Park Avenue Synagogue celebrated Cantor Azi Schwartz with admiration, affection, music and fun.
Chairman Art Penn praised Azi's accomplishments. Steve Friedman, who was Chairman when Azi came to PAS, also spoke of his achievements, saying that any one of them would have been enough, Dayeinu! Rabbi Cosgrove expressed his appreciation of Azi as a Hazzan, a colleague, and above all, a friend. Dr. Noa Schwartz captivated the community with her admittedly biased description of Azi as a loving partner and parent, and with her deep appreciation of the way the PAS has embraced the Schwartz family and given them a second home. Azi's sons, Yonatan and Daniel, told the overflowing sanctuary that their Abba is not only the best cantor in the world, but also "the best daddy."
Azi himself spoke eloquently of his love for Park Avenue Synagogue and his appreciation of the opportunities he has not only on the bimah, but also to be present with people at significant moments in their lives, to teach, and to bring new Jewish music to PAS and beyond. He then expressed his gratitude in song, because after all, he said, "Cantors are paid to sing."
Several of Azi's colleagues also spoke and sang of their appreciation and gratitude for Azi's presence in their lives both as a colleague and a friend. There were musical tributes by Rabbi Cantor Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue, Cantor Gideon Zelermyer of Congregation Sha'ar HaShomayim in Montreal, and Cantor Chaim Dovid Berson of The Jewish Center. Finally, PAS congregant and composer Zina Goldrich premiered a song of blessing she had written for Azi, beginning by singing herself, and then joined by the guest cantors and Cantor Lissek for a choral finale.
The brilliant evening was co-chaired by Stephanie Leichter, Rochelle Ludwig, and Lizzy Markus.