Ernest Levy as a Cantor

Category

Library Item

Item no

24748

Title

Ernest Levy as a Cantor

Description

Ernest Levy, dressed in a Cantor's robes, reads from a book.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

2000

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Cantors lead prayer services, but they also teach bar/bat mitzvah students to read from the Torah, teach the congregation how to participate in prayer services, and work with the choir. Ernest was able to expand on this role and quickly became a friend, counsellor, confidant and teacher to many in the community. As Cantor of Scotland's largest synagogue, Ernest oversaw many ceremonies, from weddings to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs from the early 1960s all the way to his retirement in 1990.

Ernest Levy was a holocaust survivor who after the war settled in Scotland. Originally from Bratislava he spent 48 years in Glasgow where he became a leading figure in the Scottish Jewish community. He spoke out about his experiences throughout his life, knowing that his testimony would help future generations remember this terrible time in history. For these efforts Ernest was made an O.B.E in 2002.

On his passing in 2009 his large collection of books, manuscripts and music were donated to Edinburgh City Libraries by his daughter Judy.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Garments > Robes

People > Adults > Men

People > Religion > Cantors

Sport and leisure > Activities > Reading and books