Page 4 - The Jewish Voice - May '22

Page 4, The Jewish Voice

LocaL happenings

Beth David Celebrates Cantor instrumentalist, actor, reaction to Temple Beth David as a congregation with people
Noted singer ,
who enjoy singing during services, Cantor Danielle’s answer
Bensimhon’s 10th Anniversary and opera director was filled with meaning far beyond the words of her response:
Paul Shipper has “I have a metaphor for how I see my role as cantor. I’m a
Lifecycle events are always momentous happenings performed with Cantor butterfly. I am the body — I know what to do and how to do
in the life of any family. This is no less true of synagogue Bensimhon, including it, but I need the congregation as my wings to soar. They give
families and congregations. So it was for Temple Beth David as a guest vocalist me my inspiration and my strength and my passion.”
as its congregational family gathered for a double-lifecycle during Beth David’s
celebration with Cantor Danielle Bensimhon and her family. High Holy Days Rep. Lois Frankel Presents
The subjects of this lifecycle times two? The naming of Cantor services. Paul’s vibrant, Alpert JFS with Check
Danielle’s new baby daughter and the 10th anniversary of her resonant voice enriched
tenure as the voice and spirit of Temple Beth David. his song selections, to Fund Expansion of
and the way his guitar
strings “sang” was a Boynton Beach Food Bank
perfect counterpoint to Mitch Goldstein and Debra
his musical renditions. Binder preside. Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21) presented a $325,000 check
to Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service at the
organization’s food pantry, located inside Temple Shaarei
Shalom in Boynton Beach.

Cantor Bensimhon leads a Havdalah service with the help
of Rick Gottlieb.

Maya Lifshitz and Zoey Zimmerman perform.

Kathryn Krueger and daughter Elisabeth Thomashoff
were also present to entertain the attendees, as they honored
the cantor with a wonderful display of their gifts. Kathryn,
an accomplished violinist, and Elizabeth, a concert pianist,
held a rapt audience spellbound by the beauty of the music Alpert JFS Food Pantry Committee
they played.
Rebecca Lesser, Maya Lifshitz, and Zoey Zimmerman
delighted the assemblage as they sang both individually and
together with the cantor. These three young women grew up
at Temple Beth David, where they still sing prayers movingly
Cantor Bensimhon with Kathryn Krueger on violin and and lovingly during the High Holy Days; all three are students
Elisabeth Thomashoff on piano whose gifts have been enhanced by the cantor’s tutelage.
The concert reached its apex with a rousing and emotional
The weekend of milestones began as Beth David welcomed rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
Shabbat on Friday evening with a musical service led by Cantor Danielle Bensimhon joined Temple Beth David in
the cantor and her 10-year-old daughter, Lila. Lila made the July 2011. Her tenure has been distinguished by her eagerness
evening even more special by preparing some particularly and ability to forge connections with the many and varied kinds
insightful teaching and words of Torah. Truly, there was of people who make up its congregation. Time has seen these
wisdom issuing “from the mouths of babes.” At the conclusion connections grow broader, stronger, and deeper. She inspires,
of services, all who were present enjoyed a special champagne- brings passion, and delivers compassion to all that she does Rep Lois Frankel, Alpert JFS President and Board Chair
and-dessert reception. and all whom she touches. Zelda Mason, and Alpert JFS CEO Marc Hopin
On Saturday morning, Cantor Bensimhon, husband Marc From her very earliest days at Beth David her unique and
Cohen, and daughters Lila and Lily were called to the bima special nature and qualities were evident. When asked for her Local Happenings on page 5
for Lily’s baby naming. Rabbi Debra Eisenman, Temple
Beth David’s permanent scholar-in-residence, officiated
the event, which was both joyous and emotional; the
congregation harkened back to Cantor Danielle’s early days
in the community, during which Lila was born and became a Thank You!
frequent and welcome presence on the bima with her mother.
Lily’s arrival marks the growth of the cantor’s family, and the
growth of the Temple Beth David family as well.
Beth David members and guests reconvened on Saturday
night for the festive gala celebration of Cantor’s Bensimhon’s
10th anniversary with the congregation. Congregants filled
the synagogue’s spaces, enjoying great food and drink, silent
and live auctions, and the distinctive highlight of the Cantor’s
Concert, which featured a fabulous array of musical guests,
and of course Cantor Danielle herself.
Laura Lenes, a prayer leader, cantorial soloist, education
and curriculum developer and rabbinical student (who became
associated with B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton
during this past year), performed songs, including some of
her own original compositions. She was accompanied by her
lovely daughter, Callie. Scott M. Fair, DO Justina Vasiliauskas, OD Shaun Holliday, OD
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