Cantor Emeritus

M. Mendel Fogel


Cantor Mendel Fogel was born and raised in the shtetl of Tisa-Polgar, Hungary, near the city of Debriczin; where he received both an intensive Jewish and secular education. In 1942, he was conscripted into Forced Labour and then deported to the Bergen-Belzen concentration camp in 1944. Cantor Fogel was subsequently transferred to Terezienstadt, where the Russian Army liberated him in 1945. Following an extended stay in various DP camps (Displaced Persons), he immigrated to Canada in 1948, along with his surviving siblings.
 
As the first permanent cantor of Congregation Shaare Zedek in 1954, he served with great distinction until 1992, when an ailment compelled him to retire from active duties. In May of that year, in full recognition of his 38 years of dedicated service, the Shaare Zedek family paid homage to both Cantor Fogel and his cherished wife, Frances, with an elaborate Farewell Tribute, at which time he was designated “Cantor Emeritus” of the Congregation. In the presence of Montreal’s leading rabbis and all of his cantorial colleagues from Eastern Canada, the highlight of the event was a unique and unforgettable cantorial concert that reflected the beauty, passion and commitment that characterized Cantor Fogel’s contribution to the congregation over four decades of devoted service.
Besides his affiliation with Shaare Zedek Congregation, Cantor Fogel became a member of the Cantors Assembly of America and Canada and served as Chairman of the Northeast Region.  He was designated “Chaver” or “Honorary Fellow” of the Cantors Institute.

Cantor Fogel was also most instrumental in the founding of the present day “Council of Hazzanim of Greater Montreal” (מועצת החזנים) and served as its President from 1966 to 1969 and was re-elected for a second term from 1985-1988.
 
Although retired from active duty, Cantor Fogel continues to offer his talent, ability and experience in many areas of synagogue life. In recognition of that extra-ordinary loyalty and commitment, Shaare Zedek honoured him once again with an outstanding Gala concert, where an over-flowing attendance offered eloquent testimony to the role he has – and continues to play – within the congregation and the unique impact he has had on virtually every member family of Shaare Zedek.