On Shabbos of December 16–17, Parshat Vayeishev, the first yahrzeit of Chazzan Sol Mitgang will be commemorated by Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence and will be marked with a special appearance by Cantor Netanel Hershtik of the famed Hampton Synagogue in Westhampton, New York.
The special event is being sponsored by Dr. Charles Mitgang and friends Marty and Melodie Scharf in memory of both Sol and Celina Mitgang, Sol, who passed away last year, was a beloved figure in Lawrence. He was a survivor of the Holocaust and spoke about that dreadful experience, often displaying the prison number tattooed on his arm. By virtue of his experience as a survivor, he was often courted to offer berachos to those who came in contact with him.
Sol and Celina were both survivors who met in the United States after the war. Though they lost their home and family in the war, Dr. Mitgang says, “Their new home in New York was a happy one, always filled with music and song.”
Sol Mitgang became the cantor at the Remsen Heights Jewish Center in Brooklyn and served in that position for 40 years. Celina loved the theater, played piano, and sang often.
It is a fitting tribute to them to dedicate a Shabbos in their memory on the Shabbos closest to Sol’s birthday—the Shabbos between both yahrzeits. It will be an inspiring Shabbos filled with great song and important memories of two special people who were loved and cherished by so many.
