Remembering Cantor Y’shaya Grama

Cantor Y’shaya Grama, the Cantor of Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Bridgeport for the past 31 years, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 9, 2007.

He studied with the Cantorial Department of Yeshiva University in New York City and was commissioned a Hazzan-Minister of The Jewish Faith by the Jewish Ministers Cantors Association. 

He was comfortable in both the Ashkenazic and Sephardic backgrounds, as a heldon tenor, with an ability to master contrasting styles and musical disciplines.  He produced two tape cassettes entitled “Y’shaya Sings” and “Reminiscing.”

Cantor Grama’s accomplishments include President of the Connecticut Cantors’ Association from 1994-2001 and he was ordained as a Rabbi in 1994.   He was a 33 degree and Chaplain of The Pyramid Temple of Milford.

Cantor Grama was born in Manhattan, one of 16 children.  His father was the Cantor at a Yemenite synagogue in Brooklyn, New York.

Cantor Grama was especially proud of his annual Cantor’s Concert.  This year’s concert in the Spring of 2007 was an original play written by a Rodeph Sholom congregant entitled “Esther: The New Musical” and in which he performed.

He is survived by his wife, Fern, and daughters,  Elana and Joy and a granddaughter, Brittany.

We will miss Cantor Grama’s beautiful voice and warm personality.