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Temple Chai honors Cantor Simon for years of service

Pictured, from left, are Cantor Scott Simon, Gail Simon and Temple Chai President Jeff Cohodes at the Feb. 22 celebration honoring Simon for his years of service to Temple Chai. Courtesy of Temple Chai

Temple Chai, a Reform Jewish congregation in Long Grove, honored Cantor Scott Simon Saturday, Feb. 22, for his dedication and service to the congregation for more than 20 years.

Temple Chai also celebrated Simon's wife, Gail, who has contributed her own unique talents to the synagogue as youth choir director, among other roles. The evening celebration, attended by 200 congregants and guests, featured the New York-based band Noah, C. + Sari.

Simon is directly responsible for the diverse music education and programming at Temple Chai, and joins Senior Rabbi Ilana Baden in leading the congregation for Shabbat and High Holy Day worship services and pastoral duties.

Prior to working with Rabbi Baden, he served for almost 20 years with the Temple Chai's Rabbi Emeritus Stephen Hart.

This past spring, Simon received an honorary doctorate of music from his alma mater, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, in recognition of his 25 years in the cantorate.

Simon recently reflected on his years at Temple Chai.

"For over 20 years, I have tried to inspire and engage our congregants by bringing to them the best traditions of Reform Judaism and by introducing the many innovations in Jewish culture that keep it vibrant and relevant in our daily lives," said Simon.

Cantor Simon is realizing his goal of keeping Jewish culture vibrant and engaging at Temple Chai by coleading a variety of innovative Shabbat services and bringing multimedia concerts to the synagogue.

In 2019, he presented concerts in both opera and jazz genres and co-starred with award-winning guest performers. He also presented educational, free concerts on topics like "The Influence of Jewish Composers, Performers, and Soul on the Jazz Genre," which featured The Hip Landsman, a jazz ensemble of Chicago professionals.

This spring, he will present the concert "Oscar, Si and Sari," a performance of Oscar winning songs by Jewish composers. He will be joined for this program by Chicago performer Sari Greenberg and accompanied by Gregory Shifrin.

Temple Chai and its clergy team are strong supporters of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council, and Simon has been instrumental in directing both the music and liturgy of its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. He is proud of the many friends of faith he has made over the last two decades.

"The music directors and clergy of our area are incredibly dedicated faith leaders as well as musicians. Their work and professionalism are an inspiration to me every year. Our relationship - both as colleagues and as friends - has been one of the greatest blessings of my pulpit," said Simon

Simon has written music and liturgy in a variety of styles and genres for Temple Chai's Sabbath and High Holy Day services and directs its many music ensembles. He has composed upbeat children's songs for the congregation's vibrant school music program, where he teaches weekly.

He is also the driving force behind Temple Chai's annual witty Purim Spiel celebrations. His other pastoral duties include teaching B'nei Mitzvah students (he has taught more than 1,700 students), making visits to those who are ill and officiating at various life cycle events. He also leads adult study courses and has facilitated meditation classes at the congregation.

Simon also directs the temple's volunteer adult choir, and collaborates with his wife, who is a respected District 102 music teacher and choir director and leads Temple Chai's youth choirs.

"I am grateful to Temple Chai for allowing us to bring what we have to offer," said Gail.

When assembling the Chai and Mighty Band, Simon often calls on his son, Nadav, who is a busy percussionist and music teacher in Chicago and around the North Shore.

"One of the true joys of my professional life is working with both my wife and son here in the congregation," Simon said.

In reflecting on the recent celebration, Rabbi Baden said, "It was wonderful to be able to express our love and gratitude to cantor, Gail and the Simon family. They bring integrity, authenticity and warmth in all that they do for Temple Chai.

"It is a joy to be Cantor Simon's partner. I look forward to many more years with Cantor Simon as we continue our sacred partnership in serving our very special congregation."

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