Adas Israel Synagogue
In 1916, the famous singer Sophie Tucker (ne Sonya Kalish) came to Duluth for a performance at the Orpheum Theatre.
While in Duluth, she attended Rosh Hashana services at the Adas Israel Synagogue.
Many years later, the operatic singer Jan Peerce (ne Jacob Pincus Perelmuth) visited Duluth and attended services at Adas Isreal.
The great Cantor Joseph (Yosell) Rosenblatt also visited Adas Israel.
Recollections of the Tucker, Peerce and Rosenblatt visits to Duluth and Adas Israel Synagogue were included in the document written by Hattie Goldish of her
Memories.
A summary of Hattie's recollections, links to related newspaper articles and more information about Sophie Tucker, Jan Peerce and Joseph Rosenblatt are presented below.
"Sophie Tucker, the famous actress attended Rosh Hashanah services in the Synagogue.
She was performing at the RKO circuit Orpheum Theatre during that week.
She was a guest at the Moses Cook Home. (It was a lovely home directly across the street from the Shul, address 319 East Third St.)
As a small girl I, Hattie, then Kenner remember this most vividly where I sat with Mrs. Cook on the western side of the balcony with all the ladies.
Mr. Moses Cook was president at that time.
He welcomed Sophie Tucker, announcing her as an prominent guest, and welcomed her on behalf of the congregation.
I even remember when she nodded her head and slightly raised her hand. Much attention was drawn to her by the men and women alike.
I remember my parents remarking at home, what a beautiful lady she was and nice and fat, which was very becoming."
- - Hattie Goldish
In 1916, Rosh Hashana was on September 28 and Yom Kippur was on October 7.
"Jan Peerce was a guest at Saturday services in Shul.
He was given an honor as is the custom of the Shul when a stranger or guest comes to the Synagogue.
The congregants were so thrilled with this man’s davening and his magnificent voice.
He was in attendance at the Saturday evening services and having been invited to partake in the shalasuddes which he graciously did.
He chose to come to the Orthodox Synagogue rather than the Conservative or Reform places of worship
for when he was met by a Symphony person, he stated he wished to know where the Orthodox Synagogue was so he could attend the next day, Saturday.
He was told of the other two places of worship and he wanted the Orthodox Shul. It was an honor to have this man there. There were others, too many to give names."
- - Hattie Goldish
"The great Cantor Joseph (Yosell) Rosenblatt, the very renowned Cantor who was considered the Jewish Caruso visited.
Records were widely sold all over the country of this man's Cantorial songs. He davened in the Shul as a guest on a Sunday.
Tickets of a high price were sold and he performed to a full house.
He was invited to come to Duluth to perform at this concert for he had come from St. Paul where he performed before coming to perform in Duluth.
Many people remembered this concert. At that time, the Adas Israel Synagogue also had a Cantor of renowned voice and musical knowledge, Cantor Joseph Wolfe (he was a cousin to Sam Kaner, Seth Kaner’s father)."
- - Hattie Goldish
According to Wikipedia.org,
"Sophie Tucker (January 13, 1886 - February 9, 1966) was a Ukrainian-born American singer, comedian, actress, and radio personality.
Known for her powerful delivery of comical and risque songs, she was one of the most popular entertainers in America during the first half of the 20th century.
She was widely known by the nickname 'The Last of the Red Hot Mamas.'"
Jan Peerce (June 3, 1904 - December 15, 1984) was an American operatic tenor.
Peerce was an accomplished performer on the operatic and Broadway concert stages, in solo recitals, and as a recording artist.
More information about Tucker and Peerce is presented below.
Famous Visitors
Sophie Tucker, Jan Peerce and Joseph Rosenblatt
Memories of Hattie Goldish
Contibuted by Karen Alpert Entous
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Peerce
Jan Peerce sings The Kol Nidre - click here
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yossele_Rosenblatt
Cantor Yossele Rosenblatt- Kol Nidre - click here
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More Recollections and Comments Judy Ruben, my first cousin, had the following recollection
regarding our grandmother Hannah Mary Kaner Garon and her memories of Sophie Tucker:
"I have studied different styles of cantors from this early period. Each one brought a different aspect of religious music liturgy. Jan Peerce's rendition of Kol Nidre is very different from Cantor Jossele Rosenblatt. Peerce's tenor voice is modern operatic in style while Cantor Rosenblatt's tenor voice is European trained." - comment from Karen Alpert Entous -August 2019 "I had to pause a moment and reflect on the talent that passed through Adas Israel Synagogue in Duluth, Minnesota! The Jewish community recognized these talented individuals and was able to draw them into their house of worship!" - comment from Karen Alpert Entous -August 2019 |
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The following newspaper articles reported about Tucker's visit to Duluth and Rosenblatt's tours:
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Created by: Allan@Garon.us Feedback always welcome! Page created Aug 2019
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