David, the Cantor
102 Years Old!
Photography is much more than just taking pictures. It’s the chance to interact with people, places, and things in our world….and in our imagination. I feel fortunate that I have had the opportunity to meet David, the Cantor. He is 102 years old, born in Trondheim Norway in 1913 and arriving here before his Bar Mitzvah. Amazing man…and his wife, Goldie, too! Thanks to Berit Engen, a very talented artist who I met as part of the Jewish Artist’s Workshop Lab at Spertus Institute and who is also from Norway, I was able to come to David and Goldie’s home to photograph them and film David singing and speaking Norwegian, Hebrew, and English. In fact, I’m going to try something new in this blog…adding video! I’ll try that at the bottom of this posting.
David retired at 90 years old after a 50 year career at his synagogue in Chicago. Wow! Can you imagine?? Such a nice man with a still strong voice and a very likable personality. And he and Goldie, who is a spry and sharp 97, are a sweet couple, looking after each other…such a joy to see.
As I mentioned above, it was quite an experience for me and Berit to visit David and Goldie in their home. We went there twice and I got a ton of photos…difficult to choose which ones to include here. And I have no idea which ONE I will choose to be part of my Spertus project. Regardless of that dilemma (haha), this was a special experience for me. Thanks to them and Berit. Look at this photo (below) that I took as I was leaving yesterday and I hope you can feel what I felt when I took it. Sweetness.
Now…let’s try some video! I filmed David singing several songs and I’m attaching three of them here as a small sample of his vast multi-lingual repertory. I hope you take the time to watch at least one or two to get an idea of the surprising strength of his voice and to observe his personality while he sings. I believe Berit intends to send these video clips along with the others to the Jewish community in Norway. Please feel free to share them, too! And, also the blog post…send it around! It’s a good story!
-Stephen M. Levin
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
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Beautiful story, beautiful people. Yes, the sweetness shines through!
Glad to hear! I was hoping to be able to capture that.
Thanks, Gayle!
A fascinating journey for you Stephen and I thoroughly appreciate being part of the work in progress.
Yes…I am very grateful for these opportunities. More to come… Lots of ideas rolling around in my head.
Thanks, Sonny!
Stephen your story is so beautiful about this magnicent couple. The video is unbelievable.
Can you imagine how it felt taking those movies…watching him closely. And spending time with David and Goldie. What an experience!
Thanks, Debbie!
Excellent Stephen! Excellent!
MUCH appreciated, John!
This fills my heart and makes me smile! And, yes, photography is much more than just taking pictures. Couldn’t agree more!
Anne-that is SO kind. Isn’t that the reaction we are all trying to get with our images? Thank you!
Steve, incredible, David’s voice is so strong. Thank you.
Thanks, Bob. Glad you like it! I appreciate your comments.
Love the pics!
Thanks much, Jeff.
That was spectacular, Steve! David and Goldie must have a secret fountain of youth! I can’t even sing in one language.
Love them!!
THANKS FOR SHARING THEM!
Yes. They are quite amazing and inspiring. So interesting and rewarding to spend time with them.
Thanks, Carol!
Was David the Cantor at Ner Tamid Synagogue? I went to Hebrew school there. Beautiful pictures,story & videos. Thanks so much.
Yes, he was. For 50 years!! Retired at 90…wow.
Glad you liked the posting. I enjoyed doing this so much. Thanks, Herb.
What an interesting man (and a sweet couple). Thanks for sharing!
My exact feelings, Natalia! Thanks for looking.
Very interesting. Good work my friend.
Thanks, Barry! And fun work for me, too! Such nice people.
Looks as if 102 is the new 90 – I hope that I hold up as well. I think you did a nice job of capturing a remarkable figure.
Thanks, Dave. Pretty remarkable, indeed!
My uncle David is unbelievable!! He and Aunt Goldie should be blessed with good health and happiness for many more years. He’s still singing away at every opportunity.
Yes, Hannah…absolutely unbelievable! Amazing, inspiring couple in so many way. I too hope they are blessed with health and happiness for many years.
It was an honor to meet them both. I know the family is proud of them in many ways.
Keep singing, David!!
Wonderful how many people have been touched by this story.
Including me!!
What a wonderful experience you had meeting such two lovely people. Thanks for sharing.
I agree…a wonderful experience! And, as time goes by, more and more people are contacting me to say nice things about them. Quite impressive.