Cantor Elliot D. Levine

Cantor Elliot David Levine, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, brother, and Cantor, passed away on February 18, 2021. Surviving Elliot is his wife of 55 years, Elise, his children, Lori Rinn (Steven), Daniel Levine (Katya), Gina Levy (Dan), and Tara Kanter (Greg), his 9 grandchildren Kayla & Hannah Rinn, Maya & Teddy Levine, Max, Sammy, & Jack Levy, and Jordan & Dylan Kanter, his brothers Judah and Joseph, and his sister Rochelle.

Elliot David Levine was born in Borough Park, Brooklyn August 5th, 1935 to Lillian and Hyman Levine. He was the third of four children. He was raised Modern Orthodox and attended Yeshiva and Orthodox overnight summer camp. He had a deep love of baseball since he was a child.

Elliot started his college studies at Yeshiva University, but after two years, when he decided he wanted to pursue Cantorial studies, he transferred to the City University of New York to complete his undergraduate degree and simultaneously enrolled at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. He completed his degree in English after 2 more years, and Cantorial degree after 5 years. Always ambitious, early in his career he worked in his father’s wedding embroidery business and later bought the business from his father. Realizing that business had the future of past buggy whip businesses, he sold that business and started his Cantorial career. Not long after, he latched onto an opportunity and simultaneously started a successful career in surgical medical supply sales.

Cantor Elliot Levine met his wife, Elise, on a blind date in October, 1964. They had relatives sharing a hospital room, and young, beautiful Elise was seen so tenderly caring for her grandfather by Elliot’s Aunt. It was meant to be, six months later they were married.

Elliot, with his wife Elise, went on to lead a very fulfilling life together. He often reflected how blessed and fortunate they were. Elliot, in a sense, led three lives, as a Cantor, a successful salesman businessman, and most importantly as a family man.

Many knew Cantor Elliot D Levine as a very caring, compassionate, knowledgeable Cantor with an extremely beautiful voice. After Cantorial stints in Riverdale, New York, San Francisco and Long Island, where he was sought after, he eventually chose Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Montclair, New Jersey, where he settled with his young bride Elise. After 7 years, he moved to The Village Temple in New York City where he led for 37 years. Congregants often told his children how they so much enjoyed coming to services just to listen to his lovely, powerful voice. Serving as a Cantor allowed Elliot to fulfill his love for Judaism, teaching, and Cantorial music. He personally touched the lives of many thousands of people teaching and leading B’nai Mitzvahs, performing beautiful wedding ceremonies, including his children’s, loving baby namings, and very heartfelt eulogies…

A second pillar of Elliot’s life was his successful career as a businessman, where for most of his career he presided over the surgical medical division, Nestel Products, of his company. Some might call him a salesman’s salesman – he had a magnetic personality, it seemed like he could strike up a meaningful conversation with anyone. Though he was very knowledgeable in many areas, he was also very modest and always showed a genuine interest in other people, learning as much as possible about everyone he met. His unceasing professionalism, determination, and wonderful personality allowed him to have a very successful business career.

The third pillar of the life that Elliot led was as a family man, which was by far the MOST IMPORTANT to him. He loved his family very much as a devoted, loyal husband, and a caring, involved father who taught his family compassion, very strong values, and responsibility through example. He deeply loved his extended family as well, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and he warmly, readily welcomed his children’s spouses and their families as family. Above all, he cherished his NINE grandchildren, whom he could not see enough. Elliot loved spoiling his family with memorable vacations and large parties, including surprise parties, marking important occasions. Even though he worked tirelessly in his two careers, he always made plenty of time for his family and was always present. Somehow he also had time to always follow his beloved Yankees, bringing his family to Yankee Stadium and the nearby amazing Court Deli, year after year.

Throughout his life, Elliot was very health conscious, working out and taking his vitamins regularly. Unfortunately about 15 years ago he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and fought a valiant battle since. Importantly, he continued to exercise and attended countless therapies with his wife Elise. He continued to show his love at every family event, family trips, and memorable vacation with the love of his life, Elise. Elliot always stayed positive and motivated, he never complained, he readily accepted his ‘new normal’ at each stage of life.

Cantor Elliot David Levine life exemplified a very full, fulfilled, long life that was very well lived. As a great, generous, caring man he fully understood how blessed he was and appreciated every moment. He will be remembered and remain loved by many.

As Elliot would say “Remember the Good Times!”.

FUNERAL (live-stream), SHIVA (Zoom), and Donation/TRIBUTE INFORMATION:

The funeral for Cantor Elliot David Levine will be live streamed on Sunday, February 21st at 9am (see below) - Only immediate family will be in attendance at Bernheim Apter Funeral Home followed by a private interment.

You are invited to attend the service via livestream/ webcast at the following link:

http://webcast.dignitymemorial.com/events/viewer/48441/hash:21CE2C97C2CD8EAE

SHIVA will be observed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday (February 21-24) from 7pm-8:30pm

Here is the Zoom link for the shivas:

Click: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89629082342 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting

The family requests that Donations and Tributes be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation via the link on Gina Levine Levy’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/gina.levinelevy or directly to the foundation.

Following the funeral service, please view this beautiful montage made by Elliot's grandsons, Max and Jack Jack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbPOwQaNc0Q