, went
on unprotested.
I n extreme instances, as in the Reform temple, the position of the
hazzan became practically superfluous. In others, with less work, came
less prestige, less remuneration, less opportunity. Concurrently with
the diminishing role of the cantor, we observe the growing stature of
the rabbi. I n place of the old-fashioned rov, pouring over the tomes of
the Talmud, we now have a modern rabbi, preaching at every service, a
pastor of his flock, visiting the sick, comforting the bereaved, lecturing
before men's clubs and sisterhoods, supervising the religious school,
instructing the confirmants, acting as good-will ambassador to our
neighbors, in charge of all religious activities and, I regret to add this,
according to newspaper notices, he also conducts the service.
The cantor, I fiiy believe, like every good Jew, rejoiced at the
manifold activities of his rabbi, but was hurt when he found himself
deprived of his ancient tasks and of its corresponding prestige.
A few lines quoted from the book I mentioned a few moments ago
will be revealing of the change that took place in the pulpit: "Brith
Shalom, like other orthodox congregations, was not content to have
merely a good cantor, but, in the rivalry for members, the congrega-
tion found it necessary to have a rabbi as well for his sermons and
leadership. The chief item, by way of salary - not the rabbi's: in 1936
the cantor's salary was $1, 750, the rabbi's only $750. By 1949, the
rabbi of the congregation was receiving more than ten times as much,
and the cantor three times as much, as rabbi and cantor had been paid
respectively. At the same time, the rabbi of orthodox Beth Israel was
receiving about three times as much as the cantor." (p. 220)
If the fruits of the Reform movement in its infancy were, as far as
the cantor was concerned, negative or harmful, the advent of the con-
servative movement heralded an age of mixed blessings. The effects
varied with the individual congregations. While the service was
streamlined in most Conservative congregations, the lengthy
recitative limited and the musical part of the service circumscribed,
the services of the cantor were minimized, but seldom entirely
dispensed with.
I n some congregations where the scope of activities of the rabbi
were in process of expansion it was mistakenly and fallaciously
thought that a corresponding shrinkage in the prestige of the cantor is
necessary. However, with maturity and with a sense of security in
their own positions, the rabbis awakened to the urgency of having
competent hazzanim on their pulpits. The most eloquent sermon will
not a service make.
May I point to one other subject that lies within the sphere of my
individual colleagues. It is the problem of improvisation, subject for
fruitless discussions and numerous articles. A partisan's view of the
subject you will find in "Toldos Haneginoh VehahazxuuitBeyisroeil, "
by Dr. H. Harris (p. 367). I n brief, the best argument for free im- pro-
visation on the pulpit is the utilization of momentary and con- tem-
poraneous enthusiasm and inspiration of the cantor. His singing as
"the spirit moves him" is transmitted freshly and fully and in turn in-
duces an inspired and devotional response in the worshipper. The com-
mon argument against it is the unpredictability of the muse. All too
often she does not appear when summoned, and nothing rings as false
as artificial inspiration. As for me, I side with Minkowsky in opposi-
tion to unbridled improvisation at the service proper. I believe that the
best improvisation is: - when it is thoroughly planned ... and well
memorized. Neither the great sacred or secular literatures, nor yet the
masterpieces of symphony and opera lose any lustre because of their
having been clearly written out. Surely an inspired, sudden impulse is
worthy of recording and deserving of repetition. A flash of lightning
may be brighter than the sun, but is it as reliable? Long ago our sages
decreed ein somkhin al hands, - we place no reliance on the
miraculous. Even if the chances for current inspiration are more than
probable, is the pulput the appropriate place for gamble and
experiment?
How much more comforting and dignified when little is left to
chance. How much more respectful when every phase is weighed and
every note is measured.
Recognizing the fact that improvisation is an essential ingredient
of hazzanut I reconcile my objections to its unrestrained use by
certain limitations and qualifications. I would limit improvisation to
short liturgical texts customarily chanted by the cantor, where the
nusah is manifestly and obviously familiar to the cantor, and where
text and nusah protect him from straying. This category would include
the usual "endings", responses, XheAmidah for the Sabbath and,
perhaps, the verses of the Kedushas. On the other hand, I would not
favor improvisation on longer passages, not usually sung by the
cantor, or only sung on the high holidays.
I recall a bit of correspondence by Beethoven in which he writes:
"I changed one note in my Third Symphony' and now it sounds much
better." You are surely familiar with the words of Handel toGeorgell:
'Your Majesty, my intention was much more to better than to amuse
anyone. " If such consideration is granted to secular music, how in-
comparably more reverential ought our attitude be when we stand in
the presence of the King of Kings, the Holy One, Blessed be He.
Such is the lesson impressed upon us in the final words of Akavyo
Ben Mahalalel: Cognizance before Whom we stand and before Whom
we are to render an accounting.
We now come to the consideration of our organization, the Cantors
Assembly of the United Synagogue. While, without doubt, there is yet
much to be desired in our accomplishments, there is also much in
which to take pride. We have, I know, the finest organization of
cantors ever yet organized. We receive the fullest possible cooperation
from both Dr. Simon Greenberg and from Dr. Emil Lehman, of the
United Synagogue. We are meeting in a spirit of sympathy and har-
mony with Rabbi Max Ruttenberg and other representatives of the
Rabbinical Assembly and for the first time in our long history we are
trying to find a mutually agreeable modus vivendi between the func-
tionaries of the synagogue. We are slowly but surely making the
Cantors Assembly a name to be reckoned with. A number of congrega
tions have learned the hard way that it is to their benefit to deal with
us exclusively when in need of a cantor. We are gradually becoming the
focal point in issues relevant to the profession.
It is altogether fitting that I use this opportunity to express my
admiration of our able and indefatiguable Executive-Secretary, Cantor
David Putterman. His is a difficult and trying position. He is able,
painstaking and competent. Our thanks are also due to Cantor
Abraham Friedman and to Cantor Morris Schorr for their considerable
help on the Placement Committee. And last, but not least, to Cantor
William Belskin-Ginsburg, the able chairman of the convention, for his
valuable help on numerous occasions. Without his patience, his
graciousness and his ever-sound advice, my tasks would have been in-
finitely more difficult.
As I said, all is not yet perfect. Both our rabbis, as well as the
presidents of our congregations must learn that ours is the exclusive
agency with which to consult in times of musical need. The cantor is to
serve as an integral part in the varied activities and in the complex
makeup of the congregation. The honor and the prestige due his
station must ever be accorded to him.
It is no secret that were it not for the United Synagogue, we would
be hard put to make ends meet. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that
two-three years hence we ought to become a separate and distinct unit,
independent of the United Synagogue, and assume a position similar
to that of the Rabbinical Assembly. It is also my belief that The
Cantors Assembly should assume an ever greater role in serving its
members. No matter what difficulties a member may encounter, he
should be able to turn freely to our central office, on any day of the
week, and receive all possible help. Should one of our men find himself
temporarily without a position, financial help should be extended to
tide him over the trying period.
We are justly proud of our unpretentious publication: The Cantors
Voice. Under the devoted editorship of Cantor Morton Shanok, it is
ever improving. Its outward appearance is, however, needlessly
shabby and poverty-stricken. May we hope that a face lifting will be
performed for its very next issue. I should I i ke to commend Cantor
J acob Hohenemser for his penetrating, analytical introductions to our
music page. His is a real contribution to our publication.
As a representative organization, we ought to encourage our men
to be creative in hazzanut, and, if necessary, help in the publication of
practical and scholarly works. This year it is with pride and with
delight that we note the appearance of a fine and useful volume:
'Shire Hayyim Ve-Emunah, " by our colleague, Cantor Adolph J .
Weisgal. A flavor of old hazzanut permeates the entire book and a
number of unique and unusual gems enhance its value. It is indeed a
most deserving and delightful volume. The recitatives breathe an air of
precious, now so rare, old hazzanut. I would urge all young cantors,
bred and raised on "modem" hazzanut, to immerse themselves in this
book and drink of the old, invigorating fountain. The book gains in
merit by the inclusion therein of compositions on texts one does not en-
counter in current and standard works. The modem chords supplied at
intervals lend a quaint and picturesque color to these numbers. Permit
me to urge every one of you to acquire it. You will be amply rewarded.
