After almost 18 years of serving the spiritual and religious needs of Beth Sholom Village as its director of Religious Services, Cantor Elihu Flax is retiring in July.
Cantor Flax became a fixture at BSV, taking an interest in all of the residents who lived there, both long-term or short-term for rehabilitation. During his years with the long-term care community, he officiated or co-officiated for more than 200 funerals, as well as for a few weddings. Cantor Flax was always available to offer prayers of comfort for those who were ailing and for those who were transitioning from this life. He was a tremendous support to family members who were bereft with grief after losing a loved one.
Residents enjoyed Cantor Flax’s voice in daily services and in weekly sing-a-longs as a group activity, with Take Me Out to the Ball Game being a special favorite. Flax educated staff and residents about the meaning behind all Jewish holidays, assisting both Jewish and Gentile residents in practicing their faith. He also oversaw kashering kitchens for Passover and maintaining kashruth for all meals.
Possessing a good sense of humor, Flax often entertained the BSV team with great puns. He was known for being a team player and even took a few pies to the face for a pie-throwing contest to raise money for Alzheimer’s Association.
Cantor Flax will be missed. BSV wishes him “a wonderful retirement.”
– Marcia Futterman Brodie