Reverend Hazan Daniel Benlolo: The Power of Music

Reverend Hazan Daniel Benlolo has always been a firm believer in the power of music and singing to bring out the potential of people with physical and intellectual challenges. His talk centres on Benlolo’s work with the Montreal Shira Choir, co-founded with his wife Muriel Suissa in 2019, with the assistance of Federation CJA and the Jewish Community Foundation.

The Montreal Shira Choir consists of adult singers over age 18, who encounter physical and intellectual challenges. The choir performs an eclectic repertoire of liturgical songs, as well as Broadway and Pop hits for crowded synagogues, hospitals, nursing homes, Parliament Hill and city wide events. This has inspired audiences and raised awareness about those who are excluded and marginalized from society. His talk will include a discussion of the recently premiered documentary: Just As I am, featured on CBC Gem. This film is an intimate profile of the courageous, special needs adults willing to join and help shape this music/

Hazan Benlolo has been working for the past four decades as a full-time clergy in both Sephardic and Ashkenazi synagogues deepening his knowledge and strengthening his bond with both communities. He has faithfully served the Jewish community while continuing to encourage religious diversity and dialogue which he believes helps everyone grow spiritually. He is an award-winning leader in the Jewish community whose interfaith and multicultural work has been recognized by many institutions.