Leonard Cohen meets Lewandowski in revamped Sydenham shul choir

JORDAN MOSHE

At Sydenham shul, however, new life has been breathed into the traditional choir, and congregants look forward to hearing Leonard Cohen tunes alongside Louis Lewandowski almost weekly.

Earlier this year, a decision was taken at the shul to discontinue fixed Shabbat performances by the choir. Following a period of experimentation, Rabbi Yossi Goldman and chazzan (cantor) Yudi Cohen are reinstating the choir with changes that will make the iconic fixture of Sydenham shul almost unrecognisable.

“The previous choir represented the old traditional liturgical music style,” says Goldman. “The reality is that there’s a new generation, and it doesn’t appreciate the old services of the past. The number of chazzanut [cantorial music] lovers today has dramatically lessened, and the average shul-goer is really looking for a more lebedik (heartfelt) experience of foot tapping and hand clapping.”

It became clear, he says, that a shul of Sydenham’s size still needed a choir, albeit in a new form. Cohen enlisted the help of musician and singer Rabbi Doron Chitiz, formerly of Cape Town and today serving shlichut (emmissaries) in the community from Israel.

Chitiz is an accomplished performer, veteran of the choral music scene, and a founder of Israel’s leading acapella group, Kippalive. He has blazed a trail across the religious music scene in Israel, introducing contemporary music to choral arrangements, and has brought modern music to shuls the world over.

“Doron has the knowledge and the ability, along with an understanding of musical history both classical and modern, and he can conduct both,” says Cohen. “He’s extremely musical, and I believe we can accomplish something great together at Sydenham.”

Chitiz took up the role of conductor at the shul shortly before Shavuot this year, and Goldman and Cohen agree that he has helped raise the bar of Shabbat and chag (religious holiday) services. The core group consists of 10 male singers, ranging in age from 16 to 40. Their repertoire strikes a balance between traditional and modern.

“We haven’t thrown the traditional out, but introduced a new energy and enthusiasm in shul which really is foot tapping,” says Goldman. “It’s getting better by the week, and there’s a sense of positivity which radiates from the bimah.”

Cohen agrees, saying the feedback from the community has been positive. “It’s a journey, not an answer,” he says. “We’re changing from old to new. People will hear things they aren’t used to along the way together with some recognisable pieces.

“It’s important to understand that the approach to music in our lives today differs from that of the past. Older Jewish music reflected a different reality, one which was more tragic and solemn. We live in a new reality of positivity today, and music needs to reflect this.”

Goldman and Cohen are confident that the new choir will be able to meet the needs of the community, and provide a balanced service which is uplifting and meaningful.

“It’s a challenge for us to create a balance to satisfy the ear,” admits Cohen. “People want the traditional experience over the yamim noraim (high holidays). However, I don’t think they should worry. They will hear their favourite traditional tunes. We’ll be very careful about what we insert and what we take out.”

“Ultimately, we want to bring smiles to people, on Shabbat and the chags. The bimah has a feeling of joy, and that’s the feeling we’re trying to spread. People have had a long week come Friday, and we want them to go home with a smile, be uplifted, and feel inspired for the week ahead.”

According to Chitiz, they have plans to present classic, much-loved pieces alongside Israeli contemporary tunes, Simon and Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen, and even the Sound of Music on the upcoming chaggim.

Chitiz believes that this renewed energy will draw people into shul, offering them something new. “In the past, people didn’t need an attraction to go to shul,” he says. “Today, it needs to excite. Pushing a religious connection alone won’t change anything.”