It is also with justifiable pride that we point to our initiative in the
publication of the new wedding music by Mario CastelnuovoTedesco.
The Yiddish theatre, plus some of our own "star" hazzanim, are
responsible for the abominable situation where liturgical prayers are
sung and burlesqued in the theatre, on the vaudeville stage, in night-
clubs, at all sorts of events, often sandwiched in between vulgar acts.
Neither the places nor the performers are of the caliber to be permitted
to indulge in such desecrating exhibition without our emphatic con-
demnation. According to information I received, a variety show is on
its way to Broadway wherein an actress dons a cap and talis and in-
tones prayers from our sacred service. I propose weask the Rabbinical
Assembly to join us in protest in this and in other instances where the
concepts of good taste and our religious sensibilities are flagrantly
violated. It is also high time to put a stop to the shameful
phenomenon, the so-called professional "hazzante". I cannot picture it
happening among Methodists or Episcopalians.
Few acts will bring us more lasting honors than the publication of
scholarly works. May I remind you that the history of hazzanut is yet
to be written. We surely have young men in our midst who would
undertake to collect material dealing with the history of thehazzan in
America. J ewish musicology is still a virgin field. The musical reper-
toire of the synagogue is in need of much new material. There is a wide
demand for occasional gebrauchs-musik. Our contemplated songster,
which we hope will be a reality before our next convention, is still in
need of many new songs. We are, incidentally deeply indebted to
Cantor Edgar Mills for his efforts in collecting and in examining the
manuscripts we now have at hand.
While we are often in desperate search for a new, good composi-
tion, all too many manuscripts of Nowakowsky, Dunajevsky,
Poliakov, Zeidel Rovner, and others, lie gathering dust. May I propose
that we collect copies of these precious manuscripts, edit them where
necessary, and publish single compositions periodically. Put forth in
inexpensive form, they may even augment our treasury.
Finally, let us be conscious of the fact that our fate is linked up
with that of the J ewish Theological Seminary. We are serving in the
conservative movement and it is deserving our full allegiance. Our
budget is covered by the Seminary campaign. It is but just that we
exert every effort in helping make that campaign a success. We are
turning to the Seminary for help, it is, therefore, with justice that the
Seminary can look to us for support. As hazzanim we should feel at
home at the Seminary, for its founder and chief architect, Sabato
Morais, was essentially a hazzan and insisted on being called a hazzan.
("YahadutAmeri/ca Behitpathutah, "byDr. Moshe Davis, P. 41.)
Some of the world's greatest scholars are now connected with the
J ewish Theological Seminary, and under the presidency of Dr. Louis
Finkelstein. form one of the greatest citadels of learning. With its in-
comparably precious library, with its institutions of learning, with the
Rabbinical Assembly, with the United Synagogue, its national
organizations of men, women, the youth, with its many commissions,
it is without doubt the outstanding institution of its kind in the world.
It is our hope to become a vital link in that mighty institution. Let us
prove our devotion to it, and by our service to our people, that we are
worthy of that partnership.
Cognizant of our glorious past, with a clear view of our goal, and
ever-mindful that, while serving our people, wearein the service of
God, we ask for H is guidance.
May 14,1951
THE EMERGING IMAGE OF THE CONSERVATIVE CANTOR
Max Wohlberg
As an adequate discussion of my subject requires a great deal
more time than is at my disposal, I will merely indicate the contours of
the theme and delineate its salient factors.
I will dwell briefly on four areas directly related to my subject.
These are: liturgy, music, congregation and cantor.
As a preface, I wish to point to two trends present throughout our
history. The first, more dominant one, is reverence for tradition. The
second is accommodation to the present.
An observant student of our liturgy cannot help but notice the
frequent recurrence of such words and phrases as: kakatuv, vekhein
katuv, vene-emar, shene-mar, ka-asher amarta and katuv batorah,
shanui banviim, umshulash baketuvim.
These phrases testify to our innate conservatism. While voicing
our prayers we seek affirmation in Scripture. We thus testify to our
link with the past and express our adherence to minhag-tradition,
This powerful trend is responsible for our loyalty to the matbeah
shel tefillah - the liturgical formula of our ancestors, to Biblical can-
til lation, to the misinai tunes and to nusah hatefillah.
The conservative movement accepted the principle of religious
continuity and with it the liturgical accretions, some of which, admit-
tedly, added more bulk than quality to the lofty spirit of our liturgy.
However, it looked with a critical eye on texts which have lost potency
and current applicability.
As a result of such critical considerations, we are gradually begin-
ning to listen to the words we are about to chant. Perhaps that idea
was implied in the verse (Numbers 7:89): "UueJoMoshe elhaohel
ledaber ito, uayishma et hakol rmddbereilav. " We are to "I isten" and
carefully consider the words we are about to utter. We ought not force
the text into a procrustean world of a preconceived melody but rather
permit the text to dictate and to inspire its appropriate musical
setting.
While this ideal is far from general acceptance, it is beginning to
take hold and will, hopefully, gain adherents. Some of the recent ef-
forts made in the Conservative movement in the area of liturgy fill one
with hope that we will yet realize the dream of pouring the ancient,
undiluted, heavenly brew into beautiful contemporary vessels of
precious substance.
This latter trend I attribute to four disparate causes:
1. mddur Mitzvah - the desire to add an esthetic dimension to a
mitzvah;
2. The attempt to eschew monotony as evidenced in the dictum of
Rabbi Simeon: "Al taas tefiiatkha keva" - "Do not make your
prayers routine";
3. The absence of a universally accepted minhag prompting -
during a millenia (between the 6th and 16th centuries) - the pro-
liferation of new piyu tim; and
4. The irrepressible urge of the individual precentor for artistic self
expression.
Concerning the music of the synagogue we must point out that here we
deal with both substance and style, with matter as well as manner.
While orthodoxy opted for "tradition" and Reform J udaism
favored the fashionable, Conservative J udaism sought the essence of
tradition presented in an esthetic manner. It looked with disfavor on
endless repetition and vocal gymnastics while it preferred an
imposing, dignified service.
For the sake of historic veracity we must observe that both in the
Orthodox as wel I as i n the Reform synagogue there were some who
lived up to this ideal promulgated by Salomon Sulzer, such as
Gerowitch, Schalit, Saminsky, Ephros and Weiner come to mind.
The synagogue of the worshipping conservative congretation
underwent a complete metamorphosis. In place of a noisy, chaotic shut
it became an orderly dignified House of God. I nstead of being a
passive audience, the congregation joined in chants provided for it.
Men's clubs, sisterhoods, youth groups, children's services sprang up.
All sorts of programs and activities were instituted and these needed
competent leadership.
These new houses of assembly, whose rabbis were trained at the
J ewish Theological Seminary, were in need of cantors who could
satisfactorily cater to their liturgical, musical and congregational
needs.
Regrettably, there were no men specifically trained for these posi-
tions. But our colleagues, engaged in these congregations, many of
them - let's admit it - ill-equipped, rose to the challenge and by dint
of effort, study, perseverance and initiative fulfilled every task re-
quired of them, and in the process, created a prototype of a modem
synagogue service which captivated our worshippers and
strengthened immeasurably the Conservative movement as a whole.
This vital contribution made by our colleagues in creating and in
enriching what we now proudly call a Conservative service is, I fear,
still not fully appreciated in places usually alert to significant ac-
complishments.
I equally regret that we as cantors do not adequately appreciate
the opportunities offered us and the inspiration provided us by the
Seminary, and as individuals we lag in our support of that indispen-
sable institution.
Some weeks ago I heard our illustrious Chancellor, Dr. Gerson
Cohen, point to a striking coincidence: at the time when Dr. Solomon
Schechter was deciphering theGenizah documents near Cairo, Sabato
Morais established - in one room - the J ewish Theological Seminary,
for the training of rabbis for the J ews in the new world.
This coincidence represents the essence of Conservative] udaism:
the fusion of the old with the new: the fulfillment of Malachi's vision
(Ch. 3): the turning of the hearts of parents and children toward each
other. In this process we hazzanim played and play an eminent role.
