Leopold Szneer was born in 1921 in Munich, Germany. From a young age, his dream was to become a Chazzan (Cantor)—one who chants prayers in the synagogue.

This dream nearly ended in the Holocaust. Beginning in 1938, Leopold was taken from his family and placed in the Dachau concentration camp. He was released, only to be re-arrested and send to another camp: Breendonk.

Leopold eventually escaped to Brussels, where he evaded the Nazis by hiding in an attic for nine months. Then, just before the Jewish New Year, the Allies liberated the city. It was then that Leopold learned his parents had been killed at Auschwitz.

In Brussels, Leopold found support in his fellow survivors. They asked him to lead their first High Holiday services in freedom. That day, over 700 people came to hear Cantor Szneer chant; countless more have heard him since.

Leopold later moved to Los Angeles, where he became Cantor of Congregation Mogen David. He has performed over 3,000 Bar Mitzvahs and led many High Holiday services for survivors. He sang Sim Shalom at the White House and for Elie Wiesel.

In these tracks, you’ll hear Cantor Szneer chant traditional songs in Hebrew. He chants the traditional European way with a cry in his voice. Join the many who’ve been inspired by his voice. Enjoy!

Source: The 1939 Society