Cantor Maissner z’l, Sweet Singer of Israel Exhibit

From the Archives: Cantor Benjamin Zeev Maissner z’l, Sweet Singer of Israel Exhibit

By Denise Gordon

The indomitable spirit of our beloved Cantor Benjamin Zeev Maissner, z’l, continues to touch our hearts and minds when we least suspect. We might be attending a service, listening to a particular prayer, or remembering a life-cycle event when we conjure these memories.  How we loved Beny’s voice, his devotion to Holy Blossom, his love of Judaism, and Beny’s absolute zest for living.

In collaboration with the Archives Committee and, of course, Hope Maissner and her children, Eva Ormut-Fleishman and I (both members of Temple Singers) assembled a display of items from the Archives and from the cantor’s family. The exhibit:  Cantor Benjamin Zeev Maissner z’l, Sweet Singer of Israel, highlights aspects of his extraordinary 40-year tenure here, as well as glimpses into his personal and musical life beyond Temple. At each display case, a convenient QR code takes you directly to his own voice and music.

The first of the display cases dedicated to this exhibition in the Schwartz/Reisman Atrium is lovingly called Between Heaven and Earth.  You may tingle with nostalgia upon seeing Beny’s shofar and a photo of him blowing it. The feelings may continue upon viewing and remembering Beny wearing the tallit on display. There are also three handwritten music manuscripts, each one composed by him to honour his three children. In my mind’s eye, I recall Beny’s beautiful hand gestures as he held or wore these items, how he spoke with us, led us in prayer, taught us, celebrated a simcha or consoled us in sorrow throughout various Jewish lifecycle events. These items practically whisper and transport us into the past. Lean in and see if they speak to your heart or conjure a loving memory.

The other case encapsulates Beny’s great love and prolific musical programming at Holy Blossom and across the globe. Featured in the cabinet are more of Beny’s ritual items shared with us from the Maissner family: his yad, kippah, and even his kiddush cup. And of course, there is Beny’s famous tuning fork. How I remember the latter at various rehearsals, whether of Temple Singers or Lachan, his beloved community choir. Beny was so proud when we kept in tune.  And boy, did we hear about it when we weren’t!

We are grateful to the Maissner family for also sharing a wonderful collection of photos and personal memorabilia to deepen our memories.  In cabinets, one can glimpse photos of Beny kibbitzing with colleagues, Beny conducting, Beny on his innumerable musical missions, Beny bearing witness to tragic historical events in Jewish history, and most compellingly, Beny with his beautiful and cherished Hope and family, truly enjoying his life to the brim. Seeing these photos captures the love Beny gave and the love he received from all who knew him, personally and professionally.

The Archives Committee warmly invites you to catch a glimpse of Beny’s good life as seen in the exhibit: Cantor Benjamin Zeev Maissner z’l, Sweet Singer of Israel. It will be on display until December 2025 and is located on the main floor of the Schwartz/Reisman Atrium, adjacent to the living (plant) wall on the west side.

May Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner’s memory continue to be a beacon and a blessing for all of us at Holy Blossom and beyond.