May 2025
Barry Rosen
 

On May 8 of this year, I attended the 175th anniversary concert at Temple Anshe Sholom.

Prior to the concert, I interviewed Cantor Paula Baruch, who shared her great enthusiasm about the Temple and the upcoming event.  These feelings were echoed by three congregants and choir members with whom I connected: Cheri Elson, Janet Kronick, and David Rayfield. 

Elson stated a view that was also held by the others: “I have never felt more at home in a synagogue or Jewish community that I do at TAS," she said.

The origins of Temple Anshe Sholom go back to 1850, when a small group of approximately 16 German Jewish families established the “Hebrew Benevolent Society Anshe Sholom,’ just four years after the city of Hamilton was incorporated.

The original founders could not have foreseen how much the Temple would evolve over its history.  Today, Temple Anshe Sholom is a dynamic religious institution - modern and traditional, inclusive and egalitarian, with many innovative programs. 

The role of music has been highlighted and expanded under Cantor Baruch’s leadership, and she promotes the link between music and spirituality. 

In addition to the long-standing Friday Erev Shabbat service and Saturday Torah study, a Shabbat morning service was added in November 2024.

In recent years, a number of Jewish families have moved to Hamilton and joined the Temple. Many of these new members are keenly volunteering with various Temple committees and programs. 

The anniversary concert was sold out, with two hundred people in attendance. 

When I walked into the Temple there was a feeling of excitement and anticipation. The Frank auditorium, where the concert was held, took on the air of a sophisticated banquet hall. The atmosphere was welcoming and elegant. The lights were subdued. Each table, had individual place settings that were pleasing to the eye. Snacks and a cake were on each table. Wine was offered by servers who came around regularly. 

The evening began with introductions by Marla Frank-Davis, the Temple’s current president, and MC Sunni Genesco. We were then treated to a short film about the Temple’s history narrated by Steve Paikin.

What followed was a great variety of musical performances, all of which were outstanding in quality. Many of the songs were less well known. Some were funny, while others were heartwarming or nostalgic. 

The vocalists were accompanied by an excellent four-piece band led by Jordan Abraham, who is well known in our community. 

Cantor Baruch had a major stage presence during the evening, with her talent, energy, and liveliness infusing the celebration. The Temple choir performed wonderfully, with some individual members also taking on solo or duet roles, each one unique.  In the first half, entitled “Stories from the Past,” I enjoyed the classic Yiddish tunes “My Yiddishe Momme,” and “Bei Mir Bistu Shein.”  Just prior to the intermission, a beautiful rendering of “Sunrise Sunset” was performed. 

I spoke to some of the performers at the break, and it was clear that they were having the time of their lives. These feelings were echoed by the audience members with whom I spoke.

The second half was entitled “Stories for our Present and Future.” One song among many that I hadn’t heard before, “Spring Will Come Again” was performed by Mary Clements. This is a song about hope, something which we all need during these difficult times for our Jewish community. 

We were reminded of the tragedy of the hostages still held in Gaza with the song “Bring Them Home,” sung by Cantor Baruch and Mary Clements. 

The final song was a rousing rendition of “Am Israel Chai,” sung by all the performers.

The evening was a beautiful celebration of Jewish life in Hamilton, in addition to the 175th anniversary of Temple Anshe Sholom. Let’s hope that our community will have many more occasions to celebrate in the future. 

Click here to see more photos from the event courtesy of Donna Waxman Photography