The Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford is celebrating its 50^th anniversary on Sunday, June 4, at The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford. The gala event will feature a performance by Cantor Gideon Zelermeyer, followed by dinner and a special program honoring the Society’s founders, past presidents, and past directors. 

Raised in West Harford, Conn., Cantor Zelermeyer, where his father served as rabbi of The Emanuel Synagogue. Zelermeyer is a graduate of the Tel Aviv Cantorial Institute where he studied with Naftali Herstik, Chief Cantor of the Jerusalem Great Synagogue. He was the featured soloist on Leonard Cohen’s title song, “You Want It Darker,” from his Grammy Award-winning last album in 2016. He has performed around the world, received critical acclaim for his recordings of Jewish liturgical music, and is frequently heard singing national anthems at both Centre Bell in Montreal and Fenway Park.  

“We are excited to have Cantor Zelermeyer performing at this special anniversary event,” said Elizabeth Rose, executive director of the Jewish Historical Society. “He has an impressive cantorial career, and his collaboration with Leonard Cohen shows how traditional music can move people. The fact that he has roots in West Hartford makes him a perfect choice for our celebration.” 

Lance Goldberg, president of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford, said, “We are so proud that the community is coming together to celebrate the Jewish Historical Society’s 50th anniversary and it will be a very special and memorable evening.” The organization was founded in 1971 to preserve the history and share the stories of Hartford’s Jewish past, while also continuing to collect and save contemporary records for future generations. Its archive includes records of families, businesses, synagogues, and organizations, including a special collection of hundreds of oral histories. Through exhibitions, books, and educational programs, the JHSGH is a primary resource for both scholars and individuals interested in the people, institutions and events that have shaped this community.  

Reservations required by May 5. Visit  www.jhsgh.org. For information: call 860-727-6170.