Hazzan D. Togut

TOGUT HAZZAN DEBORAH TOGUT On Friday, April 9, 2010, Hazzan Deborah Togut (Age 46) of Rockville, MD. Beloved wife of Sam Zaremba, PhD; beloved and loving mother of Moshe and Noam; devoted daughter of Dr. John Togut and the late Dr. Myra Togut; cherished sister of David (Tracy) Togut, and Sharon (Michael) Pollack; daughter-in-law of Ethel Zaremba and the late Morris Zaremba. Deborah Togut was born in Cleveland. As a child she lived in Japan where her father served as a surgeon during the Viet Nam War. In Tokyo, she attended nursery school and became fluent in Japanese. Throughout her life she retained a love for all things Japanese and later majored in Asian Studies at Cornell University. Upon return to the US at the age of six, Judaism began to play a greater role in her life when her family joined synagogues in Massachusetts. When it came time to study for bat mitzvah, Deborah was given a rare opportunity for women; to chant from the Torah and haftarah. Ten summers were spent at Camp Ramah in New England, developing her love for Judaism and fluency in Hebrew. Upon receiving her BA, she pursued a career in Japanese business, with a US base in Chicago. While there, she also joined a Conservative congregation where she read Torah weekly and taught b''nai mitzvah. A search for a more meaningful career led Deborah to study at the Cantors Institute of The Jewish Theological Seminary. Shortly after graduation in 1997, an opening for a Ritual Director at B''nai Israel Congregation brought Hazzan Togut to Rockville. For the past 11 years, she enjoyed serving the community in general, teaching the membership new synagogue skills, and helping children form their Jewish identity. She appreciated all the friendships she and her family developed with members of the congregation and she will be greatly missed. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 11 - 1 p.m. at B''nai Israel Congregation, 6301 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852. Interment to follow at Judean Memorial Gardens - Olney, MD. The family will be observing shiva Sunday evening through Friday, April 16 at 3 p.m. Friends may pay respects at the family residence from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visitors may also greet the family each evening at B''nai Israel at 7 p.m. followed by evening services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Moshe Zaremba and Noam Zaremba Educational Account C/O Eaglebank 130 Rollins Avenue Rockville MD 20852. Arrangements entrusted to Edward Sagel Funeral Diretion Inc. (301-217-9400)