18 years ago, after an extensive search, Cantor Elias Rosemberg was chosen as Temple Emanuel’s new Hazzan. On his first Shabbat as Hazzan, Rabbi Samuel Chiel z”l offered the following prayer, as retold by Rabbi Robinson when Cantor Rosemberg received the Hiddur Mitzvah Award:
“We pray: va’ani tefilati, which our siddur translates as ‘I offer my prayer to you.’ Rabbi Chiel suggested another reading. Not I offer my prayer, but rather, I am my prayer. It’s not only about how you sing. It’s also about how you live. It’s not only about what you do on the bimah. It’s about what you do in life. Don’t just sing a prayer. Be a prayer. That was Rabbi Chiel’s blessing.”
Cantor Rosemberg has continued to embody this blessing over the past 18 years, not only offering us his voice, but also his leadership, guidance, and creativity. From Shabbat Alive! every week to his concerts, he always finds new ways to enrich our prayer and community here at Temple Emanuel.
We look forward to celebrating Cantor Rosemberg’s 18 years of dedication and spiritual leadership on Sunday, November 30, with support from Sisterhood Temple Emanuel!
At this time, we have hit our capacity limit and are not accepting more registrations. To be placed on the waitlist, please email AJ at ahelman@templeemanuel.com.
Co-sponsored by Sisterhood Temple Emanuel
