[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING CANTOR IRVING DEAN FOR 38 YEARS OF SERVICE TO UNITED ORTHODOX 
                         SYNAGOGUES OF HOUSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 1998

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Cantor Irving Dean for his 
38 years of continuous service to the synagogue and community. On March 
29, 1998, the community will gather in the Grand Ballroom of the Westin 
Galleria Hotel to pay well-deserved tribute to Cantor Dean.
  Cantor Irving Dean's musical talent was recognized as a child. He 
received his first instruction in Hazzanic art while singing in choirs 
with renowned cantors. He began his career in New York, appearing on 
radio, television, and concerts. He also appeared on ``The Heritage of 
Israel,'' a special NBC television program. He has recorded ``Shiru 
B'Simcha,'' a popular tape of holiday and Israeli songs for children. 
The proceeds from the sale of this recording benefit the United 
Orthodox Synagogue Montessori School. He also recently recorded a CD, 
``Musical Memories,'' of favorite concert music.
  Aptly named, Cantor Dean is praised as the cantorial dean of Houston. 
In this capacity, he is well-trained, having earned secular and music 
degrees at Yeshiva and Columbia Universities. Since his first Cantorial 
Concert in 1960, Cantor Dean has enriched the Houston Jewish community 
with his music.
  Cantor Dean has organized and trained the choir that sings with him 
during the High Holiday services and he appears with them on special 
programs. Cantor Dean has also presented concerts throughout the 
Southwest, New York, and Mexico City. He has sung at military bases, 
interfaith events, and for many Jewish organizations. In Houston, he 
conducted a citywide choir at a special rally for Soviet Jewry.
  Before coming to Houston, Cantor Dean; his wife, Millie; and their 
children, Ronnie, Sherrie, and Debbie, lived in San Antonio, where the 
Cantor served Congregation Rodeif Shalom. During their 10 years in the 
Alamo City, the Dean family reached out to Jewish members of the 
military bases in the area, hosting them in their home and providing 
them with entertainment as well. For their work with the soldiers and 
the Jewish community, Cantor and Millie Dean were given special 
recognition by the National Jewish Welfare Board.
  Cantor Dean has received numerous awards for his work. Among them are 
the ZOA Award for Distinguished Service to Southwest Jewry and the 
Bureau of Jewish Education of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston 
award for 42 years of dedicated service to Jewish teaching and 
promoting Jewish learning among children and youth. He was also honored 
by the Jewish Theological Seminary as an Honorary Fellow of the 
Cantor's Institute, the highest award for musical achievement given by 
the Seminary.
  A cantor is an emissary of the community, giving voice to those 
seeking connection with God and providing leadership and guidance 
through song. Cantor Dean, with his mellifluous voice, has led and 
continues to lead the congregants of United Orthodox Synagogues in 
prayer.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Cantor Dean for 38 years of service to 
the United Orthodox Synagogues family. I wish him continued success in 
providing vital leadership and spiritual guidance to his congregants 
and the Jewish community.

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