On 22nd January 2012, a large crowd of well over 500 people, gathered at the Hasmonean Boys School, at a reception held to mark the retirement of Chazan Segal after 49 years of loyal and devoted service to our Kehilla.
Our members, including one who had travelled from Eretz Yisroel especially to be present at this historic occasion, were joined by friends of the Segal family. Over the course of his tenure, the Chazan had endeared himself to the Kehilla through his fine middos, devotion to duty – a characteristic mentioned constantly throughout the evening – and his anivus.
In his address, the Rov שליט”א, spoke of the extraordinary dedication and devotion shown by the Chazan whose beautiful voice was a gift from the רבונו של עולם and the Chazan had elevated this attribute by using it for the purpose of leading and inspiring the Kehilla in Tefilla. The Rov added that it must be a tremendous source of nachas to the Chazan and his wife to be זוכה to witness
the appointment of his youngest son, Rabbi Eli Segal as the new שליח צבור.
Before making a presentation to the Chazan on behalf of the Kehilla, the President, Mr Anthony Bloom, welcomed all the members and guests and thanked his colleagues for helping to organise the event. Mr Bloom mentioned that during the Chazan’s long period of service, he never abused his position, nor had he sought personal gain but had rather carried out his duties with honour and devotion. His Tefillos were enjoyed by all and in particular, anyone who had been fortunate enough to have heard the soaring quality of the Chazan’s legendary Yomim Noraim davening would never forgot the moving experience.