CATHY SHAFRAN
x Special to The Jewish News

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Beth Shalom, the only Conservative synagogue in
Oak Park, will host Cantor Samuel Greenbaum at
a congregational party in recognition of his 25

years of devoted service.

or a quarter century, Cantor
Samuel Greenbaum has shared
his love for Judaism with the
families of Congregation Beth
Shalom. And Saturday night, those fami-
lies will gather to share their thanks with
a cantor who has enriched their lives and
their religion.
More than 400 people are expected to
gather at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 13, for
an evening of songs, speeches and
desserts. The evening will culminate
with dancing to the sounds of klezmer
music from the Old World Folk Band.
It will be an evening for young and
old alike to pay tribute to a man some
say epitomizes the nature of the Oak
Park synagogue.
"A smile always graces his face and a
hearty laugh punctuates just about every
sentence," says Beth Shalom President
Mark Goldsmith. "He extends himself
to all, whether you're 8 years old or 80.
And he is one of the reasons I fell in love
with this shul."
Greenbaum clearly holds a special
place in the hearts of Beth Shalom con-
gregants.
The members of Beth Shalom see
"Cantor Sam" as a teacher, a religious
mentor and a friend to young and old
alike.
"The kids love him, and they warm
to him, " said Hebrew teacher and con-
gregant Joe Lewis. "He is a man who is
as patient as he is tall," a reference to
Greenbaum's 6-foot, 5-inch stature, and
his patience and good humor instinctive-
ly draw kids to him."
A rich reminder of this gentle giant's
importance in the young students' lives
can be seen each Shabbat after services
when Greenbaum invites children of all
ages to his weekly tish, or usual conver-
sation around the table. He supplies the
pop, potato chips and points of Jewish
philosophy to ponder. And the kids are
eager to come.
"The kids would pull us out of bed
on Shabbat mornings so they could go
to shul to the tish," remembers Beth
Shalom congregant Mandy Garver. "I
don't know what it is, but he makes each