EPHRAIM BIRAN

I will never forget his outreach to me after I lost my husband Joel Reiss, age 50...He saw me crying in the Temple and called me at home to make sure that I was alright...Ephriam was a wonderful caring human being...The world is better off that he was here...I will miss his voice behind me in the Temple...I always knew I was off tune when I heard him sing....He quite rightly suggested that I NOT SING at my bat mitzvah at age 40 and save myself the embarrassment of not carrying a tune...

I have many fond memories of the years I spent singing in the Rodeph Shalom children's choir under Cantor Biran's tutelage, and of course of his patient coaching and boundless support as my Bar Mitzvah coach. He was a tremendously gifted singer, supportive teacher, and a mensch to boot - and he'll be dearly missed.

Cantor Biran meant so much to our family. Our daughter Amy was in his childrens choir. He trained both of our children for their bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies. In addition I had the pleasure of participating in his adult Bnai Mitzvot classes and ceremony. He was a talented and warm teacher and cantor.

May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Cantor Biran was wonderful man and a great inspiration to all of us at CRS.

I was very sorry to learn today from Cantor Garfein about his death. I was an adult bat mitzvah under Cantor Biran and enjoyed having the time with him. His patience and kindness (especially towards those like me who were tuneless) was much appreciated. It was a joy to hear him sing and blow the shofar.

How rich and blessed was his life! And he was a blessing to all whose lives he touched.

Ephraim brought joy to so many through his deep kindness and his unmatched talent. His immediate family, extended family/loved ones and the community of 1000s he served for decades are all blessed to have had him in their lives.

Ephriam was a wonderful loving friend to me and my Mother and a devoted husband and father. He will be greatly missed.