Obituary of Daniel Israel Chick

Cantor Daniel Israel Chick, whose expressive and appealing tenor voice inspired several generations of congregants at Ohav Shalom synagogue in Albany, passed away on 1/10/16 at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home at the age of 85. One of the longest-serving Conservative cantors in the history of the Albany Jewish community, he also achieved widespread popularity with his expansive, congenial personality and love of Jewish humor. He displayed a scholarly interest in ancient Jewish history and the origins of Christianity. Over the years, he and his wife Barbara led several educational missions to Israel. As a Chazzan or Cantor, he was profoundly and emotionally influenced by such pioneers in Chazzanut, or the art of musical prayer leading, as the late Moshe Koussevitzky. Upon the establishment of the Hebrew Academy of the Capital District during the 1960s, he joined his friends and colleagues Shraga Arian and Cantor Chaim Picker as one of their early instructors. He also taught courses in Hebrew language and Jewish history at Temple Israel on New Scotland Ave. In August, 2012, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Jewish music by the Jewish Theological Seminary. Cantor is survived by his wife, Barbara, children, Steven Nadine Chick, Dr. Marc and Phyllis Hecker, and Beth and Harold Grode. Grandfather of Jenna Jack Pitera, Tara and Rachel Chick, Amanda and Brian Grode, Melanie Hecker and Benjamin Chick. He also leaves a great grandson, Theodore Lewis Pitera. Services at Congregation Ohav Shalom, 113 New Krumkll Road in Albany on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 2:00pm. Shiva will be held at the home of Dr. Marc and Phyllis Hecker, 64 Delafield Drive in Albany on Tuesday and Wednesday from 3-7pm. Those wishing to remember Cantor in a special way may make a memorial contribution to a charity of one’s choice or in his honor by doing a mitzvot by visiting senior citizens in nursing homes.