From Heart to Mouth

What I have as a Rabbi, I owe to my teachers. Among them was a Hazzan’s hazzan. Jack Kessler did not merely teach melody and voice. He taught all of us how to connect the Torah from heart to mouth. He invigorated our spirits through his deep caring. And now his teaching is a legacy, and his vitality is expressed through our voices and memories. This past week, Hazzan Jack Kessler joined the Symphony of angels.

Jack taught us how to bring the Torah close, to let it resonate in our hearts and minds. He likened our prayerful singing to trees reaching for the heavens, with roots grounded firmly in the earth. As our prayers rose, like sap in spring, they sweetened and found their way into our mouths.

What I cherished most about Jack was his unique blend of profound faith and playful skepticism. With his beloved Reb Marcia by his side, he crafted prayers that ignited our souls. He encouraged us to transcend performance, transforming prayer into a shared experience.

Afterward, he would often settle onto a couch, returning to the earthly realm. If you sat nearby, Jack would peer over his reading glasses to look at you, his head tilting slightly to the side. With a toothy smile conveying both warmth and wisdom, he reminded you that while we may sing like angels, we are all imperfect mortals.

Jack could be silly but had no patience for foolishness. His knowledge was vast, yet his conversation was direct and to the point.

As we send you off to the bimah on high, Jack Kessler, your voice echoes in our ears, your teachings resonate in our hearts, and you will always remain with us.

Rabbi Evan J. Krame