What can I say? It is rare that I am speechless but quite frankly, I am trying to find the right words to express how thrilled I am to have been able to bring so many of my incredibly talented & clever colleagues and friends together, to our Synagogue, to sweep us off our feet. OK, I just got over my temporary moment of speechlessness…here goes…
Firstly, I want to thank my very dear friend, Joan Waxgiser, my Concert Chairperson. She helped me tremendously and was truly my right hand during the whole process. Thank you to my dear friend Michael Borman. The best MC you can find. You were better than ever. Since you are in charge of the upcoming Night of Roasting, I can just imagine what you have in store for us. I also must thank Lou Ann Boscarino & Nancy Morse. They are intelligent and very capable and wonderful to work with. I truly appreciate all their hard work and dedication. Thank you Tony and Richie for your hard work and devotion! For our delicious and beautiful Reception, thank you to Prestige Caterers and my dear friends Joel Katz and Peter Weiss who are always so gracious to me, especially this year. Thank you to our wonderful President, Paul Reich, who has been so supportive of our HHJC cultural & music programs, making our Congregation a leading force in the Queens Community. Todah Rabbah to my current pulpit partner and good friend, Rabbi David Wise. I am honored to share the Bima with you. My dear friend, Rabbi Dr. H. Joseph Simckes, you will always be near and dear to me and June. Please accept my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you who donated, participated, supported, traveled from near and far & attended this very special concert celebration. I was very thrilled to share this time with all of you.
How about Cantor Steve Stoehr, our CA Concert Host! I have worked very closely with Steve on many projects throughout the years and always knew he was not only a wonderful and sweet Cantor but an extremely clever and humorous individual. He surpassed my wildest expectations and added a unique dimension to the whole celebration. You must admit, I can really take it! I kept having the ball slammed at me but I kept catching it and not once faltered. “I CALL IT”…SELF CONFIDENCE.
I felt such incredible warmth emanating from every corner of our Synagogue, the entire afternoon. The Orchestra, Choir and all Cantors performing started rehearsing at around 11:00 AM. It was a long day, but honestly, I enjoyed every single minute. Then, one by one, all of you started entering the Temple. I was so excited to see you. I was especially proud to introduce all of you, my HHJC family, to my colleagues and friends of the Cantors Assembly. By meeting you, they could feel your warmth & realized why I chose to make HHJC my home.
By the way, when I got home after the concert I had already received almost a hundred emails. I thank everyone for their loving sentiments. The next morning the phone started ringing off the hook. It was so nice to hear all your feedback.
REMINDER – SAVE THE DATE and RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW…SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015 at 5:00 PM …HHJC SIMCHA DINNER DANCE. Put on your dancing shoes and come join me as my Jubilee Anniversary Celebration continues at the HHJC. Let’s dance, laugh, reminisce, enjoy fantastic music, savor delicious food and maybe even cry some sweet tears of nostalgia and happiness together.
ALSO, SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2015 at 2:00 PM…A MEMORABLE REUNION OF CANTOR SOL ZIM’S CHILDREN’S CHOIR from all years past. It will be a BLAST! It will be a time for sharing memories. Fun, Food and Laughs! Don’t Miss It! Everyone is invited…No Charge.
Love to all. See you in Shul.
Cantorially always,
Cantor Sol Zim