As we reach the age of 30 - ben shdoshim lakoakh -we can look
with pride at our success in evolving from weekend performers into
perceptive shdichei zibbur ministering to the religious needs of our
congregations, developing a synagogue service which may be far from
perfection, yet clearly delineating the contours of the desired model.
Wecherish our calling as a m'lekhet ha kodesh -a holy pursuit. We
thus bring honor and glory to our creator. In the liturgy, kavod follows
kedusha na-arittkha venakdishkhais followed by kevodo mala olam
and kadosh, kadosh kadosh is followed by barukh kevod Adonai. That,
idea may be indicated by the verse in Leviticus (10:3) "Bikrovai
ekadeish veal kol penei ha-am ekaveid. " If sanctified by those near
Him, the people are sure to glorify Him.
As we congratulate the honorees who richly deserve our recogni-
tion, we would do well to recall the 23rd chapter of Chronicles I
wherein the Levites are numbered and the musicians who were to serve
in the Sanctuary were appointed: "Vayisafm hulviyim miben
sheloshim vamalah mei-eileh lenatzeakh al m'lekhet bet Adonai. "
"From the age 30 and upward were the Levites counted. From these
were chosen those deemed worthy for sacred duties."
Ultimately we will be judged by what we achieve miben sheloshim
vamalah - from here on. As we enter the decade for understanding -
ben arbaim labinah - we must perceive that the success of our labors
will redound not only to our own credit but to the spiritual vitality of
klal Yisrael. Then this meeting will have been a mikrah kodesh - a
holy convocation.
May 9,1977
MAXWOHLBERG:
A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
J oseph Price
When one thinks of the field of J ewish music and considers the
men and women who have made an important contribution to the field,
the first name that should come to mind is that of Hazzan Max
Wohlberg. He has made a lasting impact on every aspect of J ewish
music.
The only connection he had with J ewish music in his earlier years
was on his father's side of the family. J oseph Wohlberg, Max's grand-
father, was a hazzan and a shohet in Kis Varda, Hungary. His father
was a baal tefillah in the kloiz of the town where they lived; for the
high holydays he served at the bet humidrush. There was
also an uncle, Abraham Issac Wohlberg, who was a professional haz-
zan in Budapest, and who later held fine positions in Brooklyn. He
finally settled in Yonkers where he served for many years.
Wohlberg has a very good J udaic background, attending such
famous yeshivot as Krasna, Szartmar and the Nagy Karoly Yeshiva,
but he did not begin to study music until much later.
His father died in 1909, when Max was 2% years old. He was sent
to his mother's sister in Budapest, who, with her husband, owned
Stem's Kosher Restaurant. It was here, at the age of four, that
Wohlberg made his first public appearance. It was discovered he had a
good voice, soon Friday evenings and Shabbat afternoons he would
s\r\g z'mires for the family from atop a table in the restaurant.
He stayed in Budapest for a few years and was treated very well.
The family was well-to-do and Max wanted for nothing. After a while,
he became a member of the choir at the Kazinci St. Synagogue, the
large orthodox synagogue of the city, which is still in existence. He
also attended the day school there, where he studied Mishna in
Hungarian and Hebrew.
Joseph Price is a former student of Hazzan Max Wohlberg. He is a member of the 1977
graduating class of the Cantors Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary of
America.
Near the restaurant was the Rombach Street Synagogue, one of
the largest and most modem of the time. Whenever he could he would
sneak in to listen to some of the great cantors of the time who held
positions there. One of these was Hazzan J acob Bachmann. Also
within the area was the Neolog, which was known as theTabac
Temple. This was the Reform synagogue at which, among others,
Kwartin was to serve.
At the age of seven, while still in Budapest, World War I broke
out. The Russians entered Budapest and many became refugees. Some
people came to Budapest and among them was Max's mother and four
sisters. Another to come to Budapest was a man named, Mr. Cohen,
who was a widower with four children, a fairly wealthy man, who was
later to marry Max's mother. He originally came from Krasna, but was
to take the family back to Sibiu, Transylvania after the marriage.
Gradually Max's interest in J ewish music began to develop. Be
tween his studies at the different yeshiuot he would return to his birth-
place of Homonna (Humene in Czec.)to visit and listen to a well know
cantor of the time, Hazzan Malek. Up until then he had studied no
music at all and he asked Cantor Malek to teach him. Malek sent him
to the tenor of his choir who taught him the most basic rudiments of
music. Wohlberg recalls that the tenor didn't know that much, but it
was at least more than he himself knew at the time.
I n the year 1923, at the age of I6V2, M ax was brought to the
United States, being the last of his family to come. On his way across,
on the boat, he started his very long and distinguished career as a com-
poser. Knowing only the basic rudiments of music taught to him by
the tenor, M ax managed to write two compositions. The fi rst was a
setting of the four Y'hiRatzons that are recited after the Torah
reading on Monday and Thursday mornings and the other was called
"Scales on the Sea."
Upon his arrival in America, Max joined his family on the lower
East Side and it was there that he started his career as as a hazzan. He
was asked todaven at a small shul called "Etz Haim", where he was
received very well. Based on the warm reception he had received he
was asked to lead a service for which they would sell tickets. Needless
to say it was a success.
Although he would daven from time to time, Max was unable to
get a substantial position because of his youth. It was then he decided
to get a job in a choir. He sang in a choir for the High Holydaysand
during the service the cantor fainted. He was asked if he could con-
tinue. He did, and they I i ked his service so much that they engaged
him for the following year. This position at "Agudas Achim" in
Brooklyn was his first real cantorial position. Although originally only
hired for the High Holydays, he was asked to continue for the rest of
the year but without the choir which he had formed for the Holydays.
While in Brooklyn, he started to study music intensively. He
taught himself, at first, on an old piano that he bought from the con-
gregation. Then he studied for a while with Arnold Zemachson, the son
of Cantor Sholom Zvi Zemachson, who wrote under the name of
Powell. Also at this time he felt the need for more experience in choir
singing and so he joined the Metropolitan Opera Choir School and
sang in the Metropolitan Opera Choir for two seasons. 1928 and 1929.
I n those years he became an active member of the Hazzanim Farband.
I n 1930, he was asked by radio station WQXR to give several lectures
on J ewish music.
The rest of Max's musical knowledge was self taught. He spent
every free hour at different libraries, the 42nd. Street Library and the
Library of thej ewish Theological Seminary. Gradually, because of his
devoted study, Max became known throughout the world as the per
son to whom you could go if you had any questions on the field of
Jewish music.
After serving Agudas Achim, in Brooklyn, Max moved on to
Ahavas Achim. in College Point, N.Y. where he served as rabbi and
hazzan for seven years. F rom there he went to the I nwood H ebrew
Congregation where he remained for six years. Then he moved to Beth
El of Minneapolis, where he served for four years. There he trained an
amateur choir for most of the year, but on the High Holydays he would
engage a professional choir. It was during this time that Max extended
his composition of J ewish music. He also wrote a number of articles for
the Universal J ewish Encyclopedia.
In 1945, after serving for four years at Beth El, Max returned to
the East to accept a position in Hartford's, Temple Emanuel. He re-
mained there for only one year and then moved to Philadelphia where
he was to remain at Beth El for twelve years. While in Philadelphia,
Wohlberg was invited to teach at the newly formed cantorial school at
thej ewish Theological Seminary. Because of the burden of com-
muting, he looked for a position closer to New York City and accepted
a position in Malveme. Long Island where he served for fourteen
years, until his retirement.
For those who know Hazzan Wohlberg and have been impressed
with his voice, it will come as a surprise, that he studied for a very
short time. He studied with only two teachers, Boris Starling, a Rus-
sian, who taught in New York and Walter Mattem.
When asked about his many compositions and his career as a com-
poser, Hazzan Wohlberg protests that he really doesn't consider
himself a composer and that he never had a strong desire to write. The
music he did compose was created to serve a specific utilitarian pur-
pose, such as the youth services, which were desperately needed at the
time. H is greatest desire was to study. As he has put it to his students
so often, 'You must feel at home with your music".
Hazzan Max Woblberg does and the J ewish community will
always be in his debt for that.
