by Erin COLLINS
Celebrating the golden anniversary of anything requires hard work, dedication and a love
for what you’re doing. Gerald DeBruin possesses all of these qualities and has used
them in his 50 plus years serving as Cantor for Temple Beth El.
Born in London, England in 1922, he and his parents moved to Buffalo, NY in 1924.
“My parents were hardworking people,” said DeBruin. He learned the importance of
diligence and putting forth one’s best effort from them.
DeBruin enlisted in the Armed Services for a period of three years. Upon his return, he
joined the choir of Temple Beth El in 1945 as their baritone soloist. He acquired his
musical training from the well-known composer-arranger and Choir Director Samuel Luskin.
This prepared him for his position as Cantor in 1950.
“When I was a youngster, I enjoyed singing very much. I thought that my future would
be in opera or musical stage productions since I participated in the public school and
high school productions and enjoyed this type of music,” he said. It was at the
insistence of a rabbi that he worked with that DeBruin got his BA in Music in 1972 from
the University of Buffalo.
A cantor must have knowledge of the Hebrew language, Hebrew Liturgy, Jewish Tradition and
practices. He is responsible for the performance of life cycle events from birth to death,
including pastoral duties such as visiting the sick.
Teaching and preparing students for the B’nai Mitzva is one of the main
responsibilities of a cantor and has become one of the most rewarding aspects of the
profession, according to Cantor DeBruin. In his 52 years as cantor of Temple Beth El of
Greater Buffalo, he has prepared 1256 students along with some adults. DeBruin has even
inspired a few of his students to pursue the religious profession as a rabbi or a cantor.
Another major accomplishment of Cantor DeBruin involves his congregation. Temple Beth El
does not have a choir. Instead, Cantor DeBruin worked hard to develop the entire
congregation into a singing choir.
“On the high holy days, when you get 1600 members of the congregation singing, it is
the most wonderful experience,” he said, “Just to hear these people in unison,
even though some can’t sing, they’re still trying.”
Cantor DeBruin’s voice has earned him many honors and achievements over the years. He
was chosen as the Outstanding Baritone in Western New York region in the “Voices of
Tomorrow” contest sponsored by the Buffalo Evening News in 1950. He appeared as a
soloist with the Buffalo Civic Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and has
performed as a soloist for several local organizations and Masonic groups.
DeBruin has served on a national level as a convention management chairman for the
Cantor’s Assembly of America, headquartered in New York City. Since retiring from his
position with the temple, Cantor DeBruin has remained active in the community. He was
recently awarded with an honorary Doctorate of Jewish Music in tribute to his many years
of service and devotion to Temple Beth El of Greater Buffalo.
DeBruin and his wife, Belle, have been married for 55 years. Their oldest son, Larry,
attained the rank of Major while serving 20 years in the United States Air Force. He
became Executive Director of a Synagogue in Omaha, Nebraska following his Honorable
Discharge from the service.
The cantor’s son Jeffrey serves as a civilian aeronautical engineer for the United
States Navy in Maryland. Cheryl, his daughter, has been employed as Secretary at M. Wile
in Buffalo for 27 years.
DeBruin loves talking about his family, especially his four grandchildren. His oldest
grandson, Steve, graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Accounting and
Business Administration. His granddaughter Melissa also attends the university. Cantor De
Bruin’s other granddaughter, Rachel, currently attends Erie Community College. His
youngest grandchild, Aaron, who is preparing for his bar mitzvah, lives in Maryland.
In his spare time, Cantor DeBruin enjoys learning about computers. He’s interested in
sports as a spectator; he loves his jazz collection and has another favorite pastime,
photography. He loves to travel to visit his grandchildren and vacations in Las Vegas as
well.
Overall, DeBruin has had a very satisfying and successful career as cantor.
“My profession as Cantor has been fulfilling and rewarding. I still look forward to
serving the congregation when required and the Jewish community,” he said.
“When I was working, this job entailed 7 days a week. You were on call just like a
doctor,” he said, “My work was full. But I enjoyed it. I’ve loved every
part of this work. A lot of people when they go to work hate their jobs. Not me. I’ve
made so many friends over the years.”
Gerald DeBruin’s life work has touched the hearts of thousands of his students,
members of his congregation, family members and friends. His dedication and love for
singing has inspired. He truly exemplifies what it means to be forever young.
Erin Collins is a Staff Associate with Living Prime Time.