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By: Brandon Chiat, Digital Media Strategist

Beth El Congregation recently received one of the most significant contributions ever made to the synagogue by a non-member. 

Some are drawn to Beth El by its “rockstar” clergy, while others seek personal connections through the synagogue's warm and inviting community. Certainly, there are many reasons why and how people find a sense of belonging in the Beth El community, but for Fritz Goldschmidt (Z”L) it was his love of Jewish liturgical music.

“Jewish liturgical music allows us to feel at one with a vibrant, living Judaism that incorporates the rhythms and harmonies of contemporary culture,” Cantor Thom King said.

Cantor King's wife, Shazy, first met Fritz Goldschmidt when she formed a choir at the North Oaks senior living community. Fritz, a charter member of the North Oaks Choir, and Mrs. King developed a deep friendship after several conversations revealed a mutual love for classical music, Jewish cooking, and chocolate. Fritz's passion for Jewish liturgical music inspired Mrs. King to invite him to attend High Holiday services at Beth El, where he was thrilled to hear Cantor King and the Beth El Choir sing Louis Lewandowski's “Hallelujah.”

“Lewandowski was Fritz's favorite Jewish composer and hearing me sing that version of Hallelujah brought him back to his youth,” Cantor King said. “He sang along with the choir!” 

It is no surprise that the German-Jewish Lewandowski was among Fritz's favorite composers. Fritz Goldschmidt was born on January 16th, 1927 in the city of Neisse in German Silesia. His father, Aron, was the cantor of the city's synagogue, and later served as the Oberkantor (“Chief Cantor”) of one the largest Jewish synagogues in pre-World War II Berlin. Fritz grew up surrounded by music; not only liturgical music, but also the secular-classical music of renowned German composers such as Brahms, Beethoven, Mozart, Wagner, and Schubert. 

“Fritz came-of-age in a world where great music was a part of the fabric of everyday life,” Cantor King said. “It was not uncommon for him to break into a classic Schubert song, as this was the environment of early 20th Century Germany: popular, classical, and synagogue music was heard everywhere while he was growing up.”

Like his father before him, Fritz Goldschmidt was blessed with a remarkably strong and vibrant voice that would break out spontaneously whenever the spirit moved him. Evidently, the same spirit that moved Fritz to break out in song also inspired him to ensure other residents of the North Oaks community might also enjoy the music which was so central to his life. 

To reflect his sincere appreciation to Shazy and Cantor Thom King and honor their special friendship, Fritz Goldschmidt established the Patsy and Fritz Goldschmidt Music Fund which will support Jewish music programs both at North Oaks and for the senior and adult members of Beth El.

“Fritz was a friendly, generous individual who was inclined to support Beth El because of his love for Jewish music and his friendship with Mrs. Shazy and Cantor King,” said John Denick, the attorney representing Mr. Goldschmidt's estate. 

“Fritz wanted to express his gratitude to Beth El for allowing him to reconnect with his past, while at the same time ensuring that his wishes for the use of his legacy would be carefully and scrupulously carried out,” Cantor King said. 

Using resources provided by the newly established fund, Shazy and Cantor King have begun planning the first annual Fritz Goldschmidt Memorial Concert at Beth El, which will be coordinated with North Oaks so that the residents can attend. Cantor King will also arrange for elements of each concert to be presented at North Oaks as well, for residents who are unable to travel. 

“We are deeply moved by Fritz's contribution which celebrates the deep and meaningful connection he felt to Beth El, despite not being a member,” said Amanda Beitman, Director of Development. “His warm and special relationship with Shazy and Cantor King beautifully illustrate the impact of Beth El's clergy in the larger Baltimore Jewish community.” 

Fritz Goldschmidt's Jewish identity was rooted in his passion for liturgical music and his generous gift will ensure a legacy of musical appreciation for generations to come. 

As Cantor King said: “Music has the power not only to bring back cherished memories of the past, but to invigorate the present and, most importantly, to illuminate the future.”

Your support makes Jewish music possible at North Oaks and Beth El. Please consider contributing to The Patsy and Fritz Goldschmidt Music Fund. Contact Lisa Silverstein via email lisa@bethelbalto.com or phone 410-484-0411.