THE WORKS OF MAX WOHLBERG
A PRELIMINARY BIBLIOGRAPHY
A. Published/Liturgical
S/i/rei Zimm
(Youth Congregation): Bloch Publishing, N.Y. 1947
High Holyday Hymns
(mixed choir); Hebrew Publishing Co., N.Y. 1959
Halban Hatoeinu
(piano ace.) Cantors Assembly-Mills Music, Inc. N.Y. 1961
Kohvei Voker
(cantor and 3 part choir); Transcontinental, N.Y.
Chemdat Shabbat
(cantor and congregation); Cantors Assembly, N.Y.
YachadB'kol
(cantor and congregation); Cantors Assembly. N.Y. 1972
ArvitL'hd
(cantor and mixed choir); Ashbourne, El kins Park, Pa. 1972
Shahar Avakeshkha
(cantor and congregation): Transcontinental, N.Y. 1974
B. Published/Secular
YidnZingen (words and music);
Ethnic Music Publishing Co., Inc., Carlstadt, N.J . 1948
Dm Yidn (words and music):
Ethnic Music Publishing Co., Inc., Carlstadt, N.J . 1948
C. Contributions to Published Collections of Music
Zamru Lo; Cantors Assembly, N.Y. Vol. 1-1955 Vol. 11-1960; Vol. 111-1974
Vol.1
Ahavat Olam, p.61; Sh'ma, p.64; V'shomru, p-82; Vay'hulu, p. 95;
Kadesheinu. p-108; Adon Olam, p. 121; Y oh Ribon, p.132; Tzur Mishelo, p. 136
Vol. II
Baruch Sheomar. p.2; Kadesheinu. p. 41; R'tzei, p.43; Hatov, p.46; V'hol
Hahayim, p.50; Sim Shalom, p.58; Od'ha, p.71; Tikanta Shabbat, p.115; D'ror
Yikra, p.147; Uva L'tziyon, p. 159; Baruch Hagever, p. 159; Va'ani Tefilati,
p. 160; M'hakel Hayim, p.161; Lam'natzeiah Binginot, p.169
Vol. Ill
M'hakel Hayim, p.35; Ki Anu Ameha, p.198
Cantorial Anthology (Gershon Ephros); Bloch Publishing Co., N.Y. 1957-1975
Yisrael B'tah Badonay, Vol. IV, p.251; Shim'u Zos. Vol. V., p.309
D. Articles In Encylopedla
Folksong
Univ. J ewish Encyclopedia
Synagogue Music of the 19th and 20th Century
Univ. J ewish Encyclopedia
Transylvania
Univ. J ewish Encyclopedia
Numerous biographies of hazzanim
Univ. J ewish Encyclopedia
Articles in Periodicals and Books
Pikei Hazzanut-regular column for 15 years, "Cantor's Voice," Cantors
Assembly.
Music of the Synogogue (pamphlet). National J ewish M usic Council, J ewish
Welfare Board
Contributions of East European J ewry to the Music of the Synagogue, Na-
tional Jewish Music Council, Jewish Welfare Board.
The Cantorate: Pages of its History, Jewish Music Council, Jewish Welfare
Board.
Ethical Problems of the Cantor-ate, Cantors' Ministers Culture Organization.
Music of the Sephardim, Jewish Music Notes, Jewish Welfare Board.
Music and Musicians in the works of Sholom Aleichem, J ournal of
Synagogue M usic. Cantors Assembly
Solomon Sulzer, J ewish Spectator.
Music of the High Holydays, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur
Wedding Music, The Hazzan's Manual, Cantors Assembly.
Wedding Music, J ewish Music Notes, J ewish Welfare Board.
Musi c and Nusah for the entire year, Polychrome Siddur.
E. Un-Published/Liturgical-solo recitative
Ribon Haolamim
1926
V'shomru (Fm)
1939'
Virushalayim Irha
1926
V'shomru (Am)
1939
Shohen Ad
1926
Shalom Rav
1940
Psalm 3
1928
Modim
1941
N'kadesh
1928
Modim (F#)
1941
4-Y 'hi Ratzon
ca.1928
Yishtabah
1947
Av Harahamim (FM)
1930
Psalm 133 (ace.)
1948
Mi Sheberah (Gm)
1930
V'al Yedei
1949
Maron Di Vish'miya (Gm)
1930
Mi Sheberah (Gm)
1950
Al Hanisim
1934
Mizmor L 'David (Em)
1950
Birhat Kobanim (acc.;G)
1933
Lo Lanu
1951
Mi Sheasa Nisim (ace.)
1935
Havdala
1952
Mi Sheberah (acc.;Gm)
1937
Ma Tovu (adapted from S. Rossi)
1952
Mi Sheberah (Fm)
1937
Ezk'ro
1953
Birhat Kohanim
1937
4-Adon Olam
1953
Ahavat Olam (Gm)
1937
El Mole(F$
1954
Mihtom L 'David (ace.)
1939
L'el Baruh (E)
195?
t-Ahavat Olam (Fm)
1939
B'rih Sh'mei
1957
E. Un-Published/Liturgical-solo recitative (Continued)
Ma Tovu
1959
N'kadesh
undated
N'kadesh (E)
1956
Bimei Matityahu
undated
L'dor Vador (F)
1960
Ezk'ro
undated
Sheyibane-Beis Hamikdosh
1960
4-Adon 01 am
undated
"Songs from the Liturgy"
1963
Minha for Shabbat
undated
Kiddush
1962
R'tzei
undated
L'el Barukh
1962
Hashkiveinu (Gm)
undated
2-V'shomru
1965
Kaddish Shalem
6-Shabbat Tunes
1969
for High Holydays (Gm)
undated
Kohanekha
1964
Kaddish Shalem
El Mole
1960
for High Holydays (Am)
wetted
Mikhtom L'David (II)
1970
Yom Kippur Katan
undated
Adonai Ma Adam
1970
High Holyday Misinai
Mikhtom L'David
1970
Melodies
undated
Ti sborakh
1970
El Mole
undated
Melodies for the Festivals
1971
Birkhat Hahodesh
undated
Hapodeinu
1973
Al Horishonim
undated
F. Un-Published/Secular-solo
Aheinu Kol Yisrael
Simeini Kahotom
1941
(piano ace.)
1933
Hasom Nafsheinu B'hayim undated
Wedding Ceremony (BM)
1934
Die Shul
Y'hudo Ben Teima
1938
(words and music)
1943
Brenen Kleyne Likhtelakh
Lomir Zingen
(Yiddish)
1934
(words and music)
1972
Hanerot Halalu
Pirkei Mizmor-25 musical settings
(piano ace.)
1943
(from Pirkei Avot)
1966
Leyg Dayn Kop
(Yiddish; H. Levik)
1943
G. Un-Published/Liturgical-chorus
Shomer Yisrael (SATB)
M halkel Hayim
(SATB; arr. Rosenbaum)
Birkhat Hahodesh (SATB)
Mi Adir (SATB)
Asher Bara (SA)
M'heira (SSA)
1944
undated
1943
1949
1949
1940
Az Yashir (SATB) 1944
Tseloso D'lel Shabbat (SATB) 1950
Adonai Ma Adam (SATB) 1945
Bikurim Festival (SA) 1944
Barukh Haba (SA-young voices) 1960
Magen Avot (SA;acc.) 195?
R'tzei (SATB) 1953
H. Un-Published/Secular-chorus
Friday Evening Hymn
(English SATB) 1946
Three Generations
(Cantata SATB) 1945
Psalm 100 (English; SATB) 1960
B'lel Shimurim Zen (SATB) 1967
Confirmation Service undated
Viegleid (piano acc.;SA) 1948
MAX WOHLBERG: A SON'S APPRECIATION
J EFFREY A. WOHLBERG
When the history of the American cantorate is written, I know
that Max Wohlberg will be part of an important chapter. His fifty
years in the active cantorate are but one aspect of the scope of his in-
fluence. He has fulfilled the mitzvah of ha'amidu talmidim harbeh,
and it is through his students as well as his compositions that his in-
fluence will long be felt. His love for his profession, his efforts on its
behalf, his creativity and the dignity which he brings to his life's work,
not only raised him to a position of stature and prominence, but have
enhanced the position of all other hazzanim as well.
