David Brandhandler

I continue to remember David Brandhandler with great respect and affection, and will continue to do so as long as I live. Y'hi zichro baruch.

I continue to think of David, always very fondly, on so many occasions. He was such a wonderful man, devoted to his cantorial vocation and to his family, his congretation and his many friends and students. His sweet melodies will inhabit my memory as long as I live.

Last night I observed Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, zooming with Oak Park Temple and Temple Har Zion of River Forest. One of the topics for discussion the rabbis had prepared, was "Did you ever have a Sinai-moment?" I don't have any grand ones that includes multitudes as I shy large gatherings. I like small settings when I, out of the blue, sense a presence. They are few and far between, and the Sinai moment I chose to tell last night was when I first met David and Goldie one summer day the year...

Cantor Brandhandler was a kind, sweet, man, and a pleasure to sing with. As a choir member at Ner Tamid, I had the pleasure of going to practices, and singing both Friday night services, as well as the high holidays with him. I will always remember his admonition not to "schlauter the books", meaning that we should put our heavy, old, music-laden books away in the book case carefully. I can still hear his voice, and he shall live forever in my heart.

Our best to Goldie and Stuart. I remember at one of the last Ner Tamid luncheons, how David asked about our twin daughters by their childhood names, Mimi and Fra Fra. We loved him and will miss him.

Suzanne and Herb Lieber

My sincere condolences to Goldie, Stuart and the entire Brandhandler family. David (z'l) was a wonderful, inspiring chazzan and teacher to many generations and beloved by all who were privileged to know him. My entire family and I were very fortunate to have been graced by his presence in our lives. His beautiful, moving, cantorial renditions will continue to ring sweetly in my memory for the rest of my life, and his warm smile and encouraging words will always remain with me.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I will always remember my beloved uncle as a singer of life, a singer of song. If he wasn't singing, he was humming; if he wasn't humming, he was composing silently and then humming and singing. I will continue to listen to him in my heart, with love. Long after I am dust, his songs will still be sung. And in that way, he will never be forgotten.