Cantor Samuel Kantarof - VENEMAR KI BI YIRBU YOMECHA

Special thanks to Moshe Libson for this rare recording. Cantor Reverend Samuel (Shmuel) Kantarof (ר' שמואל קאנטאראף) was an internationally acclaimed Orthodox cantor (chazzan), liturgical composer, talmudic scholar, and recording artist who officiated across Eastern Europe, North America, and Mexico during the mid-20th century. Acclaimed by contemporary newspapers as a "master of prayer" (בעל תפילה) and a scholar (למדן-ירא שמים), he was celebrated for his powerful, mellow tenor voice and deep emotional expressiveness at the pulpit (amud). Key Historical Milestones & Posts Funeral of Mendel Beilis (New York, 1934): In July 1934, Cantor Kantarof was selected to chant the traditional memorial prayer (El Moleh Rachamim) at the funeral of Mendel Beilis—the historical figure acquitted in the infamous 1913 Kyiv blood libel trial. Held on New York's Lower East Side before thousands of mourners, the event made international headlines. Mexico City & Congregation Nidchei Israel: Cantor Kantarof served as the principal cantor for the historic Nidchei Israel congregation (the Great Synagogue on Justo Sierra Street) in Mexico City, leading prayers for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Succos. Upon finishing his post, over a hundred community members and rabbis honored him at a farewell banquet, where leaders proposed bestowing upon him the official title of Mexico's "City Cantor" (שטאט-חזן). Washington Avenue Synagogue (Cincinnati, OH): He served as guest cantor for Slichos and the High Holidays at the Washington Avenue Synagogue (Washington & Rockdale Ave.) in Cincinnati, accompanied by a full quartet. Testimonial for Rabbi Eliezer Silver (1941): On February 15, 1941, Cantor Kantarof featured as a prominent guest performer at the 60th anniversary testimonial honoring the rabbinical leader Rabbi Eliezer Silver. Congregation Kneseth Israel (Pittsburgh, PA): Through the late 1940s and 1950s, he served as cantor alongside Rabbi Morris A. Landes, performing with a choir conducted by Leo Kusheroff. Yeshiva Dovid Leibowitz (Brooklyn, NY): Featured regularly as guest cantor and musical composer for annual dinners and installations at Yeshiva Rabbeinu Dovid Leibowitz of East Flatbush. Notable World Fast Day Performance ("Manhattan Plaza") A Yiddish press clipping titled "New York Jews Inspired by Cantor Kantarof's Prayer and Melody at World Fast Day" praised his leading of the amud during a massive rally at Manhattan Plaza: Soul-Stirring Liturgy: The article recounted how his renditions of Av HaRachamim, Tehillim, Mincha, Shema Kolenu, and Anenu moved thousands of attendees to tears. Critical Praise: The reviewer noted that "Cantor Kantarof poured his whole soul into every word..." and described his performance of Yaanu Hashem B'Yom Tzara as exceptionally moving, leaving a lasting impression on all listeners. Discography & Cultural Background RCA Victor Recordings: Recorded with full orchestra conducted by Moisés Ivker for RCA Victor Mexicana: V-9110-A: "Vnemar Ki Irbo Iomecbo" (ונאמר כי בי ירבו ימיך) V-9110-B: "Haiom Teamzeinu" (היום תאמצנו) Broad Intellectual: Newspaper profiles highlighted that Cantor Kantarof was not only a gifted cantor, but also a broad intellectual (קולטור-מענטש) fluent in European literature, multiple languages, and contemporary cultural issues while remaining steadfastly dedicated to traditional Nusach.