Singing? It's in his ballpark

Cantor Stuart Simon has sung the prayer Adon Olam to hundreds of melodies over his four decades at Am Yisrael Conservative Congregation in Northfield. He sings and plays guitar for seniors and for those who are ill, as an act of “musical chaplaincy.” He even sang the National Anthem at White Sox games–twice.

After a nearly 50-year cantorial career–40 of them at Am Yisrael–Simon will retire June 30. 

As a cantor, Simon is inspired by Debbie Friedman and 1960s and ’70s folksingers. Growing up, “I would lock myself in my room-immersed, learning, and singing.” Additionally, his melodies are influenced by traditional and Israeli cantors.   

Aside from services, Simon has led classes on current events at the synagogue and workshops that helped his congregants find jobs. He also planted a cantor’s garden, where he grows vegetables for food pantries. “If you want a chance to believe in G-d, put some seeds in the ground, and watch food come forth,” he said. In retirement, he plans to volunteer at the Chicago Botanic Garden. 

Growing up in West Rogers Park, Simon recalls being “enamored by the music, spirit, and prayers” while attending Congregation Ezras Israel. At his bar mitzvah, he impressed Cantor Joseph Farkas, who became his mentor and made him his apprentice and understudy.

Between Ezras Israel and Am Yisrael–from 1976 to 1984–Simon served as High Holiday Cantor at Ezra Habonim in Rogers Park, then year-round Cantor at Northbrook Congregation Ezra Habonim.

He got his start at Am Yisrael while singing at a concert there; Simon impressed its founder and spiritual leader, Rabbi William Frankel, who asked him to become the congregation’s cantor.  

Simon lives in Glenview. He enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, and two granddaughters.  

In retirement, Simon looks forward to focusing on family, gardening, traveling, volunteering, and singing for seniors and for the “homebound, ailing, and lonely,” he said.

Simon considers himself less of a performer, and more a song leader: “I love the congregation singing along,” he said. “I go out there to engage people in prayer, not to put on a show.”