What is your first memory of EPHRAIM? Share a favorite memory you have of EPHRAIM. Tell us about a special moment you shared with EPHRAIM. Describe a time when EPHRAIM made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about EPHRAIM? Talk about a shared experience you had with EPHRAIM. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of EPHRAIM. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving EPHRAIM. What is something you learned from EPHRAIM?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

1925 - 2020

EPHRAIM BIRAN

1925 - 2020

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1925

DIED

2020

EPHRAIM BIRAN Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 18, 2020.

BIRAN-- Cantor Ephraim, died peacefully on May 16, 2020 in New York City. Born in 1925 in Petah Tikva, Israel, Ephraim was blessed with a warm, resonant voice and a gentle soul. A leading baritone in Israel, Ephraim met Paula, his life partner of 57 years, while visiting the United States in 1962. They became engaged five days later. Together, they raised three children, Jonathan, Raphael and Alisa. As cantor of Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Manhattan for more than 30 years, Ephraim had a lifelong impact on thousands of families and children. A loving husband, father and grandfather to Shira, Elizabeth, Ari and Lena, his family, friends and community will remember him forever. Graveside burial; no shiva planned. A celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the America-Israel Cultural Foundation (aicf.org/contribute), from which Ephraim received a grant to study voice abroad, setting him on his life's path.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign EPHRAIM BIRAN's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

May 22, 2020

elaine reiss posted to the memorial.

May 20, 2020

Adam Reisman posted to the memorial.

May 19, 2020

Joan Sokotch posted to the memorial.

8 Entries

elaine reiss

May 22, 2020

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...

Adam Reisman

May 20, 2020

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.

Joan Sokotch

May 19, 2020

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.

Andy Solomon

May 19, 2020

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.

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Follow this page

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Elizabeth Bartman

May 19, 2020

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.

Linda Thomas

May 19, 2020

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

Debbie Benami-Rahm

May 18, 2020

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.

Susan Schulman

May 18, 2020

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

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results