Archive Record
Metadata
Box / Folder |
CMM01 |
Folder Scope & Content |
Cantor Sheldon and Marcie Merel Collection |
Collection |
Cantor Sheldon and Marcie Merel Collection |
Collection Location |
Special Collections & University Archives |
Series |
Papers, Personal |
Dates of Creation |
1942-2018 |
Description |
(CMM) In 2013 Cantor Sheldon Merel (1924-2021) and Marcie Merel donated 9 binders of memorabilia consisting of documents and photographs from the over 60-year career of Cantor Sheldon Merel, Cantor Emeritus of Congregation Beth Israel, San Diego. The collection also includes miscellaneous materials regarding the career of Marcie Merel, at Jewish Family Service in San Diego and in various other locations where they resided. The contents were digitally photographed as they appeared in the binders, in plastic sleeves, before preservation. There are also digital photos of plaques and certificates which exist only in this form in the collection. Sheldon Foster Merel was born in Chicago in 1924 but grew up in New York City with art and music as prominent themes in his childhood. After waiting tables and getting a taste of theatrical life at camps and resorts, he entered the New York State Merchant Marine Academy and spent WWII as an engineer in the Merchant Marines. After the war he had a recording studio, studied voice and soon entered the Hebrew Union College School of Sacred Music, graduating in 1952. Cantor Merel married Marcie the same year and the two began a long career of serving congregations in the United States and Canada. In 1979 he became cantor at Congregation Beth Israel, San Diego, retiring in 1991 as Cantor Emeritus. During his long career, he enriched each community's understanding and enjoyment of liturgical music by bringing noted musicians, cantors and composers to perform at his various pulpits, including San Diego. There were joint concerts, with other congregations, choirs, cantatas and teaching events. His fine tenor voice was heard on concert stages and featured in the award-winning video, "Homage to Chagall, the Colours of Love", 1977. Merel produced several CDs of his work and was an accomplished artist and sculptor. During his early career, Mrs. Merel, a talented musician herself, taught music and accompanied him vocally and on piano. She enjoyed a career in social work, a leader in various groundbreaking organizations dedicated to social justice, culminating with her work at Jewish Family Service of San Diego. The Merels were members of the Jewish Historical Society of San Diego. |