Chazan

Chazan Michael Isdale is truly a son of our congregation. Born in Didsbury in 1948, he was brought up in the South Manchester Synagogue, where he celebrated his Bar Mitzvah. His father Arthur, married to Hilde, served on the Executive of the Shul for a number of years. Having sung in the choir since his younger days, Michael was approached to conduct Shabbat services, whilst the regular cantor took sick-leave at short notice. This gave him his first taste of chazanut. Later, he went on to study at Jews’ College under the guidance of maestro Leo Bryll and whilst in London, studied music and voice production at the Royal Academy under Mark Raphael. At the graduation ceremony in June 1976, the late Chief Rabbi, Lord Jacobovits presented Michael with his Chazanut Diploma and at the same ceremony, presented Jonathan Sachs with his Semicha. His first position as chazan was at the Heaton Park Synagogue, where he held the post for 3 years. This was followed by a further 3 years at the South Manchester Synagogue under Rabbi F F Carlebach. In 1982, he was appointed chazan of Yeshurun Synagogue, where he served for 20 years.

In 1979, he married Tanya and they have two sons, Jonathan and Adam. The family moved from Gatley to Bowdon in 2002, when Michael was appointed chazan to the new Bowdon Shul. He quickly established himself at his “alma mater”, as a melodious and popular chazan, and has done much to help establish the warm and intimate atmosphere of the new Synagogue. In 2003 he organised and trained a men’s choir, whose singing gives so much pleasure to our congregation.

The Chazan's love of both operatic and Israeli music can at times be heard interposed with short phrases into his cantorial delivery. He especially enjoys the active participation of the congregation and feels that this is as important a part of the service as the cantorial recitative. Chazan Isdale is also well-known for his concerts and recitals. Recent highlights have included the concert in 2005 at the Bowdon Shul in aid of the Morris Feinmann Home, which he conceived and jointly produced; participation in a cantorial concert at the same venue with world-renowned cantors, and a concert at the Whitefield Synagogue in 2006. He initiated and conducted the communal Seder, which has grown each year and has now become an important event in the Shul calendar.

The Chazan is kept busy with his regular Bar Mitzvah classes, as well as with his growing team of “Anim Zemirot” boys. His years of studying classical piano and later playing guitar in his band, has held him in good stead, especially when requested to accompany himself at Bat Mitzvah functions. He has been invited to officiate at weddings and at Bar Mitzvah ceremonies in North Manchester, London and cities as far afield as Jerusalem.

As many will know, Chazan Michael takes his pastoral duties seriously, contacting members personally at times of Yahrzeit, regularly visiting the sick in hospital, or at home, and also those who have suffered a bereavement.

The Chazan’s wife, Tanya, enjoys the regular opportunity to offer hospitality in their home to members, sharing with them the pleasure of fine food, zemirot and the warmth of a traditional Shabbat meal. She plays an active role on the Ladies Committee and is involved as co-ordinator for ladies participating in the Shul seed Programme.