I knew I was in for a special evening when I found some Traditional Jewish Prayer Books (Siddur) on the lights and sound console. In most Temples the hallways are filled with black & white photos of past Rabbi’s, Cantors, and Board Presidents.
Not so in the historic Actors’ Temple Congregation Ezarath Israel located in the heart of broadway. You walk down a memory lane of the great Jewish performers who were members of this Temple which was founded in 1917. Former members of the synagogue were Al Jolson, Joe E. Lewis, Edward G. Robinson, Jack Benny, Alan King Milton Berle, Shelley Winter, Henny Youngman, Sophye Tucker, Eddie Cantor and many others. The only thing that host Randie Levine-Miller didn’t present was an after party at Katz’s Deli (it was at Tony’s Di Napoli’s). Otherwise the evening was a huge artistic and fun filled success. Starting off with Temple President Dan Feld introducing Rabbi/Cantor Jill Hausman, who in addition to her welcoming remarks broke out into “It’s a Grand Night for Singing”. It turned out to be a very grand night as each performer took the stage to help raise funds for the Synagogue which is need of repair. The group of entertainers Randie put together were all spectacular, including Randie who sang Broadway Baby. It doesn’t get more entertaining than this...Lee Roy Reams, Sidney Myer, Jackie Hoffman, Anna Bergman, Sue Mathys, John DeMarco, Brad Oscar, Stephanie D’Abruzzo, Michael Lavine (music director), Jim Brochu & Steve Schachin, Jill O’Hara, Rena Strober, Lisa Lampanelli and Brent Barrett. Actually Randie choosing Tony’s was wonderful. In a way it symbolized the diversity of show people and the love and respect they have for each other. The list of performers expressed that so magnificently.
Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff
The Actors Temple Lights & Sound
The Actors Temple
The Actors Temple
Edward G. Robinson
Milton Berle
Brent Barrett
Brent Barrett
