LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Raphael Frieder upon the occasion
of celebrating his 25th Anniversary as Cantor at Temple Israel of Great
Neck on June 5, 2016

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to providing music for the spiritual fulfillment of others;
and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish them-
selves through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of service;
and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Raphael
Frieder upon the occasion of celebrating his 25th Anniversary as Cantor
at Temple Israel of Great Neck to be celebrated at an evening concert
and dinner reception held in his honor on Sunday, June 5, 2016, in Great
Neck, New York; and
WHEREAS, A native of Netanya, Israel, Raphael Frieder studied music,
voice, conducting, opera, and piano, as well as Chazzanut and trope as a
young man; he also proudly served his country as a paratrooper with the
Israeli Self Defense Force for three years; and
WHEREAS, Raphael Frieder's first position as Chazzan was in London,
England, where he continued his voice studies with celebrated teacher
Vera Rozsa; he performed across much of Europe and with the New Israeli
Opera, as well as with all of Israeli's major orchestras under numerous
prominent conductors; and
WHEREAS, An accomplished musical artist, Raphael Frieder became the
first person to sing in Hebrew at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
while performing with the Krakow Symphony; he also had the privilege of
being selected by Leonard Bernstein to sing the world premiere of his
work, "Arias and Barcarolles"; and
WHEREAS, Since arriving at Temple Israel of Great Neck a quarter
century ago, Raphael Frieder has enriched the entire religious community
with his presence and virtuosity at services as Cantor; his singing and
direction have also enhanced the beauty of countless weddings, and
brought dignity and solace to mourners when officiating at funerals; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious tenure, Cantor Raphael Frieder has
expertly guided and overseen the training of approximately 1,400 B'nai
Mitzvah students, as well as a large number of lay participants who have
learned to lead services under his remarkable tutelage; and
WHEREAS, Today, this esteemed artist and musical leader continues to
challenge both himself and his students to "do a little more"; his inno-
vations have included the Niggun Circle, the tuneful N'ranenah, Kabbalat
Shabbat Service, the T'fila Enrichment Program, Shabbat Shira programs,
as well as annual courses leading up to Shabbatot Kol Ishah, Ha Gever,
and Koleinu; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Raphael Frieder has made recordings of Chazzanut
and Jewish music, appeared on television programs, and played the role
of the Cantor in the movie "Keeping the Faith" starring Ben Stiller and
Ed Norton; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his service to the Temple
Israel community, a period of constructive involvement, Cantor Raphael
Frieder has stood constant in dignity, wisdom, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the spiritual well-being and vitality of their community and
have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have

earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Raphael Frieder upon the occasion of celebrating his 25th
Anniversary as Cantor at Temple Israel of Great Neck; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Raphael Frieder.