My first two collections from our history are Births and Deaths. They are excerpted and edited from Shir Notes (I edited and published from January 2009 to June 2026). The births (1 page) are baby naming celebrations at our Shabbat services. The deaths (9 pages) condolence notices the years.
They are introduced together as l’dor vador (from generation to generation) to emphasize how Congregation Shir Ami included all our life cycles.
Commissioned by the Delshad Family, members of Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son Daniel, October 22, 1988. Cantor Meir Finkelstein wrote the popular version of the prayer l’dor vador. He recalls that when it was sung for the first time, the Congregation began to join in on the repeat, and spontaneously put their arms around one another and started swaying. This custom continues at Sinai Temple to this day.
The selection I recommend is Cantor Azi Schwartz of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City and his daughter Emmy 4 years ago.
Emmy had her Bat Mitzvah there this year and this video contains excerpts from the occasion.
Enjoy!