As Published in 1999

It is with great pride that we present A Cherished Tradition, a compilation of song and prayer that has inspired congregants at Shaarey Zedek for over 45 years. This project was the vision of Dr. Ted Lyons, President of Congregation Shaarey Zedek, who wished to commemorate Rabbi Louis Berkal’s cherished contribution to our community. This is a collection of signature melodies that have become the cornerstone of prayer in our sanctuary.

The contribution Rabbi Berkal has made to our synagogue community is best acknowledged by immortalizing his heartfelt interpretations of our liturgy. We have selected melodies that capture the essence of Shaarey Zedek’s Shabbat and High Holy Day Services. Several Yiddish folk songs which Rabbi Berkal has performed often to the delight of our community, are included.

Our otherwise a cappella melodies have been enhanced by the talent of Mr. Mitchell Parks, professional pianist and arranger. Rabbi Berkal and Mr. Parks have enjoyed a long personal and professional association entertaining audiences for may years. Mr. Parks has captured every nuance of the text and melodies presented.

The Shaarey Zedek Choir has been inspired by Rabbi Berkal’s gentle mannerism and his beautiful interpretation of the music we cherish. We have been honoured to work with a man of such integrity and grace.

Happy 85th birthday Rabbi Berkal! May you go from strength to strength. “Al Hatorah, v’al Ha’avodov, v’al Gimeelute Chassadim.”

A Message from Rabbi Louis Berkal
Dear friends, may the ancient songs and prayers of this collection bring us peace and contentment in years to come. These treasures of the spirit still remain the greatest gift to God to our people. We are delighted to use this medium to help you and your families experience the joy which our music, sung through many years at Shaarey Zedek, will bring into your hearts.

Bonnie Antel - Choir Director of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir
Bonnie received her Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education from the University
of Manitoba. She began her singing career as a teenage member of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir. She studied choral conducting with Henry Engbrecht,
and voice with Henriette Schellenberg. She currently teaches elementary music
for the Fort Garry School Division.

Mitchell Parks - Pianist and Arranger
Mitchell received his bachelor of Music from the University of Manitoba. He has contributed to a variety of musical venues including performances on the CBC National Radio and Television. He is an original member of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. This is Mitchell’s second recording with Rabbi Berkal and the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir. For over two decades he has performed for Adult Leisure Programs.

The Shaarey Zedek Choir

Sopranos
Jill Brandes, Bonnie Hoffer-Steiman, Phyllis Laveman, Annette Stern, Sandy Tapper, Alice Weissmann

Tenors
Laurie Diamond, Noel Ginsberg, Doug Hoffer, David Pesochin, Bill Weissmann

Altos
Pam Appel, Peggy Diamond, Cynthia Hornstein, Berdina Shorten, Judy Steele

Basses
Jerry Moscovitch, Jerome Phomin, Ted Shorten, Rick Wolfe, Al Zelickson Special Guest

Tracks

1. Hallelujah (Psalm 150) Louis Lewandowski arr. by A.W. Binder (2:30)
Praise God joyously with the trumpet, the harp, the lyre... with drum and dance, with flute and strings, with resounding cymbals!
(Prayer from the High Holy Days)

2. Mi Sheasa Nisim Traditional (3:53)
He who brough miracles for our fathers. (A hymn for Rosh Chodesh)

3. Y’halelu/Hodo Al Eretz Traditional (1:35)

4. Modim Anachnu Traditional vocal arr. Rabbi Louis Berkal, Mitch Parks & Archie Stone (5:51)
We give thanks. Anthem of gratitude for God’s manifold mercies to us.

5. Sim Shalom Traditional (6:15)
Grant peace and well-being, blessing and grace unto us, unto Israel, unto all mankind.

6. Sheyibone Beis Hamikdosh Yisrael H. Schorr arr. by Abraham Ellstein (6:19)
May the Temple be rebuilt in our day.

7. Rad Halailah Y. Orland (1:40)

8. Belz, Mein Shtetele Belz Al Olshanetsky (3:04)

9. Artzenu Haktantonet Henry Gold Text: Samuel Fisher & Fraidele Lipschitz (2:53)

10. My Yiddishe Momme Jacke Yellen & Lew Pollack (4:51)
I know that I woe what I am today, to that dear little lady so old and gray, to that wonderful Yiddishe Momma.

11. My Zaydee M. Yess (3:30)
My Zaydee made us laugh, my Zaydee made us sing...he made Kiddish Friday Night.

12. V’Lirushalayim Ircha T. Greenberg arr. by S. Kalib (5:23)
From the 1970 recording Shaarey Zedek Sings

13. V’Haer Eineinu T. Greenberg arr. by S. Kalib (3:03)
From the 1970 recording Shaarey Zedek Sings

14. Ahavat Olam Traditional (3:51)
From the 1970 recording Shaarey Zedek Sings

15. V’shomru Max Janowski (2:05)
The children of Israel shall keep Shabbat as an everlasting covenant throughout all generations. (Prayer from the Friday evening service)

16. Chassidic Kaddish Y. Rosenblatt (2:38)
Jill Brandes, soloist

17. Kol Nidre Traditional Arr. Henry A. Russotto (5:47)
We hereby publicly retract all vows and oaths we made previously to God so that we can start the new year with a fresh slate. (Prayer from the High Holy Days.)

18. M’loch Traditional (5:05)
May your splendor and dignity be reflected in the lives of all who dwell on earth
(Prayer from the High Holy Days.)

18. Adon Olam (Portuguese) de Sola (3:38)
The Lord of the World is with me. I shall not fear. My body and spirit is in his keep.
Bonnis Antel, Soloist

Produced by Mitchell Parks, Rabbi Louis Berkal
and Bonnie Antel
Recorded June 1999 in the Shaarey Zedek
Synagogue Sanctuary
Recorded by Choral Recording Services -
Box 121 Woodlands, MB (771 0808)
Recording Engineer Glenn MacRae, Mastered
by Allan Hunnie