Cantor Aron David Hayoun is finally arriving in Overland Park, Kansas, to serve at Kehilath Israel Synagogue (K.I.).
Coming from Paris, France, Cantor Hayoun accepted the position over two years ago. Due to the COVID pandemic, his ability to obtain a visa and travel to the United States with his wife and three of his children was met with many obstacles. His first Shabbat service at K.I. will be on Saturday, April 2.
“We have worked tirelessly for over two years trying to get our cantor to America to become a member of our K.I. family,” said Marty Gorin, K.I. Board President. “The perseverance of my officers and our Cantor Search Committee was successful, and he will join us at the end of March. We are looking forward to much success from Cantor Hayoun.”
Cantor Hayoun studied at the Cantorial School of the Grand Synagogue of Jerusalem from 1984 to 1986 and has been the chief cantor at La Grande Synagogue de la Victoire in Paris, France, since 2009. He had served in various synagogues in Canada, France and Germany before taking his position in Paris.
Although he has not been in Kansas City for the past two years, he has participated in some synagogue holidays through online programs like a Hanukkah celebration. Cantor Hayoun and Rabbi Moshe Grussgott have kept in touch to form a working relationship.
“I can say with great joy and confidence that Cantor Hayoun is well worth the wait,” Rabbi Grussgott said. “The chazzan and I have remained in touch via phone and WhatsApp these past couple of years. He thoughtfully sends me recordings of his performances. I'm just blown away by the fact that this world class chazzan will be our very own cantor at K.I. The best part of it all is that he's humble, sweet and just of truly refined character. I'm sure that he and Vera and their sons will be received with great excitement and affection here at K.I.”
Along with his career as a cantor, Hayoun has performed in more than 50 cantorial concerts, taught Talmud and Torah, and was a cantorial music instructor. At K.I., he will also be teaching the congregation’s bat and bar mitzvah students.
“Despite immigration, IRS, and the COVID pandemic, with congressional assistance, we accomplished our task,” said Jerry Stolov, the chair of the Cantor Search Committee. “We welcome the cantor; his wife, Vera; and three of their children... We know that K.I., as well as our entire community, will be inspired by his magnificent voice and interpretation of our musical liturgy.”
The community is invited to services to welcome Cantor Hayoun as he chants his first Shabbat service in Kansas on Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Nissan, April 2. K.I. celebrates this special Shabbat with the recitation of Hallel and the reading from three Torah scrolls. Shabbat services begin at 9 a.m. There will be a kiddush luncheon following.