44 | JUNE 2 • 2022 

ARTS&LIFE
VIDEO REVIEW

I

make a point of listening to archived 
Livestream or YouTube Festival 
services from some of my favorite 
congregations around the country. 
Particularly moving and 
relevant to world affairs 
is the recording of the 
Eighth Day of Passover 
Hallel (the Psalms 113-118 
recited on festivals) from 
Congregation Shaarey 
Zedek in Southfield. With 
impeccable taste and 
winsome vocal talent, Hazzan David 

Propis, accompanied by a fine pianist 
and impressive octet choir, seamlessly 
offers traditional, longtime popular, 
classical and contemporary renditions 
of these psalms and the liturgical 
blessings that introduce and conclude 
them. 
Besides the wonderful musical 
settings, this video offers an impressive 
glimpse into Shaarey Zedek’s soaring 
and arresting bimah (1962), adorned 
by strikingly crafted marble, wood and 
glass, designed by masterful synagogue 
architect Percival Goodman. 

It highlights the triangular motifs 
throughout the sanctuary and the large 
halls that open into it. The expansive 
interior is most conducive to social 
distancing for everyone, including the 
choir.
I would be remiss if I did not mention 
the fine sermons available by the 
rabbis of the congregation, especially a 
Pesach Yizkor service by Senior Rabbi 
Aaron Starr, who discusses memory 
and blessing, the themes of a particular 
psalm that is our focus here.
Particularly stunning is Hazzan 

CSZ Hazzan David Propis’ Eighth Day of Passover Hallel
should not be missed.

Rabbi Elliot 
B. Gertel

A Culturally Important 
Ukraine-Jewish Music 
Connection

The bimah 
at Shaarey 
Zedek

