Growing up, my parents were big fans of Shlomo Carlebach. This is not surprising given the fact that my uncle (Sam Intrator) was Shlomo's manager. However, this was not about family loyalty.
In truth Shlomo Carlebach was a charismatic singer who melded the philosophies of the 1960s as well as the folk sound of the 1960s and along the way showcased a new dynamic sound for jewish music lovers. Over the next 30 years many other jewish singers emerged such as MBD, Avraham Fried, Miami Boys Choir, Piamentas, and many other acts. Of course in this day and age it is easy to forget the importance of Shlomo as jewish music has never sounded better. However, without Shlomo's music, jewish music would never have evolved into the sound we enjoy today.
In any case, our family attended many Carlebach concerts, davenings, and other events. Of course it goes without saying having an uncle in the music business did have its perks; like have Shlomo Carlebach play at our bar mitzvahs. Our family also helped with the business. For example, my mother often was responsible for the concert bookings. As I got older I also helped out. For example, when Shlomo toured Poland, Russia, and other European countries I ran the day to day operations during the summer of 1989. I also reminisce how my parents enjoyed attending Shlomo Carlebach concerts. They were always singing, clapping, and dancing along with Shlomo. Likewise, I remember how my mother always enjoyed listening to Shlomo's music in the car as well as other places.
Perhaps one of the most memorable Shlomo event is what I like to call "Shabbos with Shlomo"; not to be confused with the album. Sometime in the 1980s my parents decided to open their home and host a Shabbos with Shlomo event. Instantly our basement was transformed into a shul. One of the vacant apartments were used for guests. To be truthful, I am not sure how they turned their house into a shul and hosted so many people. However, this Shabbos left an everlasting impression on me. I remember the beautiful davening enhanced with Shlomo's songs as well as the divrei torah and fascinating stories that were shared during this Shabbaton.
As I got older I started going to the Upper West Side and participated in numerous "Shabbos with Shlomo" events. These events were always joyful with singing and stories. I also met many fascinating people with awe inspiring stories. I also felt a deeper connection as it would draw me back to my younger years when I could enjoy the magic of Shlomo Carlebach with all of my family members.
Ultimately, my favorite Shlomo Carlebach encounter is the last time I saw him with my then future wife. During the fall of 1994 I went to the Upper West Side to spend sometime with my uncle over Simchas Torah. Naturally, I also frequented numerous single events during Simchas Torah. During one of these events I met a young woman named Esther Kahn. We started talking and clicked insantly. After talking a while, I suggested that we should walk over to the Carlebach shul. At the Carlebach shul I introduced my wife to Shlomo Carlebach. He greeted us by saying, "Ladies and Gentlemen... Mr. and Mrs. Gutnicki." A short while later he started singing a new song from his album called Mheirah. Needless to say, this became our song.
A few weeks later Shlomo Carlebach passed away. This was shocking as we had just seen him a few weeks ago filled with so much life and energy. It was also sad as an important connection to my mother was now severed. However, I feel fortunate that my wife had the opportunity to briefly meet Shlomo Carlebach. I am also grateful for all the joy and happiness Shlomo brought to my family and people from all walks of life across the world. His joy and approach to life has always been inspiring and has a message that still resonates and is even more relevant today.
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