Cantor Sam Fordis passed away in Atlanta, GA on March 17, 2010. An acclaimed composer, arranger and violin virtuoso, Cantor Fordis served as Cantor of Valley Beth Shalom from 1959-79, Temple Emanu-El Burbank 1979-86, and Adat Shalom from 1986-96 before being named its Cantor Emeritus.
Throughout his career, Cantor Fordis trained hundreds of b’nai mitzvah candidates, commissioned and directed performances of a multitude of important works of Jewish music and trained many private students as they began their own careers in the cantorate. His gentle demeanor and sweet voice will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Cantor Fordis is survived by his wife Mary, children Cantor Ron Fordis, Kari Miner (Paul), Karma Fordis Lindner (Gary), Fred Fordis (Diane), Kama Dyche, and his late daughter Fran, his sister Jeannette Fordis Bay, and ten grandchildren.
A public funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 2pm at Mt. Sinai Hollywood Hills.
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