My father would have distinguished himself in whatever field he
might have chosen. His involvement in every undertaking was always
total. His philosophy is summed up in a phrase which he often quoted
to me when I felt most frustrated: 'There is no such word as can't in
the English language." That encouragement helped me many times,
for I knew that he meant it, si nee there was little he would not under-
take and nothing at which he would not succeed.
I n Europe, he had been a student at the Satmer Yeshiva. He must
have been an excellent student for he seemed never to forget what he
learned there. The experiences of his early life had a deep effect on him,
and through him, on me. His love for J udaism and the J ewish People,
and his concern for their future, have always characterized his under-
takings. Nothing J ewish is alien to him. Everything J ewish continues
to interest him. My grandfather, J eremiah Wohlberg (after whom I
and three of my cousins were named), died when my father was a
young boy. The family has always treasured his memory and it was
certainly an important element, brief though their relationship was, in
my father's own development. My grandmother, a strong, attractive
and capable person, held the family together, and was central in
molding my father's vision of life.
Rabbi J effrey A. Wohlberg serves as the spiritual leader of Temple Beth El,
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
English is his third language (after Yiddish and Hungarian) and
his secular education was limited and, in many ways, quite informal.
However, he is a voracious reader, has an excellent memory and thus
he overcame any gaps in his formal education. I have always marveled
at how well read he is, at his extensive vocabulary, his impeccable
grammar, and the absence of any foreign accent in his speech. These
are all thing which he taught himself. It was in this same intense, but
informal manner, that he taught himself music and music theory.
He decided to become a cantor at the age of 16 when, on the H igh
Holy Days, the cantor in whose choir he had been singing became ill.
Knowing the music and the service thoroughly, and being at home on
the pulpit, he had no difficulty in stepping in, despite his youth.
Pop has always had an unusual combination of ability and nerve,
which he often used to compensate for his lack of experience, or to
make an impression when it was necessary. He used to I ike to audition
for a position without using music and without opening the siddur
since he knew both by heart. This never failed to make an impression
and to have the desired effect. I n one instance, early in his career, he
even undertook to serve as hazzan and to fill the rabbinic function for a
congregation, even preaching in English, although he was still struggl-
ing with the language and had had no training or experience for such a
role.
Typically, he decided early in his career that he had to be not only
a good cantor but an expert in the field. He set himself the task of
reading everything available on the subject of hazzanut. Much of this
reading was done, as with many other immigrants, in the New York
Public Library. Methodically, he read through the Talmudic and
Midrashic references, the other classical sources, and everything
modem that he could find. The copious notes which he developed in
those years area rich treasure of background information which serve
as a basis for his teaching and lecturing to this day.
He has always approached hazzanut with a serious attitude,
taking it not himself, seriously a nd conducting himself in the most
professional manner. At the same time, he has always had a great sen-
sitivity to the congregation - its needs, abilities and likes. As those
attending the synagogue became less familiar with davening and less
appreciative of and responsive to the E uropean styles, he began to
seek new ways of making the service uplifting and spiritally mean-
ingful without sacrificing the nusah and the traditional forms. This
approach is certainly reflected in his most recent compositions, which
are for cantor and congregation. He clearly understands the factors
and processes of change in American life and their effect on the
synagogue and the J ew.
The essence of his creative effort was to show that J ewish music
was not simply an art form, nor just a vehicle of prayer, but an essen-
tial element in praying and an authentic reflection of the J ewish soul.
Not only is he at home on the pulpit, but he is at home in J ewish
sources and traditional literature, and it is that love for J udaism and
thingsj ewish (Yiddish literature, J ewish humor, Israel, thej ewish
people and its culture) which he imparted to me and which he has
always tried to convey to his students and his colleagues.
There is not as important area of synagogue or J ewish communal
life in which he has not in some way been involved. When he wasn't
teaching B 'nai mitzvah or rehearsing with the choir or a choral group,
Pop was reading, studying, composing, coaching, teaching adult
education classes, or traveling to New York for meetings of the Can-
tors Assembly (of whose growth he is proud), or for meetings of the
Cantors I nstitute (whose existence is one the primary joys of his life.
His library is extensive and books have always had a respected place
in our home. It seems to me that few cantors or rabbis are as well
prepared to serve the J ewish community as is he. That totally profes-
sional and no-nonsense attitude has won him the admiration of col-
leagues, the respect of the rabbis with whom he served, the devotion of
the congregations and congregants, and a position of prominence
among the respected leaders of the Seminary and our movement. In a
sense, he made things difficult for all of us by setting professionally
high standards and an example which is hard to follow, but which is
the only worthwhile approach to our roles.
I am grateful to participate in this tribute for it has given me the
opportunity of publicly expressing my admiration. There a few who
have brought the profession as much dignity and sense of purpose.
Any reminiscense of mine would be incomplete if I did not mention
my father's sense of humor, which is legendary, and which we have all
enjoyed. But what is important about his humor is that he has always
seen it as an expression of his J ewishness.
Finally, I must make mention of his other, very different kind of
accomplishment, of which he is extremely proud: that he reached the
National Doubles semi-finals in four-wall handball. I know there are
few Klei Kodesh who have reached that height.
My father is among the blessed few who truly love J udaism and
have been afforded the opportunity of creatively enhancing it. It is
with a deep sense of satisfaction that I see the respect he has gained
and the impact which his life has had.
Pop, I am grateful that I am your son. J udy, Adam, Rachel,
J eremy and I are very proud of you.
MAX WOHLBERG: A RABBI'S CANTOR
Theodore Steinberg
The name of Max Wohlberg was well-known to me through his
writings in various journals and his reputation as a composer of
liturgical music. Our paths never crossed, however, until I was called
to the pulpit of the MalverneJ ewish Center in August, 1968. Hazzan
Wohlberg had been serving there as cantor for about 10 years.
I suddenly found myself in the presence of a man who was a haz-
zan for all seasons. I had the pleasure of sharing the pulpit with him
during the last few years of his distinguished career as a synagogue
cantor. Being associated with a true master of J ewish music was a
very special experience. I heard portions of the liturgy sung for which I
never realized there was, or could be, appropriate music. Emet v' yat-
ziv or a weekday Minha, or selections from the Sdihot, which I
thought were meant to be hurried through, for all of these, Max
Wohlberg had a melody, and it was always the right melody. He was
full of musical surpises and, invariably, they were sweet surprises.
Anyone sensitive to the ligurgy and attentive to the meani ng of the
works, had the enriching experience of a week-in, week-out garden of
delights issuing forth from Max Wohlberg's creative musical pen and
mouth.
Max Wohlberg is a diminutive man whose voice is not large or
powerful, yet his masterful control and musical instinct had the effect
of making the words he sang come alive. He helped the worshipper
become more sensitive to the rich possibilities of the liturgy. Certain
prayers, perhaps those which conveyed special meaning to him, were
always sung softly and with reverence. He used his voice, not as a
jewel or adornment in its own right, but as an adornment to the sacred
words he was interpreting.
As every reader of this J ournal knows, Max Wohlberg is a fine
scholar who controls the entire range of J ewish liturgical music. It
always seemed to me that he knew the whole prayerbook by heart, as
well as the meaning of every word which he could translate effortlessly
into at least three or four languages. Hazzan Wohlberg was ableto
shift from the Ashkenazic to the Sephardic pronounciation with ease,
and I recall one Sabbath morning when he was chanting the service in
the customary Ashkenazic mode: several visitors from I srael walked in
unexpectedly and he immediately switched over to a Sephardic accent.
Along with scholarship and musicianship, Hazzan Wohlberg is a
superb and compassionate human being. He has a marvelous sense of
humor and is a gifted reconteur and lecturer. His talks before the con-
gregation were always popular and well -attended. I can recall one of
his introductory quips, perhaps because he used it more than once,
which bespeaks his gentle, yet pointed, humor. At the start of a lecture
to the congregation, Max would say: "Smoke if you must, but for your
own sakes, don't inhale - and for my sake, don't exhale."
I am not competent to comment critically upon his creative work,
but as a careful listener, and as one who appreciates the quality and
depth which a cantor can bring to J ewish worship, I am grateful for
those years spent together with Max Wohlberg. He taught me a great
deal which I hope I can remember. He has long been a teacher of
hazzanim and a hazzan's hazzan; I want him to know that he is a rab-
bi's hazzan. as well.
