“Rabbi’s teachings go well beyond music.”
“In baseball, a three-tool player is a player who excels in hitting, fielding, and running. Rabbi Cantor Michael Davis is a three-tool clergy. He has a rich and bold singing voice that is a joy to listen to. You need only come to a Kol Nidre service to hear his voice in full force, and you will know that this cantor is something special. But Cantor Davis is more than just a voice. He is an academician, who loves to learn and teach. He is a true student of cantorial music and the nuances of Hebrew song. He lectures with great authority on Jewish musical tradition, but he does it in such a way that even those not versed in music will find that his explanations enrich the listening experience.”
“Rabbi’s teachings go well beyond music. Rabbi Cantor Davis is well-versed in all aspects of the history of Judaism and Jewish thought. The third area in which Rabbi Davis excels is his compassion. He has a strong social conscience, and an innate desire to give a voice to the less fortunate in our society. Social justice is a priority for Rabbi Davis, and he follows his convictions to advocate what he believes is just and equitable. In short, Rabbi Cantor Michael Davis brings a wealth of talent to the table, and I have been fortunate to have been able to partake in it. Excellence in voice, teaching & Tikkun Olam. Rabbi Cantor Davis is a three-tool clergy.”
~ William Rosen, Member of Lakeside Congregation For Reform Judaism for over 25 years
“His warm welcoming love of music, Judaism, and peace encouraged my son to be involved in our Congregation.”
“Rabbi Cantor Michael Davis was able to connect to my son Trevor. He had already completed his Bar Mitzvah and was confirmed. His warm welcoming love of music, Judaism, and peace encouraged my son to be involved in our Congregation and to participate as a musician in concerts, Shabbat services, and with holiday and special events. My son learned about Tikkun Olam and what it means to be a part of our Jewish Community.”
~ Debi Shandling
“We had so much fun and you were such a pleasure to be with you have a very calming presence.”
“Jacob and I can’t begin to express how happy we are to have had you involved at our wedding! Honestly, it was the best day of our lives! We had so much fun and you were such a pleasure to be with you have a very calming presence. You spoke so eloquently and everyone was impressed with how great the ceremony was. It was absolutely our favorite part of the night. We were all smiles and chuckles and loved every moment of it! We enjoyed hearing Chicago, Illinois pop in during the Hebrew text. 🙂 ”
~ Angelica Marconi
“His kindness and caring provided a light in a very difficult tunnel.”
“Cantor Davis has always been so much more that just a wonderful Cantor with a beautiful singing voice, but, in addition, his having been raised in Israel in a deeply religious family has added to his rich background in Judaica and his own gift of teaching skills combine to make it a privilege to take classes and study with him.
“At the time of the loss of my dear husband of 54 years, Cantor Davis was a source of great comfort for me and my family. His kindness and caring provided a light in a very difficult tunnel. A source of comfort at this challenging time is a gift and Cantor Davis provided both the time and the “ear” to help us through this sad period.”
~ Joyce Lyon
“A great Jewish educator… not to mention that he’s a great cantor with a spectacular voice.”
“Cantor Michael Davis officiated my wedding on August 31 at the Field Museum, and did a beautiful job. The ceremony was the perfect length, and was super personal and meaningful. We live in California and so can’t speak to the quality of the synagogue itself, but I can say that Cantor Michael is really inspiring, a great Jewish educator… not to mention that he’s a great cantor with a spectacular voice.”
~ Allison Mickel and Irons
“The beauty of your singing and work at Lakeside has been profound. The Rabbi and Cantor are an amazing team creating a truly deep and soulful experiences for all at Lakeside. I’m just happy you have the gift that you have and that will be seen more and more and that will be enriching to all going forward.”
~ Mark Lale
“Rabbi Davis conveys a warmth through his words and his music that draws people in and helps them remember the joy of Judaism, their own family history and their culture. At the time of our son’s Bar Mitzvah, Rabbi Davis developed a personal relationship with him that will last a lifetime. He made a CD to help him learn the trope, he met with him individually several times and met with our family. He listened to him, learned with him and encouraged him to be comfortable with his own Jewishness. We will always be grateful for his genuine compassion and his wonderful voice.”
~ Marcy Kamen
“Rabbi Cantor Michael Davis provided a calming spiritual visit with our mother, Ruth, just a few hours before she passed. He saw her as alive and beautiful. We had the nurse put her hearing aids in and then my husband, Cantor and I sang prayers, Ahavat Olam, Psalm 23-Adonai r’oi. The room filled with love and music. As we left Ruth’s hospital room to head back to our car the women visiting her loved one in the next room thanked us for the beautiful music.”
~ Rick and Debi Shandling
“It is hard to describe the extraordinary and beautiful voice and music with which Cantor Michael Davis has imbued our temple services at the Lakeside Congregation. It is the reason why we joined several years ago and why we belong to this temple. He has made our experience at the temple a truly meaningful and spiritual one.
“He encouraged me, an ‘elderly congregant’ to embark on the joyful journey of a batmitzvah. He did it with patience and humor and I was reminded of the warmth and the strong connection of my very Jewish background my father would have been proud!
“I remain forever grateful.”
With thanks.
~ Bluma Kaplan
“What an honor for you!! I am available to come to your ordination but I’m sure you have many others who would love to be there. I will defer to your good judgement on who can attend.
“Sadly, John and I will be away next weekend and will miss the farewell evening at Lakeside. I’m sorry to miss your big evening. But most likely, I would have cried the whole time, knowing what we are losing. I wish you well in your next endeavor. How perfect your timing is, getting your thesis approved just as your position at Lakeside is ending. I know you will land a phenomenal position and I expect to hear great news about you in the future. Our loss will be another organization’s gain. How lucky your next employer will be!!
Michael, I will miss your kindness, your goodness, patience, intellect, sensitivity, your sincere interest in others, your commitment to make the world a better place, and your magnificent voice.”
With much respect,
~ Rickie
“My Youngest grandson had his BarMitzvah in October at Lakeside Congregation in Highland Park. His performance was flawless due to the preparation, .encouragement, kindness, and support of Cantor Davis. The service was filled with the melodious voice of Cantor Davis as he chanted the Hebrew prayers and Torah portions. When I looked at the Cantor’s face as he sang, the emotions he felt were magically transferred to me, and it filled my heart with joy and abundant love for our Jewish traditions. He enriches our lives with his beautiful voice at our weekly services and High Holy Day Services. And, Cantor Davis is not only our Cantor but a good friend who is always available to listen and lend a helping hand.”
~ Eileen & Myron Berkson
“Dear Cantor Davis,
“For the 14 years that I know you, you have been a good friend. I’m continually amazed at your extraordinary knowledge of our religion. Also, your great versatility to handle any aspect of the service. Furthermore, your leadership in Torah Study adds a perspective that others do not provide.
“I will long remember you inviting me and driving me along with your beautiful family to a Passover Service and dinner where you were conducting the service. This wasn’t long after my wife died (you participated in her funeral service and consoled me afterwards).
“There is so much more I could say such as our shared love of music, and, a “bissel Yiddish”.”
~ Eli Fischer, Member, Lakeside Congregation Highland Park, IL