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Mendel FOGEL Obituary
It is with a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of Ha'Chazzan Mendel Fogel, founding Cantor of Congregation Shaare Zedek, on Saturday, September 22, 2012. His soul returned to its Maker towards the conclusion of Shabbat Shuva - the Sabbath of Repentance. Mendel Fogel was associated with Shaare Zedek Congregation for nearly six decades. Beloved husband of Frances Koffler for fifty-nine years. Devoted father and father-in-law of Rochel and Ephraim English, Paula and Barry Trink, Shimon and Esti Fogel, and Samuel Fogel. Cherished Zaidy of Shayna and Jeremy Horowitz, David and Rena English, Eli English, Orly and Shlomo Glowitz, Max, Moshe and Talya English; Ariel, Eliana, Yaron, Lior, Keren and Amichai Trink; Rochel-Leah and Moishele Fogel; Ne'ema, Rivka and the late Netanel Fogel. As a survivor of the Holocaust, his greatest triumph was the true "yiddishe naches� derived from his seventeen grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. Predeceased by his siblings, Naftali, Moshe, Miriam and Yosef Mayer. Dear brother-in-law of Terry and Joe Sonnenschein. Frances and the children would like to acknowledge with deep gratitude the extraordinary kindness and support extended by the entire Shaare Zedek Congregation Family, as well as the unstinting assistance and caring demonstrated by the Paperman family - with whom Cantor Fogel enjoyed an abiding and very close relationship. Words cannot adequately convey the appreciation felt for Myer Bick and the staff of the Jewish General Hospital for their compassion, sensitivity and quality of care. Funeral service on Monday, September 24 at 12 noon, at the Shaare Zedek Congregation, 5305 Rosedale Ave., Montreal. Burial at the Shaare Zedek Congregation Section, Eternal Gardens Cemetery, Beaconsfield. Shiva will take place in the Davine Hall at Shaare Zedek Congregation. Mincha and Ma'ariv on Monday at 6:30 p.m., Shachris on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Due to the onset of Yom Kippur, shiva ends Tuesday, September 25 at 2 p.m. Reflecting his love for the Jewish people and the Jewish state, contributions in his memory may be made to Congregation Shaare Zedek, (514) 484-1122, www.shaarezedek.ca, or to Vaad Lema'an Ha'Chayal.
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9 Entries
Richard Magil
November 6, 2012
Have wonderful memories of Cantor Fogel. He was a great man and emphatic to me and my Parents, brother and sister. He will surely be missed by all. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Fogel and her Family.
Bradley Brodkin
September 25, 2012
We were very saddened to hear the tragic news on the loss of everyone's beloved Cantor Fogel. I as do many, have truly wonderful memories of a man who was a teacher, mentor, role model and Pied Piper to all of the kids at Shaare Zedek. I count myself as very fortunate to have known him, been taught by him and at times (deservedly) scolded by him for not practicing my parsha. I am so very glad that I got to see him and introduce him to my son at the Shaare Zedek a year ago on Rosh Hashanah
To Mrs, Fogel and the entire family, our sincere sympathies and the wish that you be spared any further sorrow.
David Winikoff
September 24, 2012
This is very saddening news. Cantor Fogel officiated at my Bar Mitzvah and my wedding, both of which were too long ago. My most profound condolences go to his family and to the members of the Shaare Zedek congregation as well. Hopefully the happiness that this very special man brought to so many people will ease their grief at this sad time.
David Winikoff
Olney, MD
Joe and Rachel Achsen
September 24, 2012
saddened by the news but with fond memories. Hamakom Yenahem Ethem.
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Rosalie and Peter Steiner
September 24, 2012
Dear Mrs. Fogel and Family, My Father Al Keller was one of the founding members orf Shaare Zedak, my brother was taught by Cantor Fogel for his barmitzvah and my husband and I were married by Rabbi Lefell and Cantor Fogel 54 years ago. May his soul rest in peace.
ERIC MALKIN
September 24, 2012
Cantor Fogel was a very special person. Not only did he teach my brother and myself our Bar Mitzvah lessons, he also attended and sang at my late fathers 2nd wedding, my brothers wedding as well as my sisters.
I do remember that he was more relieved than I when I completed my Mafter, as I was possibly his worst student.
Cantor Fogel, it was a pleasure knowing you, and you will be deeply missed by all your congrecants as well as your students.
Ron Sloan (Slutsky)
September 24, 2012
Cantor Fogel was my Bar Mitzvah teacher 50 years ago. He treated all his Bar Mitvah boys with warmth, caring and special interest. He was in most ways the glue that held the Shaare Tzedec congregation together and the voice of reason. Speaking of voice, his was amazing. I decided to be in touch with him two years ago and sent him an email. He responded with how much he enjoyed his wonderful big family, and how he visited with my late parents in Florida every winter years ago, something which I never knew. He leaves behind a huge fan club. I am truly sorrow for your loss of such a wonderful man.
Edward Katz
September 24, 2012
I first met Cantor Fogel in 1987, shortly before I was to be married at Shaare Zedek. As someone who rarely attended synagogue, I was quite impressed by his warmth and sincerity. He obviously took great pleasure in officiating at the wedding of a 40-year old bachelor physician to Renée, an English professor with a 4-year old son from a previous marriage. He was obviously quite surprised when I mounted the stage during the dinner to sing “Perhaps Love”, accompanied by the Peter Freeman Orchestra. I had not mentioned that I had considerable singing experience. It was only a few moment later, after he first heard me sing, that he invited me to join the Shaare Zedek Choir for the following season. That was the beginning of my ten year stretch in the choir. When, eventually, I felt the need for a greater musical challenge and began wandering from one synagogue choir to another, Cantor Fogel would still greet us warmly whenever we returned to attend services at Shaare Zedek. And when I decided to rejoin Shaare Zedek and its choir just four years ago, we were again warmly received by Cantor and Mrs. Fogel.
It was Cantor Fogel's invitation to me to join the choir in 1987 that sparked my interest in cantorial music and inspired me to start attending services regularly. But his advice was not confined to the liturgical realm. Several years ago, when he saw me at a choir rehearsal, he suggested that it was time for me to purchase a new electric razor, and proceeded to recommend a specific brand as well as specific techniques to keep my face looking trim.
He was an integral part of our lives. He was present for the naming of our daughter, Rebecca, at Shaare Zedek. He was present at the Bar Mitzvah of my stepson, Leonard, and even invited me to join him along with Cantor Toren to participate in an unrehearsed medley of Israeli tunes at the Bar Mitzvah luncheon. He was present at my mother-in-law's funeral service. He was also present last year at a reception we organized at Adar's to commemorate Rebecca's graduation from the McGill Faculty of Law. And, although he will no longer be physically present at our future life-cycle events, I know he will watching us from his new bimah ba'shamayim.
Roz and Lee Raskin
September 24, 2012
To the Fogel family. Our sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear husband and father. Chazzen Fogel was a fine gentleman and will be missed by all. Our thoughts are with you
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