A TRIBUTE TO HAZZAN MAX WOHLBERG
Gershon Ephros
When the history of twentieth century hazzanut is written, Dr.
Max Wohlberg will be in the forefront of those who have contributed
much toward its perpetuation and development. Dr. Wohlberg is a
gifted hazzan, an inspired teacher and a brilliant scholar: a worthy
follower of the greats: Naumbourg, the Birnbaums - A.B. and Ed-
ward, and Idelsohn.
I congratulate him and wish him continued creativity ad meah
V 'esrim shanah.
Hazzan Gershon Ephros is an internationally recognized composer, arranger, an-
thologist and hazzanic scholar. Editor of the classic six-volume "Cantorial Anthology",
he is the Hazzan- Emeritus of Perth Amboy's Congregation Beth Mordecai, which he
served with distinction for more than four decades.
MAX WOHLBERG: A PERSONAL MEMOIR
Max Wohlberg's varied influences on hundreds of hazzanim and
laymen, for that matter, will probably never be fully documented. His
scholarly attainments are reflected to some degree in the articles that
he has written: his musical abilities and charm are evident in his com-
positions and his prayer service publications: his pulpit artistry is a
joy to congregations all over America, but I venture to say that only
his colleagues and students who were priveleged over the years to
share his sihat hulin, as well as his formal classes, could begin to
estimate the breadth and depth of Hazzan Wohlberg's education,
humanity, wisdom and wit. Max Wohlberg is a musician and a talmid
haham, one who can quote the proper chapter and verse at the proper
time, and, should he choose, misquote as aptly, for his natural humor
and his knowledge of the psychology of humor, as well as his innate
feeling for propriety, make him a charmer and a very valued
companion.
All of this so far is an introduction. I don't want to write about
Wohlberg at seventy and the image that he now projects, but rather
about Wohlberg at thrity-three when I first met him. He had just come
as hazzan to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to a Conservative congregation
which already had a fine musical tradition. There was an excellent
choir that sang on Shubbatot and on the Yamim Noraim, a dignified
and learned, yet warm rabbinic prescence, an unusual congregation in
terms of its J ewish knowledge and committment, and the new hazzan
was a delight - obviously enthusiastic about J ewish music, and more
than knowledgeable about standards.
I had just turned thirteen and was on fire with excitement. There
was a whole new world to learn about.
The congregational rabbi, David Aronson, brought to the atten-
tion of the new hazzan the fact that there was in the congregation a
thirteen year-old who knew the mahzor fairly well, had musical in-
terests and was curious about everything J ewish. Since the auxiliary
Rabbi M orton Leifman is the Dean of the Cantors Institute of the J ewish Theological
Seminary of America.
service for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur needed someone to lead it,
would Hazzan Wohlberg undertake to teach the boy nusah? Wohlberg
agreed and proceeded to meet with me for two to fours hours a day, six
days a week, through the months of J une, J uly and August. He sat
with me as I pecked out tunes at the piano, drilling Arvit continuing
on through Shaharit, Musaf, Kit Nidre and eventually Ne 'ilah. He gave
me simple music to take home and to prepare. He would then reveiw
the nusah and the simple recitatives. At thirteen I found that I could
express my religious emotions in singing the liturgy. A whole new
world!
I conducted my first high holiday service leading Arvit, Shaharit,
Musaf: Ne'ilah and even reading Torah [a special cantillation for the
Yamin Nor aim -what bliss!] The following summer, Hazzan Wohlberg
wrote fifteen or sixteen choral pieces for the auxiliary service, and he
and I together prepared a group of teenagers for a junior choir. They
sang simple, yet charming two-part music. I was launched. My in-
terest in things J ewish began to flower with music as the core.
As an undergraduate student, I came to New York to study con-
currently at the Seminary and at a secular university. At twenty, I
was accepted as a student rabbi-hazzan of a congregation in Brooklyn
of Turkish Sephardi J ews. I had never heard any Sephardic liturgical
music and was foolish enough, or heroic enough, depending on one's
point of view, to undertake the learning of a music liturgy which,
though exotic, was different indeed from the Lithuanian tradition of
my parents' home and synagogue. However, Wohlberg had already
trained me. There were patterns, and one could learn the patterns and
go on from there. I bought a wire recorder and sat down to study nusah
recorded for me by an old Bulgarian hazzan. That sparked a new in-
terest. I didn't know the word "ethnomusi oology" until many years
later, but at twenty, began to search for every opportunity to hear
Greek J ewish music, Syrian J ewish Music, Iraqi J ewish music, and to
learn whatever was available to me about the different traditions.
The truth is, of course, that my basic scholarly interests developed
in other fields of J udaica, I am not, after all, a professional musician or
ethnomusicologist. But the yetzer ha-ra [or yetzer ha-tov!] to "daven at
the amud" continues unabated. The interest in hazzanut in its various
territorial and historical frameworks deepens from year to year as does
the interest in most things musical.
Much is duetotheearly and continued inspiration and friendship
of Max Wohlberg, and I am deeply grateful.
MAX WOHLBERG: A TRIBUTE
David C. Kogen
In the nineteen years that I have been associated with the Cantors
I nstitute as its Director, one of the great privileges I have enjoyed has
been my relationship with MaxWohlberg. Professor Wohlberg is not
only one of the original members of the faculty of the Cantors I nstitute
but a universally beloved figure, a symbol of knowledge, and a gentle,
friendly and encouraging human being.
To watch Max Wohlberg at a meeting of the Committee on
Admissions is to see a master attempting to draw out of the potential
cantor whatever bits of knowledge he has of music, of J ewish music,
and of the J ewish way of life. Hazzan Wohlberg encourages the appli-
cant to feel at home at the Seminary and to look forward to a challeng-
ing course of study which will prepare him to take his rightful place in
the service of a religious community. Wohlberg's gentleness comes
through again when he speaks to a student who has performed at the
periodic vocal boards, and again encourages him in every way to con-
tinue his studies and his progress.
When Hazzan Wohlberg participates in the meetings of the
Cantors Institute, one can begin to appreciate his personal insights
and the sense of humor which he possesses. It is obvious to all who
know him that he is an expert in the pyschology of human beings and
has an inexhaustible fund of humorous stories to fit all occasions
However, it is only at a more formal occasion, like a lecture, where
one begins to appreciate the scope of Professor Wohlberg's knowledge.
I remember on one occasion at a Seminary Convocation held at a con-
vention of the Cantors Assembly when Hazzan Wohlberg's extension
fund of information was put to use in an "emergency." Because of a
special situation, Professor Wohlberg was called upon to speak extem-
poraneously at the Convocation, and he, of course, acquitted himself
nobly. I found then, as at other times, that his fund of knowledge is in-
exhaustible.
Rabbi David Kogen is Vice Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America,
and Director of the Cantors Institute.
We know that Max Wohlberg is the acknowledged master of
nusah, and that is what most students appreciate. However, beyond
nusah, Wohlberg has a wide range of knowledge and great depth in
various J ewish and general studies. He is a remarkably well-educated
person with deep roots in the J ewish traditon and a fantastic
knowledge of the liturgy of our faith. He\stheyeshivabochur who
blends traditional learning with broad general knowledge of Eastern
European traditions and Western European training, as well as a
thoroughly American approach to the problems which he and his col-
leagues face.
It is a privilege to salute Max Wohlberg on his seventieth birth-
day. All of us in the Cantors Institute look forward to his continued
musical productivity, teaching and guidance.
GREETINGSTO MAX WOHLBERG
Hugo Weisgall
Albert Weisser
We greet our friend and colleague, Max Wohlberg, on this happy
juncture of a long and productive career. His scholarly contributions
to hazzanut and J ewish music have been many, and not least must be
the grateful appreciation owed to him by his many students for
demonstrating to them the highest ideals for which a hazzan must con-
tinually strive. We wish him many long years of creativity and
devotion to J ewish music.
Dr. Hugo Weisgall is Chairman of Faculty and Albert Weisser is Assistant Professor in
the Department of Music of the Cantors Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary
of America.
MAX WOHLBERG: A BROTHER'S TRIBUTE
Dr. Harry I. Wohlberg
This heartfelt greeting comes not only from a genuinely devoted
brother but from a communal and "professional" co-worker as well.
