Temple Emanu-El Choir

Music has played a central role at Temple Emanu-El from its earliest days. In 1876, the year Temple acquired its first building, it hired a paid professional choir and an organist. Children received musical instruction as early as 1894, and a children’s choir sang at Shabbat services as early as 1916. In 1920, Sadie Lefkowitz, wife of Rabbi David Lefkowitz, organized a volunteer choir for Shabbat morning services. In 1953, the choir was founded at the urging of Rabbi Levi A. Olan, who hired Sam Adler to be its first director. Award-winning composer Simon Sargon succeeded Adler. Born in Bombay (now Mumbai) and educated at Brandeis University and the Julliard School, Sargon continued the tradition of his predecessor. Highlights of choir life over the years have included commissions and special performances, international travel and popular offerings such as the Showcase Series and the Pollman Performing Arts Programs. In recent years, the choir has performed “Chichester Psalms” with Verdigris Ensemble, “Annelies” with the Arts District Chorale, with Vox Anima in London and at the Yom HaShoah remembrance service of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. Today, under the leadership of Chris Crook, our choir continues to awaken souls and deepen prayer at Temple and beyond.