Cantor Beny Maissner ז"ל

Distinguished cantor who traversed the denomination boundary and was a strong supporter and friend of the ECA family,
 

Beny was a larger-than-life presence in our organisation from the moment he first joined us at our Convention in Prague in 2016.

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He taught chazanut and nusach masterclasses; starred in our Gala Concerts; researched, composed and delivered original stimulating lecture material – not least about his uncle, Chazan Israel Alter; and always  presented his content and himself with passion and brilliance.

His contributions were never limited to lecturing and performance, however.  He was a mentor, a friend, a guide, and a source of wisdom, especially to the younger generation of cantors whom he nurtured with warmth and generosity.

Beny leaves a musical legacy which is vast and vibrant. As Cantor (lately, Cantor Emeritus) of Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto, he served with distinction for over four decades.  But after retirement he returned to davenning with the Orthodox and was זָכָה לְהוֹקָרָה בְּכָל זְרָמֵי הַיַּהֲדוּת - respected across the spectrum of Jewish worship. 

On his death, cantors across Orthodox and Progressive movements paid tribute to him in equal measure.

He was a master of diverse musical styles—from Jewish Renaissance to contemporary Israeli compositions—and performed globally, often alongside symphony orchestras.

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