For both of us have been life-long servants of the J ewish community;
one as a rabbi and the other as cantor; one engaged in torah and the
other dedicated to avodah.
However, many of our bretheren seem to be unmindful of the fact
that these two seemingly unrealted dimensions of religious experience
are intimately interrelated. For torah is also a melodious experience,
and avohuh has numerous intellectual overtones. The rabbis have on
numerous occasions warned against studying the torah without
neginah and the talmud without rimmh. Similarly, kavanah in prayer
indicated and stresses the importance of contemplation, perception
and understanding.
My dear and distinguished brother, in his capacity as singer, com-
poser, teacher and researcher, has beautifully exemplified the blending
of tomh and shirah.
May the Almighty grant him and his beloved Miriam many years
of good health so that he may continue to enlighten his students, to in-
spire his colleagues, and with his precious humor and warm
personality to bring joy to his loving and beloved family.
Rabbi Dr. Harry I. Wohlberg is Professor of Talmud at the Rabbinical School of
Yeshiva University.
HAZZAN MAX WOHLBERG: SERVANT OF THE COMMUNITY
SHIMON Frost
The Hebrew term ish eshkolot, in its Midrashic connotation, has
come to mean a man of wide learning, well-versed in many disciplines
and fields of inquiry: not the diletante of the smorgasbord variety but
one who matches the scope of his knowledge with depth, mastery and
competence.
MaxWohlberg belongs to this rapidly vanishing species among
J ewish communal servants. His learning is vast, his erudition in areas
far beyond his field of specialization outright staggering. He is truly
the embodiment of the ish eshkolot as musicologist, hazzan, humanist
and above all talmid hakham, familiar with all strata of our cultural
heritage: sacred and secular, ancient and modern, traditional and
avant-garde,
It was my unique privilege to have served with Max Wohlberg in
the same kehillah and the bonds of friendship we share and the respect
I have for him and Miriam evolve out of a common perception of
responsible communal service, the changing needs of the community,
and the overriding concern for historical continuity, dignity and
authenticity in Jewish life.
In the present climate surrounding J ewish life, each of these
qualities - historical continuity, dignity and authenticity- is given
short shrift in the ladder of communal priorities and it takes men of
conviction and fortitude to teach, guide and insist on what is and what
is not proper for a responsible kehillah. It was one of Max Wohl berg's
unusual talents that he knew how to translate his perception of J ewish
priorities before our constituents without losing either their respect or
affection. His unique sense of humor, his skills as raconteur were un-
doubtedly helpful - but it was his wide learning that placed him in the
role of interpreter of our heritage into the idiom of contemporary
Jewish life.
That his professional colleagues of the Cantors Assembly chose to
mark the occasion of Max Wohl berg's seventieth birthday with a
Festschrift must be a source of pride to both the celebrant and the pro-
fession whose worthy spokesman he has been for years.
For those of us, like myself, who worked bemchitzato and whose
lives have been touched by Max Wohlberg, this is an occasion for joy.
We share in the simcha and rejoice in the honor being bestowed upon
one whose very being kulo omer kavod.
May Max Wohlberg continue to serve our community for many
years and radiate the light that is his.
Dr. Shimon Frost is the Headmaster of the Brandeis School of Lawrence. New York.
THE RIGHT KIND OF PRAYERS
Samuel Chiel
This sermon is dedicated by the author to Hazzan Max Wohlberg,
as an affectionate tribute to a great man who has devoted his life to
successfully teaching our people the art of prayer.
Psychologists tell us that whatever we do is a clue to our lifestyle;
the way we walk and dress, our gestures and our manner of speaking.
Everything we do is a clue to our inner personality.
The Rabbis of the Talmud add yet another dimension: they say
that the way a person prays is also a clue to his philosophy of life.
They, therefore, encourage certain kinds of prayers and discourage
others. Some prayers, they feel, give greater meaning to life: others are
harmful to the cultivation of a holy personality which is our faith's
ultimate goal.
What are the wrong kind of prayers? The Talmud says: Hatzoek
I'sheavar harey to tfilat shav: 'To cry over the past is to utter a vain
prayer. " The Mishnah cites this illustration of such a prayer. If your
wife is pregnant, you should not pray, "May it be a boy! " because the
gender of the child has already been determined.
Hatzoek I'sheavar: So many of us cry over the past. We say: "If
only I had been a better mother or father, my child would have turned
out so differently!" If a loved one dies, we cry: "If only I had been a
better child, my parents would have been so much happier!" In our
work we complain: "If only I had gone into another field, I would have
really been happy..."
So many of us walk around burdened with guilt, constantly
punishing ourselves, torturing ourselves with all the "if onlys"that
did not happen. But the Talmud says: Hatzoek /' sheavar harey lo
f mat shav: 'To cry over the past is to utter a vain prayer." It is
simply wasted energy and wasted emotions. The past is gone, it cannot
be changed. The real question for each of us is: what are you doing with
your life now, today? What are you doing about your relationships
with the people around you, your family and friends? How are you
doing in your work now? Are you trying to do it as well as you can?
And are you deriving from it as much fulfillment as possible?
Nobody's work is all bliss. Don't dwell only on the unpleasant aspects
of your job. Try to think about the parts of your work that give you
gratification as well.
Rabbi Samuel Chiel is spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel of Newton Centre, Mass.
When Victor Hugo was being persecuted by his beloved France,
heartbroken, living in enforced exile, he would climb a cliff overlooking
the harbor at sunset, select a pebble, and stand in deep meditation
before throwing it into the water. He seemed to derive great satisfac-
tion from performing this simple ritual each evening. Some children
watched him throw the pebbles into the water and one of them asked:
"Why do you come here to throw these stones?" Hugo smiled and
answered quietly: "Not stones, my child, I am throwing self-pity into
the sea." To cry over the past is a vain prayer.
There is another kind of prayer the rabbis discourage. If you are
returning from a trip and you hear a cry of distress from your town and
you pray: Yehee ratzon shelo yihyoo ayloo b'nai vayti: "God grant
that this cry is not coming from my house!" Harey to t'filat shav:
"This is a vain prayer." First, because it has already been determined
and your prayer cannot change the location. More importantly, it is an
unethical prayer. You are hoping that the catastrophe has happened to
somebody else! To pray at another's expense is to defeat the purpose
of prayer.
Prayer is supposed to make us more sensitive to the needs of
others. So many of our prayers are couched in the plural lest they
become selfish prayers. We say: R'faeynu hashem v'neymfey: "Heal
US, Lord, and we shall be healed." Barukh aleynu shanah tovah:
"Bless US with a year of abundance." Shmakoleynu hashem elokeynu:
"Hear our voices, Lord, our God, have compassion upon us ."
How should we pray in such a circumstance, upon hearing a cry of
distress from the city? I suppose it should really be worded something
like this: Yehee ratzon shelo yikreh ason Tat chad shekulam b'nai
vayti: "May it by Your will that no catastrophe befall any person for
every person is a part of my household."
The hassidic Rabbi Mendel of Raymanov, used to say that during
the time he was reciting the Amidah, all the people who ever asked him
to pray to God in their behalf, would pass through his mind. Someone
once asked him how that was possible, since there was surely not
enough time. Rabbi Mendel replied: 'The need of every person leaves a
trace in my heart. I n the hour of prayer, I open my heart and say:
Ribono shel ohm: "Lord of the universe, read what is written here."
The purpose of prayer is to make us feel the needs of every person
as well as our own. What kind of prayers do the rabbis encourage?
Hayay adam I'vareykh al haraah keshem shehu mevareykh al
hatovah: "It is incumbent upon a person to bless God in the face of evil
as it is to bless Him for the good." It is easy to believe in God when
things go well, but the test of real faith is what happens when we are
faced with disappointment, failure, and tragedy. The Talmud says that
there is a profound difference between an idolater and a believer in
God. To the idolater, if the idol grants him his wishes, he feeds him and
worships him. If he does not fulfill his requests, he smashes the idol in-
to a million pieces. But the true person of faith maintains his faith even
when faced with the greatest catastrophe.
This is why we say kaddish when we are bereaved even though
there is no mention of death in the prayer. It is a prayer of religious af-
firmation said at precisely the time when it is most difficult to do so.
