Beth David Synagogue will host a lecture in memory of Samuel (Shmuel) Morell (1937-2020) given by his son, Eitan Morell. The Zoom lecture, which is limited to 100 people, will take place on Thursday, June 18, from 2-3 pm. Members of Beth David will receive the Zoom meeting information from Rabbi Zev Silber. All are welcome to attend. Those not on the Beth David listserv can contact Morell for the information at eitan.morell@gmail.com.
Eitan Morell grew up in Binghamton and settled in Israel in 1991. As a tour guide and expert on many aspects of Jewish and Israeli history, he has lectured to groups in Israel, Europe, Canada and the United States. His illustrated Zoom talk will focus on Naomi Shemer’s iconic song “Jerusalem of Gold” (“Yerusahlayim Shel Zahav”), which was written a few weeks before the June 1967 Six-Day War. “This beautiful song has entered the pantheon of great songs about Jerusalem,” Morell said, “and is loved by Jews throughout the world. Through a visual walking tour of the Old City, I will show how Naomi Shemer’s words relate to key concepts and issues regarding Jerusalem as seen in talmudic and other historical sources throughout the generations.”
Even though Beth David’s monthly luncheon program is currently on hold because of COVID-19, the lecture is part of the series and the first one ever offered remotely.
“Those of us who knew Shmuel,” organizers said, “remember him as a pillar of knowledge, tradition and community service for the Jewish community of Broome County. He was a leader of Hillel Academy’s Board of Education and an office-holding member of Beth David Synagogue.” In the Binghamton University community, he was a professor in the Judaic Studies Department from 1968 until he retired in 2007. His wife, Audrey, directed the Jewish Community Center’s preschool and was a board member of Beth David’s Sisterhood. Their three children (Avi, Sima and Eitan) attended Hillel and were active in NCSY.
“This month marks the anniversary of the Six-Day War,” organizers said. “Beth David is honored to have Shmuel’s son Eitan dedicate to his father’s memory this talk about a song that has captured hearts throughout the world. Even though we would have loved to have had it take place during one of our luncheons, Zoom offers us a chance to gather virtually as we listen to Eitan’s food for thought.”
Beth David luncheon organizers look forward to the time when the Saturday luncheon series can resume. In the meantime, contributions to the Luncheon Fund are appreciated. Donations can be made in honor of or in memory of someone, or to mark a special occasion. Those who wish to have an acknowledgment sent to the person being honored or to the family of someone being remembered can indicate that, along with the necessary information. Donations can be sent to Beth David Synagogue, 39 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905, Attention: Luncheon Fund.