By Eileen Wingard
SAN DIEGO — For the December 15 Hanukkah concert at the Carmel Valley Library, the 17 members of the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir were greeted by an overflow audience. Coming early and waiting in line, I was one of the fortunate to find a seat for this standing-room-only event, with many needing to listen from outside the hall.
The men filed in, nattily dressed in royal blue vests, bow ties and matching “kippot.” Their eyes sparkled and they sang with energy, as they followed their inspiring and seasoned conductor, Ruth Weber, in a program of sixteen Hanukkah selections, ranging from the opening traditional chant for the blessing of the Hanukkah candles to Tom Leherer’s “I’m Spending Hanukkah in Santa Monica,” accompanied by cancan kicks. The men had all the songs memorized.
Shawn Edelson served as one of two MCs. Joseph Valent was the piano accompanist and Doron Patek, one of the choir members, accompanied two of the selections on accordion. Other vocal soloists from the choir were featured in various selections.
There was a nice rendition of “Ocho Candelikas” in Ladino, with Abraham Rabinofsky as soloist, “Moaz Tzur” was beautifully rendered in an arrangement by the choir’s own conductor, and the concluding number, “Eight Days of Hanukka,” was to the familiar melody of “Those Were The Days.”
There was a mash-up of “Hava Nagila” and “Hanukkah, O Hanukkah, Come Light the Menorah,” a Barry Sisters rendition of “Tchiri Bim, Tchiri Bam,” a song based on the latke recipe, and another about matzo ball soup with beach balls painted as giant matzo balls.
Weber is able to achieve a beautiful blend of voices, with good balance and nice dynamics. In addition, the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir adds entertaining humor and variety into their programs.
Only their encore was not related directly to Hanukkah.
It was Josh Grobin’s “You Raise Me Up.” However, it was an uplifting ballad, the kind of music to lighten our spirits and bring us joy.
I was seated next to a gentleman who was there with his wife and two grandsons, aged 9 and 11, and although the boys switched their seats several times between the laps of their grandparents, they remained totally engaged. It was good to see that the audience was, indeed, multi-generational.
I hope more of the men in our community who enjoy singing will join the ranks of the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir so that it can continue to grow and prosper.
The San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir is a cultural treasure of the San Diego Jewish Community.
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Eileen Wingard is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts
I saw them in the last few weeks at the University Community Library. SRO there also. Delightful, the crowd loved them.
Eileen, Jack Cohen here. I just read your lovely article praising our performance at the Carmel Valley Library and wanted to thank you personally and on behalf of our choir to let you know that you are also considered a community treasure. Thank you most heartedly from our group and Ruth. G-d Bless