When we lose a loved one, we cry "Why did this happen to me?" And
we want to reject God, religion, and faith. Yet our tradition says: Rise
together with the congregation and say: Yitgadaiv 'yitkadushsh 'mey
rabbah: "Magnified and sanctified in His great name!" In every life
there are joys and sadness, lights and shadows. Someone once said:
"We should not pray to God: "God, please never leave me suffer!"
Everybody who lives, suffers, everybody has his share of tzows. What
we should pray is: "Dear God, give me the strength to face whatever
life brings my way."
Finally, the rabbis encourage another hind of prayer: Bana bayit
hadash v'kanah kaylim hadashim omeyr barukh sheheheyanu: If a per-
son builds a new house, or buys new utensils, or new clothes, he should
say sheheheyanu, he should give thanks to God. Other authorities
have added other occasions for saying sheheheyanu, for example, on
the holy days, or in the performance of any mitzvah which is
associated with happiness.
Our tradition encourages us to give thanks for our many blessings.
On Rosh Hashanah, we should give thanks for our husbands and
wives, our parents, and our children. On Mother's Day we say a
sheheheyanu for mothers, but why not every day of the year? F athers
are nice to have around, too, and we should give thanks for them every
day as well. And though our children may cause us headaches and
heartaches, life would really be very dull without them and would lose
so much of its meaning, so we should thank God every day for our
children.
So often we are unaware of our many blessings. The poet expresses
this idea so well:
"Five thousand breathless dawns all new
Five thousand flowers fresh in dew,
Five thousand sunsets wrapped in gold,
One million snowflakes served ice-cold,
Five quiet friends; one baby's love;
One white-mad sea with clouds above;
One hundred music-haunted dreams
Of moon drenched roads and hurrying streams;
Of prophesying winds and trees:
Of silent stars and browsing bees;
One J une night in a fragrant wood,
One heart that loved and understood,
I wondered when I waked at day
How - in God's name - I could pay."
What our tradition really encourages us to do is to say a
sheheheyanu each day of our lives, to give thanks for each day and its
untold possibilities for creativity, compassion, and love.
MITZVAH AND BEAUTY
Gerson D. Cohen
Since classical rabbinic times, the rabbis have considered the
aesthetic dimension integral to the authentic halakhic way of life.
They found legitimacy for their quest for beauty in the verse:
'This is my God and I will glorify Him, the God of my father and I
will exalt Him." (Exodus 15.2)
This verse, proclaimed by Moses and the children of Israel in their
song to the Lord when they were saved at the Sea of Reeds, sum-
marizes in a few words the task and the challenge that face all who
serve our community. Ours is the task of glorifying God and the
Torah, and exalting them. How? The classic remarks of the rabbis on
this versse (in the Mekhiltade R. Ishmael) should forever be in our
minds.
"And I will glorify Him:" Rabbi Ishmael says, 'Is it then possible
for flesh and blood to bestow glory on its creator:' Yes indeed, I can
bestow glory on H im by the fulfillment of the commandments with
beauty. I can prepare for His sake a handsome lulav, an attractive
sukkah, a beautiful tallit, lovely tefillin. '
Ours is an awesome responsibility, for frequently we have it in our
power by our words and by our deeds either to draw people high to God
and to Torah or to repel them and alienate them. Indeed, we have it in
our power to do this to others, for in the first instance we do it to
ourselves; we either draw close to God and Torah or we move away
from them. How? By the way we respond to the charge of living by the
word of Torah. Do we do it mechanically, by rote, as an obligation to be
dispensed and gotten over with? Or do we fulfill out of love and with
love, in a word, with our total selves? Do we also strive to do what we
do with whatever measure of beauty the Almighty has granted us, so
that we make the life of Torah into an experience satisfying and uplift-
ing for ourselves and esthetically appealing to others? It is this latter
posture that R. Ishmael admonishes us to adopt: to glorify God by
making His glory evident and intelligibleto peoplethrough art and the
dedication that motivates striving for beauty.
Thanks to the spread of education and the advances of technology,
art and beauty are today no longer the exclusive possession of the very
rich, but accessible to everyone. Most of us have museums and sym-
phony orchestras within relatively easy reach. Their treasures are
Dr. Gerson D. Cohen is the Chancellor of the J ewish Theological Seminary of America.
always avail able through reproduction and recording. How lament-
able, then, that precisely as art becomes ever more accessible, it
becomes increasingly divorced from the values and central issues of
our lives. Art for most people has become a domain unto itself, a
dimension quite autonomous and unresponsible to us or to the institu-
tions and values that we hold most dear.
This, as you well know, was not always the case. The midrash that
is the theme of my message stresses the necessity of integrating all the
dimensions of life, of combining the religious and the ritual with the
beautiful and the appealing. This midrash, as any student of pre
modern art knows, was the guiding principle in the creation of works of
beauty in thej ewish as well as in the Gentile worlds.
Hiddur mitzvah, the fulfillment of a religious duty with attention
to attractiveness and beauty, can be done by an appeal to the ear no
less than to the eyes. I ndeed, one may argue that J udaism has
traditonally sought through its Psalms and thepiyyut that grew
under their inspiration to appeal to the ear far more than to the other
senses: "Worship the Lord in gladness," the Psalmist proclaims,
"come into his presence with songs of exultation." Daily we proclaim
in our morning liturgy: "Let Israel rejoice in its maker; let the children
of Zion exult in their King. Let them praise His name in dance; with
timbrel and lyre let them chant His praises."
Many today are the Hazzanim who fulfill Hiddur Mitzvah, coming
into His presence with songs of exultation, awakening congregations
to the beauties of worship. And many of these leaders have been in-
spired by, or taught by, one man, Hazzan Max Wohlberg. He has long
recognized the power of beauty and the infinite scope of its influence
for good. His conviction that worship can best be expressed in music
has produced some of the most exquisite and, above all, meaningful
liturgy we are privileged to have in modem times. He has been almost
revolutionary in his approach to liturgical music, for he had the insight
to appreciate the strength of music as a force for shaping and binding
community. He has maintained with great modesty that it is not
musical originality or virutosity alone that will draw people to
mitzvot, but a musical vocabulary that becomes part of the total
speech of life and, therefore, a force for instruction. Accordingly, the
music he composed calls for maximum congregational participation in
the service and hence evokes a spiritual and emotional response. He
has consistently eschewed passive music, which allows the congrega-
tion to become an audience, and developed a liturgy in which worship
pers become participants, and thus are engaged in the production of
beauty, and in the orchestration of a service with profound personal
meaning. By example, by transmitting information, by teaching skills,
he has communicated his vision and his practice not only to the
students fortunate enough to study with him in the Cantors Institute-
Seminary College of J ewish Music, but to the thousands of con-
gregants whom they, in turn, have taught. J ewish music for genera-
tions to come has been enriched by the contributions of Max
Wohlberg, just as all of us - his colleagues, his students, his friends -
have been enriched by the privilege of knowing him, and sharing in his
friendship.
In paying tribute to him, we acknowledge our profound debt to a
man whose commitment toj ewish music derives from profound
religious sources and drives. We thereby affirm our determination to
build further in the way he has mapped out in his creativity.
MUSIC SECTION
The Music Section of this issue is devoted to the creativity of Max
Wohlberg. As you can see from the bibliography of compositions
printed elsewhere in this issue, Wohlberg is a prolific and talented
composer, specializing in the area of synagogue music with some ex-
cursions into the field of the Yiddish folk song. We thought it would be
appropriate to publish some examples of the many styles in which
Hazzan Wohlberg composes; and so, in the foil owing pages, you will
find nusah material which he compiled and distributes to the young
hazzanim preparing for the cantorate at the Cantors Institute of the
J ewish Theological Seminary of America.
The reader will discover, too, a number of excellent choral pieces
for mixed choir written over the years. There are, as well, several haz-
zanic solos from the liturgy and a number of examples of his solo
psalm-settings, as well as settings for pithy quotations from the
wisdom of Pirkei A vot Finally, we publish a two-voice arrangement of
the lovely folk lullaby, "Vieglied".
All in all, a rich sampler ofWohl berg's craftsmanship and talent.
SR
NUSAH HATEFILLAH FOR STUDENTS
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