In Memory of Cantor David
A Legacy
Cantor David Brandhandler, passed away on Thursday, June 2. He was 102 years and 352 days old. It was my honor to photograph and film him in his home along with Goldie, his loving wife, in January of this year. Some of you may recall this earlier blog post about them – click here. Such an amazing man.
(Included in this current blog post are photos that were not in the previous post from January.)
I didn’t meet David and Goldie until those dates in January. However, after visiting with them and seeing/hearing the many responses I got after making the posting, I soon realized how important of a man he was. He had such an interesting history and an impressive legacy. I lost count of how many people told me he had touched their lives while serving at Ner Tamid Synagogue in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago from 1953 through 2003!
I went to his funeral yesterday and learned more about this man. And many of my observations about him and Goldie were reinforced there, too. Friendly and full of joy. With a love and devotion to family and music. Some of the words I heard during the service repeatedly were: Family, Kind, Friendly, Loving, Caring, Sense of Humor, Wisdom, Respect, Musical, and more. You get the picture…. I did, too, when I was there at their home. Look at his smile in the above photo.
I saw him and Goldie holding hands (which was mentioned several times during the service). You can see that in the original post from January.
Click here to see and hear some videos with David chanting songs in Norwegian, English, and Hebrew.
I am grateful to my friend, Berit Engen, for introducing me to the Brandhandlers. And I am grateful that my photography brought me into their world, for a short time…and them into mine for much longer.
-Stephen M. Levin
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
You’re killing me with your images Stephen. Beautiful work and touching story.
Thanks so much, John. So appreciative.
Yes…a touching story. And I think that makes the “feeling” of taking them easier and more difficult at the same time.
Outstanding Image Capture of a fine man David who has contributed to enriching people’s lives.
Thanks, Stan.
What a legacy this man has left. Amazing.
A beautiful photo of two beautiful people. David will be missed deeply by many.
Yes, Berit…two beautiful people. Thanks so much for connecting me with them! I also enjoyed observing the interaction between you and David. Very touching.
Very special and cool!
Yes, Jordan. I would definitely put David in the “special” and “cool” categories.
And it was certainly a special experience for me to be able to photograph him and his wife, Goldie.
This Jewish Artists’ Lab Project has opened some very significant doors for you Stephen, and you are making the most of the opportunities presented and sharing them with all of us. Thank You.
Yes. I am grateful to be a part of that. Thanks to Spertus Institute for the opportunity!
Beautiful story! Thanks for sharing!
I agree…it is a beautiful story in many respects.
This picture just makes me smile. You are fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and photograph this lovely man and couple
I like looking at the photo of the two of them very much. Makes me smile, too. Such a sweet couple.
Aren’t you glad you got that beautiful picture when you did.
Absolutely!